USA Scholarships
Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship 2027 - $1,000
The Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship remembers a VSAC counselor who spent years helping first-generation students in the Upper Valley reach college. Vermont residents who are seniors at Randolph Technical Career Center, Randolph Union, White River Valley, Windsor, or Woodstock Union can apply through MyVSAC for one or more awards up to $1,000 toward full-time undergraduate study. VSAC favors first-generation applicants, expects at least a 2.5 GPA, and weighs financial need, essay #1, your recommendation, and community involvement. File FAFSA, transcript, and USA materials with ID HURLEY before February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 enrollment.
What is the Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship?
Carol Hurley spent her VSAC career sitting across kitchen tables from families who had never filed a FAFSA, and this memorial fund keeps that outreach spirit alive for seniors at a handful of central Vermont high schools. The scholarship is not a statewide lottery. It targets Randolph Technical Career Center, Randolph Union, White River Valley, Windsor, and Woodstock Union graduates who plan full-time college and can show a 2.5 GPA, real community involvement, and need on FAFSA.
First-generation students get an edge in selection, which matches the work Hurley did for years. That does not mean you skip the basics. VSAC still wants essay #1, a non-relative recommendation, and an official transcript uploaded through the same Unified Scholarship Application that powers more than a hundred other Vermont funds. Enter ID HURLEY so your file lands with the right committee.
Dollar amounts stay modest. Recent booklets estimated about seventy-five applicants competing for roughly three awards of up to $1,000 each, and endowment language warns that investment yield can shrink the pool in a slow year. Treat the scholarship as meaningful textbook or travel money, not a full ride, and stack it with Pell Grants or national first-gen awards like the Horatio Alger Scholarship USA 2027 if you qualify.
Mark October 1, 2026 for when the USA opens and February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for the hard stop. Pair this guide with other Vermont listings such as the Amy Lowenstein Scholarship Vermont 2027 if county rules fit you, and download the official booklet at VSAC Scholarships.
Eligibility
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✓Vermont residencyVSAC-assisted scholarships require Vermont residency unless the booklet states otherwise. You must meet VSAC residency rules on the Unified Scholarship Application.
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✓Eligible high school seniorBe a current senior who will graduate from Randolph Technical Career Center, Randolph Union High School, White River Valley High School, Windsor High School, or Woodstock Union High School.
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✓First-generation preferenceAll eligible seniors may apply, but VSAC gives preference to students who are among the first in their families to attend post-secondary education.
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✓Undergraduate degree pursuitPlan to seek an associate or bachelor's degree at an accredited college approved for federal Title IV funding in the United States or Canada.
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✓Full-time enrollmentEnroll full time, generally twelve or more credits per term, for the academic year you request aid.
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✓Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPADemonstrate academic achievement with at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. VSAC verifies grades on your official transcript.
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✓Financial need and involvementShow financial need through FAFSA data linked in MyVSAC and describe school or community involvement in essay #1 and your recommendation.
Benefits
- Maximum award Up to $1,000 per scholarship
- Number of awards One or more when endowment yield allows (~3 in recent estimates)
- Selection factors Essay, recommendation, need, academic achievement
- College location Any Title IV U.S. or Canada school
- Renewal Not described as renewable
- Full tuition coverage Not offered
Document checklist
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✓Unified Scholarship Application (USA)Complete the USA in MyVSAC and enter scholarship ID HURLEY so reviewers route your file to the Hurley committee.
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✓FAFSA for the aid yearFile FAFSA after October 1, 2026 and authorize VSAC to import need data for the 2027-2028 award cycle.
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✓Official high school transcriptUpload a transcript showing cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and expected graduation from an eligible school.
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✓Recommendation letter #1Submit one letter from a non-relative who can speak to your character, community work, and readiness for college.
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✓Essay #1 (general essay)Use VSAC essay #1 to explain your college plans, financial situation, and activities at school or in your community. Follow the booklet word limit.
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✓MyVSAC accountRegister or update secureacctaccess.vsac.org with accurate Vermont residency and senior-year enrollment details.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship?
It is a VSAC-administered Vermont scholarship that honors Carol Hurley, a VSAC outreach counselor who helped first-generation students prepare for college. The fund offers up to $1,000 for eligible Upper Valley high school seniors.
Which high schools qualify for the Carol A. Hurley scholarship?
You must graduate from Randolph Technical Career Center, Randolph Union High School, White River Valley High School, Windsor High School, or Woodstock Union High School. Other Vermont schools are not eligible for this specific fund.
Does the Carol A. Hurley scholarship prefer first-generation students?
Yes. VSAC states that preference goes to applicants who are among the first generation in their families to attend post-secondary school. You still need to meet every other eligibility rule.
What GPA do I need for the Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship?
VSAC requires a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, verified with an official high school transcript.
What VSAC ID do I use for the Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship?
Enter HURLEY on the Unified Scholarship Application. The ID appears in the VSAC Scholarships and Forgivable Loans booklet above the Hurley description.
When is the Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship deadline?
For 2027-2028 aid, submit the Unified Scholarship Application and all required documents by February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. The USA typically opens October 1, 2026.
How much is the Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship worth?
VSAC lists one or more scholarships up to $1,000 each. Endowment earnings determine whether awards are made and at what size each year.
Can I use the Carol A. Hurley scholarship at an out-of-state college?
Yes, if you remain a Vermont resident, enroll full time, and attend a Title IV-approved school. VSAC does not limit the Hurley award to in-state campuses.
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