THE APPLICATION PROCESS

Ready to become an Anaya Scholar?

College can be hard for everyone. We help by providing the 1:1 support you need when you need it: Financial. Personal. Career. Talk to your school about getting nominated and applying to become part of Anaya’s village.

"Anaya Scholars (became) like my other family. Monica made me realize that I’m not in this process alone (and that) the organization wants me to succeed at all costs. College for me has not been an easy journey, but having the support of the organization has made me feel confident that I can achieve greatness…" - Angela De Leon, Anaya Scholar Graduate

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Anaya Scholars is designed for students who:

  • Are first-generation college students, meaning neither parent or guardian has completed a four-year college degree;

  • Meet low-income guidelines;

  • Attend a high school in Massachusetts;

  • Plan to attend a four-year college after high school graduation.

Students are considered not only for their academic achievement, but also for their potential, goals, character, leadership, engagement, and contributions to their families and communities.

what do scholars receive

Financial Support
Each Anaya Scholar receives up to $5,000 over four years to help cover gaps in college expenses, such as tuition shortfalls, books, transportation, tutoring, and meals.

Mentorship
Our scholars are paired with both adult and peer mentors, who provide consistent, personalized guidance throughout their college experience.

Paid Internships
We help Anaya Scholars secure paid internships through our network of professional partners.

Professional & Career Building Workshops
We offer a series of targeted workshops for Anaya Scholars, designed to equip them with practical skills for life beyond the classroom. 

2026–2027 Application Timeline

October 15, 2026 — Nominations Open

November 15, 2026 — Nomination Deadline

December 1, 2026 — Applications Open

January 15, 2027 — Application Deadline

February 1, 2027 — Recommendation Deadline

March 2027 — Applicants Receive an Update

April 2027 — Interviews

May 2027 — Admissions Decisions

  • Nomination Deadline: November 15, 2026

    Students must be nominated by an Anaya Scholars partner organization before applying. If your school or organization is already an Anaya Scholars partner, speak with a teacher, counselor, or staff member about being nominated.

    Not sure if your school is an Anaya Scholars partner? Ask a teacher or staff member at your school to contact us at aiden@anayascholars.org to learn more about becoming a nominating partner. 

    For Nominating Partners: Submit a student nomination at HERE

  • Application Opens: December 1, 2026

    Application Deadline: January 15, 2027

    Once you have been nominated, Anaya Scholars will contact you by email with instructions for completing your application. The application is your opportunity to tell us more about yourself, your experiences, your accomplishments, your goals, and why you want to become an Anaya Scholar. We encourage you to share your story authentically—there is no single path or experience that defines an Anaya Scholar.

    Submit your application beginning on December 1, 2026.

  • Recommendation Deadline: February 1, 2027

    As part of the application process, you will be asked to identify two people who can provide recommendations on your behalf:

    • One recommendation from a teacher

    • One recommendation from someone who can speak to your character, involvement, leadership, or contributions to your community, such as a counselor or community leader

    • Recommendations cannot be submitted by a family member or friend

    We encourage you to ask your recommenders early and let them know about the February 1 deadline. You are responsible for following up with your recommenders to make sure both recommendations are submitted on time.

    Recommenders can submit their recommendation starting on December 1, 2026.

  • Anticipated Interview Period: April 2027

    After applications and recommendations are reviewed, selected applicants will be invited to a virtual interview with the Anaya Scholars team. The interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you beyond your written application and learn more about your experiences, goals, and aspirations. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and learn more about Anaya Scholars. There are no "right" answers. We want to hear about your experiences in your own words.

    Applicants will receive an update about their application status in March.

  • Admissions Decisions: May 2027

    All applicants will be notified of their admissions decision in May. Students who are invited to join Anaya Scholars will receive information about accepting their offer and completing the onboarding process.

Scholars like you, are Scholars.

Let us help you write the next chapter of your success story!