We all know that education is expensive, even at a public college like MCLA. As a service to prospective students looking for financial resouces to pay for college, we built this page to spotlight two of many scholarships that MCLA offers. Please review the MCLA Financial Aid scholarship datatabse for a complete listing of our scholarships. Additionally, you will find a listing of outside scholarships and financial aid resources, many of which may be benificial to your financial planning for college.

The Mitchell L. West Opportunity Scholarship

Purpose
Honors Mitchell West, a respected member of the MCLA’s administrative staff for 17 years. Mitchell served first as the Individual Enrichment Program (IEP) Outreach Counselor in Admissions and later as Coordinator of AHANA (African American, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) Student Programs and Services. AHANA is now known as ALANA. In both these positions, Mitch demonstrated his commitment to the College and to providing opportunities for students who might be less advantaged than their peers.

Selection Criteria
Junior or Senior who has earned a grade point average of 2.8 or better at the College. If there are no qualified applicants, students with a grade point average of 2.5 or better may be considered. The recipient must: be a full time student with sophomore or junior status at the College at the time of the application; benefit from financial support; and have made a positive contribution to the College and/or community. The student will be required to write an essay describing their commitment to promoting higher education as a pathway to success, and their intention to pursue an advanced degree. Preference will be given to first generation students of color, who work to serve the needs of their peers.

The Margaret Hart Scholarship

Purpose
Honors the first student of color to graduate from State Teachers Collage at North Adams in 1935. Her distinguished career in teaching and community service spanned more than five decades. This award is in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the College and to Berkshire County.

Selection Criteria
Junior or Senior who demonstrates academic excellence and service to the community. Preference given to students of color and Berkshire County residents. Minimum GPA of 2.70.

Outside Scholarship Resources