Great Minds Scholars Program

The Great Minds Scholars Program at WPI is all about giving talented students a chance to pursue their dreams without financial worries. This program covers full tuition and fees for selected Pell-eligible students from Worcester Public Schools, making a WPI education more accessible to those who need it most.

WPI believes that everyone deserves a fair shot at a great education, no matter their financial background. The Great Minds Scholars Program helps break down barriers for low-income students, opening doors to opportunities at one of the country’s top technological universities. It’s all about creating a diverse and supportive community where students can thrive and reach their full potential.

Summary of the Great Minds Scholars Program

• Host: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
• Location: United States (Worcester, Massachusetts)
• Category: Undergraduate Scholarships
• Eligible Students: Pell-eligible students from Worcester Public Schools
• Worth/Reward: Covers full tuition and fees, ensuring financial accessibility for selected students. Provides opportunities for academic and professional growth within a supportive and inclusive community at WPI.

Details of the Great Minds Scholars Program

The Great Minds Scholars Program is a special scholarship designed to cover the full cost of tuition and fees for students with demonstrated financial need—after all other merit-based and need-based scholarships have been applied.

At WPI, we strongly believe in recognizing students for more than just their grades. That’s why the Great Minds Scholarship takes a holistic approach, considering not only academic performance but also leadership, extracurricular involvement, community service, and recommendations from teachers and counselors. This opportunity is specifically available to Pell-eligible seniors from Worcester Public High Schools who are applying as first-year students.

Best of all, there’s no extra application required—students are automatically considered when they apply to WPI. However, to complete their application, they must submit a letter of recommendation from both a school counselor and a teacher. Additionally, Early Decision applicants need to submit the Early Decision Agreement.

Requirement of the Great Minds Scholars Program

To be considered for the Great Minds Scholars Program, students must meet the following criteria:

• Must be Pell-eligible, demonstrating significant financial need.
• Must be a senior attending one of the following Worcester Public High Schools:
  • Claremont Academy
  • Burncoat High School
  • Doherty Memorial High School
  • North High School
  • South High Community School
  • University Park Campus School
  • Worcester Technical High School
• Must apply to WPI as a first-year student.
• No separate application is required—students are automatically evaluated.
• Supporting Documents: Must submit the following as part of the WPI admissions process:
  • A letter of recommendation from a school counselor
  • A letter of recommendation from a teacher
• Must submit the Early Decision Agreement if applying through Early Decision.

For more details, visit the scholarship website below.

Benefits of the Great Minds Scholars Program

The Great Minds Scholars Program provides selected students with valuable financial and academic support, ensuring they can focus on their education without financial stress. Key benefits include:

• Covers full tuition and fees after other aid is applied.
• No separate application is required—automatic consideration.
• Recognizes academic excellence and leadership.
• Provides mentorship and career opportunities.
• Supports a diverse and inclusive learning environment.

How To Apply

• Apply to WPI as a first-year student from an eligible Worcester Public High School.
• Ensure Pell Grant eligibility to qualify for financial need consideration.
• Submit a complete application, including academic records, a school counselor’s recommendation, and a teacher’s recommendation.
• Early Decision applicants must also submit the Early Decision Agreement.
• No separate scholarship application is needed—eligible students are automatically considered.