The Atkinson Scholarship Program

Investing in access to higher education for local teens

The Atkinson Scholarship Program was established in 1995 to recognize local high school seniors with financial need, academic promise and the capacity to make a meaningful contribution to society.

The program is named for Sudbury Foundation founders Herbert and Esther Atkinson who believed strongly in giving back to the community and were particularly interested in supporting the town’s young people.

The Atkinson Scholarship Program is designed to help local high school students with financial need and academic promise attend the college or university of their choice by awarding scholarships of up to $5,000 per year. Recipients have the opportunity to reapply for three additional years of support.

Applying for an Atkinson Scholarship

The 2024-2025 application deadline has passed. Check back in October for the 2025-2026 application.

BEFORE you bEgin - check your eligibility

You are eligible to apply for the Atkinson Scholarship if you are a high school senior who is planning to attend an accredited two or four-year college or university, or an approved post-secondary vocational/professional development program.

In addition, you must be:

  • A Sudbury resident or the dependent of a Sudbury resident, OR

  • Enrolled at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School (LS), OR

  • The dependent of a full-time Town of Sudbury or LS employee (employed for minimum of one year).

Candidates must meet a certain threshold of financial need. Please click here for information on determining financial need. Applicants are then selected based on past academic performance and future potential as well as the desire and ability to contribute to society through community service, the advancement of a field of interest, or the sharing of a skill or talent.

Information Required to Complete The Online Application

  • Your family information including home address(es), email addresses, and phone numbers.

  • High School Transcript (If you’re an LS student, we’ll request your transcript from the LS Registrar’s office. You do not have to provide it.)

  • List of extracurricular activities since 9th grade.

  • List of work experiences since 9th grade.

  • Two essays:

    • A 100 to 300-word essay describing your past achievements, community involvements, plans for college and beyond.

    • Essay written for one of your college applications.

  • Two letters of recommendation.

  • Parents/guardian’s financial information.

  • Copy of 1040 Tax Returns (parents).

  • Copy of W-2 forms (parents).

  • Copy of the FAFSA Student Aid Report that includes Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

  • Optional: Resume

Click here for a Guide to Completing Your Scholarship Application if you need additional, detailed instructions.