Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr., during a Wednesday ceremony in the City Hall Courtyard, presented checks to the first 100 recipients of the “Mayor Marty Small Sr. Scholarship” awarded to city residents.
“We wish you the best of luck on your journey,” Small told the students. “It’s not easy, but don’t ever give up. There’s nothing that you can’t overcome, trust me. I’m proud of each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart.”
In May, Small announced this unprecedented scholarship, a $3 million commitment over the next three years.
The money comes from the Addressing Educational Disparity category of American Rescue Plan funds Atlantic City has received.
This year, 50 scholarships of $10,000 each went to graduating Atlantic City High School seniors who live in Atlantic City and will begin college this fall. An additional 50 scholarships of $10,000 each went to college students who graduated from Atlantic City High School and reside in Atlantic City, who will be sophomores, juniors and seniors this fall.
In June, Small announced the scholarship winners during a news conference.
While the checks distributed during the ceremony had the student’s names on them, the money will be sent directly to the institution each student is attending.
Applications for the next 100 scholarships are expected to be released in early 2024. The Scholarship Committee formed by Small will have regular meetings this fall to address scholarship criteria and other potential adjustments.
