2023 Jack and Hannah McCarthy Scholarship

2023 Jack and Hannah McCarthy Scholarship

This scholarship is named after brother and sister, Jack McCarthy, a much-loved spoken word poet from New Hampshire who died in 2013, and Hannah McCarthy, retired college president, lifelong advocate for students and resident of Amherst, New Hampshire.

The scholarship provides $800 to a New Hampshire resident pursuing a college or graduate degree in a field of writing (creative writing, professional writing, technical writing, or journalism).

New Hampshire high school seniors intending to pursue writing at the college level may apply, as well as New Hampshire residents already enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student. Students who are minoring or concentrating in writing may also apply.

Applications are evaluated on the basis of merit and financial need and are renewable. This scholarship was established by the New Hampshire State Poet Laureate, Alexandria Peary. The recipient of this year's Jack and Hannah McCarthy Scholarship will be announced in May 2023.

Deadline: April 30, 2023.

Qualifications:

• a high school, college and/or graduate school GPA of 3.0 or higher
• graduation from a New Hampshire high school (if home schooled, legal residency in New Hampshire) OR will be graduating from a New Hampshire high school by July 2023.

To Apply:

Send a letter of application:

1. In approximately 500 words, what was the journey that brought you to this field of study? How have you already been involved in writing? Where do you see yourself headed in your field of writing? Describe any personal or financial obstacles to your education. 

2. Official transcripts:

• high school applicants: send high school transcript
• college applicants: send high school and college transcript
• graduate school applicants: send high school, college and graduate school transcripts

3. Mailing address of residency in New Hampshire.

4. Indicate whether you currently qualify for a Pell Grant.

For full consideration, send all materials to apeary@salemstate.edu by April 30, 2023. In the subject line of your email, put Application for Jack and Hannah McCarthy Scholarship.