Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation

Intro and important note
Many scholarships listed in the Masonic Scholarship Resource Guide require a separate application. Read each award description carefully and use the contact information provided with each listing to request any additional forms or instructions you may need.

Application deadlines and required form
- Use only the current year’s official application form. Questions and requirements sometimes change; applications from previous years will not be accepted.
- Your completed application and all supporting materials must be postmarked by March 15 of the current year.

How to get and submit the application
- The up-to-date application is available online. If you cannot access it electronically, you may request a paper copy from our office.
- We strongly prefer typed applications. A printable blank form and a fill-in PDF are available on our website. Although you may type into the web-based PDF, applications cannot be submitted electronically — you must print the finished form and mail it, along with all supporting documents.

About the online fill-in PDF
- Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 5.0 or later) is required to open and complete the fill-in form.
- The free Acrobat Reader allows you to type and print the form, but it does not permit saving the completed file unless you have the full commercial Acrobat product.
- We recommend saving the blank PDF to your computer, printing a hard copy for a rough draft, then completing and printing the final form in a single session (or one page/section at a time). Any information entered into the PDF will be lost each time the file is closed unless you have the commercial Acrobat software.

Filling out the application
- Complete every question. If an item does not apply to you, write “not applicable” rather than leaving it blank.
- Include every required attachment. Use the checklist included with the application to confirm you have everything; incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Proofread carefully; spelling, grammar, neatness and completeness are part of the evaluation.

Common mistakes that harm your chances
- Leaving sections incomplete. Every question matters.
- Not following directions for specific sections of the application.
- Assuming staff will contact you for missing items. If the form requests an attachment, it is your responsibility to provide it. We will not seek out missing documentation.
- Relying on general attachments instead of completing the form. Supplementary materials are welcome, but should not replace the required entries on the application. Label any extra material clearly to show which section it supports and avoid submitting unrelated documents.
- Indicating transcripts or verifications will be “mailed separately.” While some schools or offices may send items directly, there is a real risk those pieces never arrive; whenever possible gather and mail all required materials together.
- Omitting proper financial documentation. A copy of your parents’ most recent tax return MUST be included unless you are no longer a dependent under IRS rules. Sending only your own small part‑time job return is insufficient. Our awards are need-based as well as merit-based; we cannot evaluate applications that lack required financial information.
- Failing to submit required transcripts. You must provide an official transcript for your last completed year of school. If you are in your first year of college, include your first-semester transcript as well.
- Missing proof of Masonic eligibility. You must supply written verification of your Masonic connection — for example, a copy of a Masonic relative’s current lodge dues card, a letter from the lodge secretary, or a letter from the advisor of a Masonic-related youth group.
- Late submissions. Applications received after the deadline are subject to penalty or disqualification. Begin early so you have time to collect all documents and mail them before March 15.
- Weak or perfunctory essays and responses. Thoughtful, well-written answers that convey your personality, abilities and needs improve your chances. Spend appropriate time on essays; rushed or superficial replies reflect poorly.

Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for a scholarship from the Educational Endowment Fund of the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation, applicants must meet one of the following Masonic-related criteria:
- Be a member in good standing of a Pennsylvania Masonic lodge under the jurisdiction of the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania; OR
- Be the child, step‑child, grandchild, step‑grandchild, sibling or dependent (as defined by the IRS) of such a member — including descendants of a member who was in good standing at the time of death; OR
- Be a present or former member in good standing of a Pennsylvania Masonic-related youth group; OR
- Be a resident or graduate of the Pennsylvania Masonic Children’s Home; OR
- Be a currently enrolled, active member of a Pennsylvania chapter of the collegiate Acacia fraternity.

Note: Membership in other Masonic bodies in Pennsylvania does not qualify an applicant by itself.

Additional applicant requirements
- Applicants must be a high school graduate or a high school senior preparing to pursue higher education.
- Awards apply only to undergraduate tuition and fees.

Academic standard
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are not eligible for an award. Academic achievement is a major factor in selection, and the applicant pool is competitive.

Financial need
- Awards take financial need into account in addition to merit. Applicants from higher-income households (relative to household size) should not expect to receive an award unless special circumstances apply and are documented. If you have unusual financial circumstances, explain them and provide supporting evidence.

Fraternal and extracurricular involvement
- Active participation in fraternal activities or Masonic youth groups is not required but is a meaningful advantage when applicants have similar academic and financial profiles.
- Other extracurricular achievements receive less weight but can be decisive among closely matched candidates; success outside the classroom often indicates potential for success in higher education.

If you have questions about any requirement or need help obtaining application materials, contact the office listed with the scholarship description.