Montclair Scholarship Fund Awards Nearly Half a Million Dollars to Montclair High School Seniors

Montclair, NJ — The Montclair Scholarship Fund (MSF) will award $477,500 in scholarships to 57 Montclair High School (MHS) seniors at its annual awards ceremony on June 12 at the high school. Recipients will be attending a wide range of colleges and universities—from Ivy League institutions to respected New Jersey colleges and a few trade schools (see attached list).

“Even though Montclair is often seen as an affluent community, many of our students face serious financial need,” said Leeta Jordan, MSF Co-President. “It’s our mission to support these students and help them graduate with less debt.”

In response to the soaring cost of college education, MSF has significantly increased both the number and size of its awards. Almost all students now receive at least $8,400, nearly double what was awarded a decade ago, while some scholarships run as high as $20,000.

Approximately two-thirds (check) of the funds distributed each year come from named scholarships established in memory of Montclair residents, by MHS alumni, or by local businesses. The remaining funds are raised through community contributions received during MSF’s annual appeal.

Although the Montclair Scholarship Fund has been part of the community for decades, its reach has expanded dramatically since Leeta Jordan and Mimi Wrede assumed co-leadership in 2020. Entirely volunteer-run, MSF works closely with the Montclair High School guidance department to identify eligible students and encourage them to apply. The most important qualification is financial need.