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The Helene Giordano Memorial Scholarship and the Mary Trainor Memorial Scholarship

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Two $2,500 Scholarships awarded every year

The Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley, Inc. has been established to fund scholarships for youth who are or have been in the care of the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (DCF) Lawrence & Haverhill offices and who are pursuing education at accredited institutions of higher learning. Annually, the FKMV Scholarship Program awards two Helene Giordano Memorial Scholarships up to $2,500 each. Selection of recipients will be based upon proven academic merit and financial aid or for ancillary educational support needs.

 

In addition to the Helene Giordano Memorial Scholarships, the FKMV is proud to offer the Mary Trainor Memorial Scholarship.​  Mary Trainor, a cherished resident of Billerica, was known for her love of travel, strong friendships, and quick wit. She passed away in 2024, but her memory lives on through a ten-year scholarship fund she established to support the education of Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley. This generous gift reflects her commitment to helping others and ensuring her positive impact continues for years to come. While many may not have known her personally, the recipients of this scholarship will experience the kindness and compassion that defined her life.

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Winners of both scholarships must meet the eligibility criteria below:

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  • Applicants must be in DCF care or custody or have been in the past for a minimum of one year.

  • Applicants must be under age 26 at time of application. 

  • Applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary Title IV eligible program. (Students should contact specific schools to verify Title IV eligibility)

  • Applicants pursuing vocational programs or vocational training are eligible to apply to cover the associated costs including resources, tools and equipment. 

  • Applicants must demonstrate academic potential and commitment to educational goals.

  • Applicants must demonstrate significant unmet financial need.

  • Applicants must demonstrate the ability to overcome challenges and obstacles.

Studying
All applications must be submitted by April 21, 2025. Applications will be reviewed and recipients selected by the FKMV scholarship committee.

If you have any questions about the Scholarship Program or Application please call Marisele Esperance at 978-314-0457.
We are honored to offer these scholarships in memory of Helene Giordano and Mary Trainor, with the hope that they will inspire and empower the youth in our community to achieve their educational goals and make a lasting impact, just as Helene and Mary did during their lifetimes.
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