32 Scholars. A Record $64,000. A region Investing In Its Future.

The North Central Massachusetts Chamber Foundation set an ambitious goal in its current three-year strategic plan: grow annual scholarship awards to $60,000. In year one, the Foundation did not just meet that goal. It exceeded it.

This spring, the Foundation awarded $64,000 in scholarships to 32 outstanding students, the largest single-year award in the Foundation’s history, reflecting the region’s deep and growing commitment to education.

The achievement was celebrated at the Chamber’s annual Scholar’s Breakfast on May 8th at Great Wolf Lodge, where award-winning speaker Maria Milagros delivered an inspiring keynote to families, educators, and business leaders gathered to honor this year’s recipients.

Among the scholars were 27 college-bound seniors recognized for academic excellence, community involvement, and work ethic, alongside five non-traditional students pursuing continued education and career advancement.

None of this is possible without the generosity of our members. Whether through sponsoring a scholarship, endowing one in a family or company name, or simply making a voluntary contribution with your annual dues, every member who gave made these 32 stories possible. We are grateful for your investment in our region’s future.

Special thanks to our Scholar’s Breakfast sponsors: Rollstone Bank and Trust (premier sponsor), Great Wolf Lodge, Steel-Fab Inc., Fitchburg State University, All One Credit Union, and FATV.