USA Scholarships
John and Ruth Maciag Scholarship 2027 - $1,000
The John and Ruth Maciag Scholarship supports Vermont high school seniors heading into creative fields. John and Ruth Maciag valued art, design, learning, and international travel, and VSAC may award one scholarship up to $1,000 when endowment earnings allow. You must seek education in architecture, architectural engineering, computer graphics and animation, fine arts, interior design, studio art, or a related field, enroll at least half time at a Title IV school, and show financial need plus a strong education and work ethic. Enter ID MACIAG on the Unified Scholarship Application with FAFSA, essay #1, and recommendation letter #1 before February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern.
What is the John and Ruth Maciag Scholarship?
John and Ruth Maciag built a life around studios, sketchbooks, and long trips abroad, and this VSAC fund nudges Vermont seniors toward the same kind of disciplined creativity. The dollar amount is small, often one award up to $1,000, but the applicant pool is large. VSAC estimated about 115 high school seniors chasing a single seat in recent booklets, so your essay and recommendation need to show real output, not just a love of drawing.
Field fit is narrower than many VSAC awards. Architecture, architectural engineering, animation, fine arts, interior design, and studio art are named explicitly. Graphic design and industrial design usually qualify as related fields if you explain the connection in essay #1. Business or nursing majors with a minor in art are a weak match unless your primary degree path is creative.
Half-time enrollment is enough, which helps students at intensive art foundations or dual-enrollment programs. FAFSA is required, and committees lean on financial need plus work ethic. Ask an art teacher or studio mentor for recommendation letter #1 so the letter describes process, deadlines met, and critique sessions, not just talent.
Enter MACIAG on the Unified Scholarship Application before February 11, 2027. Endowment restrictions can zero out the award in a slow investment year even when the committee picks a winner, so plan other Vermont creative scholarships in the same USA submission.
Eligibility
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✓Current high school seniorBe a current high school senior graduating in the 2026-2027 academic year and meet VSAC Vermont residency rules.
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✓Creative or design field of studyPlan education or training in architecture, architectural engineering, computer graphics and animation, fine arts, interior design, studio art, or a closely related field.
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✓Half-time enrollment minimumEnroll at least half time, generally six credits per term, at a Title IV eligible college or art school.
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✓Financial needDemonstrate financial need through FAFSA because need is a primary selection factor alongside essay and recommendation.
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✓Education and work ethicShow a strong education and work ethic through transcript, essay #1, and recommendation letter #1.
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✓VSAC citizenship rulesBe a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen under standard VSAC assisted scholarship requirements.
Benefits
- Maximum amount One scholarship up to $1,000 when endowment allows
- Selection factors Recommendation, essay, and financial need
- Typical pool About 115 applicants for one award
- Fields covered Architecture, fine arts, animation, interior design, and related study
- Transcript requirement Not listed separately; need and ethic shown via other docs
- Renewal Not renewable
Document checklist
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✓Unified Scholarship Application (USA)Complete the USA in MyVSAC and enter scholarship ID MACIAG.
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✓FAFSA for 2027-2028File FAFSA after October 1, 2026 because financial need is required.
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✓Essay #1 (general essay)Explain your creative goals, portfolio direction, and how the Maciags values around art and learning shape your plans.
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✓Recommendation letter #1 (non-relative)Submit one non-relative recommendation from an art teacher, counselor, or mentor who knows your work ethic.
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✓MyVSAC profileList your intended major and half-time or full-time enrollment status accurately before submission.
How to apply
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1
Match major to booklet fields
MACIAG is for creative and design pathways. Purely unrelated majors do not fit even if you take an art elective.
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2
Build portfolio context for essay #1
Describe studio work, travel that inspired your art, or design projects even if VSAC does not require a portfolio upload.
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3
File FAFSA early
Need weighs heavily with an estimated pool near 115 seniors competing for one award.
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4
Enter MACIAG on the USA
Select the scholarship ID and add other VSAC funds you qualify for in the same submission.
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5
Request recommendation letter #1
Choose a non-relative who has seen your creative work and can speak to discipline and work ethic.
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6
Submit by February 11, 2027
Upload the USA, FAFSA, essay, and recommendation by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on February 11, 2027.
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
Who qualifies for the John and Ruth Maciag Scholarship?
Vermont high school seniors planning half-time or greater study in architecture, fine arts, interior design, animation, or related creative fields at Title IV schools may apply if they show financial need and strong work ethic.
How much is the John and Ruth Maciag Scholarship?
VSAC lists one scholarship up to $1,000 when endowment earnings allow. Endowment rules mean VSAC cannot guarantee an award every year.
What VSAC ID do I use for the Maciag scholarship?
Enter MACIAG on the Unified Scholarship Application. The code appears above the John and Ruth Maciag description in the VSAC booklet.
Does the Maciag scholarship require a portfolio upload?
The VSAC booklet lists the USA, FAFSA, essay #1, and recommendation letter #1. Use essay #1 to describe creative work even though no portfolio upload is required.
Can architecture engineering majors apply?
Yes. Architectural engineering appears explicitly in the eligible field list alongside fine arts, interior design, and animation.
When is the John and Ruth Maciag Scholarship deadline?
Submit required documents by February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 funding.
Is the Maciag scholarship renewable?
No. The fund targets graduating high school seniors with a single award up to $1,000.
Why was the Maciag scholarship created?
The fund honors John and Ruth Maciag commitment to art and design, learning, and international travel. VSAC administers the memorial scholarship for Vermont seniors.
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