Mayor Marty Small, Sr., Announces Third Year of $3 Million Scholarship Program

ATLANTIC CITY - Mayor Marty Small, Sr. announced the continuation of the City of Atlantic City's $3 million scholarship program for the third consecutive year. This initiative, funded by the American Rescue Plan, aims to address educational disparities and support the academic aspirations of the city's residents.

Applications and submission instructions are posted now on the City of Atlantic City website (www.acnj.gov). Completed applications will be due by 4:00 p.m. EST on Monday, April 7, 2025.

“We said when we first started this scholarship that the Small administration would do everything in our power to give our Atlantic City residents the opportunity to succeed by making sure finances would not be a deterrent in continuing their education,” said Mayor Small. “We made some changes to the program this year to open the field up even more and are excited to once again change the lives of our residents for the better.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. La’Quetta S. Small, who is the mayor’s wife, said the scholarships provide students with invaluable opportunities to continue their education.

“This initiative, which has already transformed countless lives and opened doors to higher education for many of our deserving students, stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering academic excellence and equity,” Dr. Small said. “For the past two years, these scholarship funds have not only provided financial assistance, but also inspired hope, ambition, and a sense of possibility among our students and their families.”

Typically, the program awards 100 scholarships each year, with each scholarship valued at up to $10,000, for $1 million per year. These scholarships are available to Atlantic City residents who meet specific criteria, ensuring a fair and thorough selection process.

Atlantic City High School Vice Principal Samuel McGee thanked everyone involved with the scholarship program. “As a fellow graduate of Atlantic City High School, I understand the importance of knocking down financial roadblocks,” said McGee. “We have a great guidance department. The application process opens today, and we will hit the ground running.”

Atlantic City High School Guidance Counselor Chaia Jennings said counselors are available to assist students in making sure their applications are submitted correctly. “Our guidance department provides extensive support,” said Jennings. “Students know that the guidance department has an open-door policy. We will be providing a checklist, and we will go through the application extensively so we can support students.”

For the first two years, eligible students were required to be Atlantic City residents who had just graduated from Atlantic City High School (ACHS) or residents in college who previously graduated from ACHS.

This year, scholarships are open to residents who will graduate this spring, or previously graduated from ACHS or another school accepting Atlantic City Students. This applies to graduating high school seniors who have been accepted to an accredited higher educational institution, current college freshmen, sophomores and juniors, current graduate and doctoral students, and prospective trade school students. Scholarship winners will receive half the money for the fall 2025 semester and the other half for the spring 2026 semester. If a student owes less than $5,000 per semester, the difference will be returned to the city, Mayor Small said.

The selection committee, which includes city employees, school district representatives, and community members, evaluates applicants based on several factors. Applicants must submit an essay, transcripts and, for the first time this year, participate in an interview. This additional step aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of each candidate's potential and dedication to their education.

The mayor said he is already actively trying to identify funding to continue the scholarship program beyond this year. The scholarship program has had a significant impact on the community, enabling numerous students to pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. As the program enters its third year, it continues to inspire and support the next generation of leaders in Atlantic City.

"The future of Atlantic City is bright, and with unwavering support, we will ensure that our students have every opportunity to shine," Dr. Small said.

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