Alray Application

Path to Student Success

Alray Application

Path to Student Success

Are you ready to go back to college?

The Alray Scholars Program supports you through scholarships, one-on-one mentoring, and career services as you earn your diploma.

Eligibility

The Alray Scholars Program supports students who:

  • Graduated from a Boston public high school or a Boston charter high school, or received a GED after attending one of these schools; or graduated from the Metco program while residing in Boston
  • Enrolled and started a college, trade school, or vocational program after completing high school
  • Left their educational program for at least one semester (fall and/or spring) due to a range of family, personal or educational reasons
  • Used their time away from the educational program productively, such as being involved in a variety of community, school and work activities

Alray scholars will demonstrate:

  • An intent and readiness to return to school
  • A demonstrated need
  • A desire to make a meaningful contribution to their family, community, or larger society
  • Qualities such as integrity, strength of character, maturity, resolve, self-discipline, resilience, leadership and civic engagement.

scholar application process

Apply

Submit online application by 6/1 or 10/15

Eligibility Confirmation

Receive email confirmation of your eligibility for the Alray Scholars Program within 1 week of your application submission

Submit letters

Submit college transcript, letter of recommendation, financial aid award letter (if available) within 2 weeks of eligibility notification

Schedule interview

Schedule a 30-minute interview held in June/July or October/November

Final decision

Receive final decision via email within 2 weeks of interview date

Frequently Asked Questions

The mission of the Alray Scholars Program is to give promising students a second chance at a college education. Our mission is very specific because we feel that this is an unmet need.

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about our eligibility requirements. If you need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at apply@alray.org. 

During high school, I attended a private school or was home schooled. Am I eligible?

No. Unless you graduated from a Boston Public School or Boston charter high school or Metco program, or received a GED after attending one of these schools, you are not eligible.

I participated in the City of Boston Metco program and took high school classes outside Boston. Do Metco graduates qualify?

Yes. Metco students who lived in Boston during their high school years are eligible.

I don’t currently live in Boston. Do I qualify?

Yes. Applicants do not have to currently reside in Boston. The requirement is that you previously graduated from a Boston Public School, Boston charter high school or Metco program or earned a GED after attending one of these schools.

At my first attempt at college, vocational program, or trade school, I was enrolled only part-time. Do I qualify?

Yes. The fact that you took college, vocational, or trade school classes on a part-time basis will not hurt your application. If you enrolled in your educational program with the intent to earn a degree or certificate, you qualify for the scholarship.

I completed my first certificate or college degree, and would now like to apply to a different program. Am I eligible?

No. Usually, unless you were forced to leave your college program and failed to earn your degree, you are not eligible.

Exception: If you earned an Associate’s degree along the way to earning a Bachelor’s, you may qualify. 

Students who are pursuing a graduate degree are not eligible.

This scholarship is specifically designed for students who struggled or faced obstacles on their first attempt. There may be other scholarships for which you do qualify. We encourage you to continue the scholarship search!

The college I previously attended has a financial hold on my account and refuses to release my transcript. Can I still apply?

Yes. We will accept unofficial transcripts until you can negotiate the release of your official college transcript. However, this scholarship cannot be used to pay outstanding balances or loans for previous coursework.

What is the deadline for submitting an application?

We have two scholarship cycles throughout the year. The deadlines are June 1 and Oct 15. 

What kinds of support will I receive from the Alray Scholars Program?

Our program is designed specifically to assist Boston students in returning to college or other post-secondary studies after having experiencing a setback during their first attempt. Each Alray scholar will have access to financial assistance to cover a portion of tuition and required fees, a dedicated mentor, career exploration and networking opportunities, and a job coach. 

When will I start receiving support from the Alray Scholars Program?

If you are accepted during the June application cycle, you will learn of your acceptance in July; attend orientation in August; and begin receiving tuition assistance, mentoring, and career advising in the fall semester.

If you are accepted during the October application cycle, you will learn of your acceptance in November; attend orientation in January; and begin receiving tuition assistance, mentoring, and career advising in the spring semester. 

How much do Alray scholars receive in financial assistance? Why is there a range?

Because students come to Alray with a range of need and financial aid options, we do not have a fixed scholarship amount that we give to every scholar. We calculate scholarship amounts based on the bill amount (tuition, books, fees, etc.); financial aid options available to the student (grants, other scholarships, and loans); distance to graduation; and level of engagement with the Alray program. 

An Alray scholar typically receives between $1,000-$4,000 in scholarship for an academic year. It is important to note that Alray rarely is able to meet 100% of students’ financial needs.

Scholars are eligible to receive renewal scholarships up until a Bachelor’s degree is earned. The renewal awards are based on updated school paperwork and Alray mentor recommendation.

Scholars are expected to meet monthly with their mentors and to stay in contact between meetings.

If I didn’t receive the scholarship, can I re-apply?

Yes. If you did not receive a scholarship in your prior application and wish to reapply, please notify us at info@alray.org so that we can provide guidance on what information should be submitted.

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