Mayors Graduate Scholarship Program

Program Overview

Established in 2015, the MGSP provides financial support, mentorship, and professional networking opportunities to eligible residents who are enrolled in accredited masters or doctoral programs. Each year, the program awards up to 30 scholarships, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per recipient, depending on the field of study and demonstrated need.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a legal resident of the city for at least two consecutive years.
• Must hold a bachelors degree from an accredited institution.
• Accepted into a fulltime masters or doctoral program at an accredited university.
• GPA of 3.2 or higher (or equivalent academic standing).
• Demonstrated financial need (for needbased awards).
• Commitment to return to the city and work for at least two years after graduation (for servicebased awards).

What Recipients Receive

Financial Support

Scholarship amounts are disbursed directly to the tuition provider or as a stipend for living expenses, depending on the selected award type.

Mentorship

Each scholar is paired with a city official or industry professional who offers guidance throughout the graduate program.

Professional Development

Access to exclusive workshops, internships, and networking events hosted by the Mayors Office, local businesses, and partner universities.

Community Engagement

Recipients are encouraged to conduct research or projects that address local challenges, such as affordable housing, sustainable transportation, or public health.

How to Apply

1. Create an Account: Visit the official MGSP portal and register with a valid email address.
2. Complete the Online Application: Provide personal information, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose (max 1,000 words), and two letters of recommendation.
3. Submit Financial Documents: Upload FAFSA results or other proof of income if applying for needbased aid.
4. Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a virtual interview with the scholarship committee.
5. Decision Notification: Successful applicants will receive an award letter by early May.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

No. Applicants may only receive one award from the MGSP per academic year.

What if I change my major after receiving the scholarship?

Any change must be approved by the scholarship committee and must still align with the programs focus on community impact.

Do I need to maintain a certain GPA?

Yes. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 each semester to retain funding.

What happens if I decide not to return to the city after graduation?

For servicebased awards, the recipient must repay the scholarship on a prorated basis. Needbased awards do not have a returnofservice requirement.

When is the application deadline?

The annual deadline is October 15th. Late applications are not accepted.

Success Stories

Maria Lopez, M.S. in Urban Planning (Class of 2022)
Maria used her scholarship to study sustainable city design at State University. After graduating, she returned to lead a downtown revitalization project that created 150 new jobs and reduced carbon emissions by 12%.

David Chen, Ph.D. in Public Health (Class of 2023)
Davids research focused on health disparities in underserved neighborhoods. His findings helped the city implement a new community health outreach program, lowering infant mortality rates by 8%.

Contact Us

For additional information, please email scholarships@city.gov or call (555) 1234567.