Award Amount
The Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship will provide 75 scholarships in the amount of $2,000 each for young adults ages 18-24, who have successfully attained a high school diploma or equivalent, participated in 2023 MBSYEP, and enrolled in post-secondary education or occupational skills training or the military.
Eligibility Criteria
The Mayor’s Opportunity Scholarship Youth Scholars will be selected based on:
A. Application content, essay prompt
B. Enrollment in an accredited post-secondary education institution, or
C. Occupational Skills Training.
D. Unmet financial need.
E. Successful participation in 2023 MBSYEP as characterized by active participation and attendance at the career preparation activities. Please note that your Host Employer Supervisor will be contacted for verification of participation and performance.
F. Two letters of recommendation are required, one must be from your host site supervisor.
G. Commitment to serve as MBSYEP ambassadors. DOES reserve the right to use recipients’ picture or likeness for public recognition of program.
H. Individuals entering the Military or ROTC requiring financial assistance who fall within this criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the application open?
Monday, June 26, 2023, at noon.
2. When will the 2023 MOS application close?
Monday, July 17, 2023, at 5 PM.
3. When will I receive my decision?
Decisions will be sent out starting on August 4, 2023, to the email address we have on file.
4. I am not yet 18, can I apply?
If you've been accepted into a post-secondary institution, vocational, apprenticeship, or enlisted in the military, you may apply. You will be required to provide a tuition bill for the Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 enlisted classes.
5. I have not been accepted into a post-secondary institution at the time of submission, can I still apply?
You must be able to provide proof of acceptance into a post-secondary institution at the time of application submittal.
6. If I am choosing between several post-secondary offers, can the scholarship be sent directly to me?
The scholarship funds will be paid directly to the accredited post-secondary institution indicated on your MOS application.
7. What happens if I cannot attend the Fall 2023 semester or Spring 2024 semester and I have been awarded the Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship?
All recipients must start their post-secondary institutional program in the Fall of 2023. Any remaining funds can be used for the Spring of 2024. Termination or withdrawal from your post-secondary institution will result in forfeiture of the Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship.
8. I am no longer participating in MBSYEP 2023, may I still be considered for the Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship?
All applicants are evaluated based on attendance and participation in the 2023 MBSYEP.
9. Can I complete the application on a mobile device?
We recommend that the Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship application be completed on a computer or laptop.
10. I received the Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship last year, can I apply?
Yes, participants that applied and receive the Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship last year are still eligible to apply for this year's scholarship.
11. How many letters of recommendation do I need?
You must upload two letters of recommendation. One MUST be from your host site supervisor, the other can be from any that is not a family member.
Participation Agreement
The Mayor's Opportunity Scholarship Scholars agree that the scholarship will be paid directly to the education or training institution and will be used specifically for the purpose of educational expenses, college financial assistance, training and equipment cost, or support of post-secondary activities in accordance with the scholarship participation agreement.
For more information on the Mayor’s Opportunity Scholarship program, please contact [email protected].