Moloney Student Scholar

Moloney Student Scholar applications are open now and close on April 15, 2024. Learn more about the Moloney Student Scholar application process.

The Goal

UMass Lowell aspires to provide every student an opportunity to apply the knowledge they are learning in the classroom to real-world situations so they can have successful careers and make an impact on the world. Through co-ops, internships, research, projects and entrepreneurial & creative endeavors, River Hawks gain valuable experience to jump-start their careers upon graduation while earning money to offset the cost of their education. When students have these experiences in the community or in projects designed to improve the lives of others, they begin a life-long journey of social impact.

The Need for Innovation

UMass Lowell recognizes that many of the experiences most relevant to our students’ goals may not be able to offer students a paycheck. Non-profits, community organizations, government agencies, on-campus departments and faculty often do not have the budgets to pay students for critical work. These are the very entities that have a tremendous impact on the lives and welfare of individuals and communities.

A college education and engaging in meaningful career connected experiences are essential for many UMass Lowell students to improve their lives and the lives of their families for generations to follow. Unfortunately, students are often not able to participate in these experiences because they cannot afford to sacrifice a paying job to take on meaningful, career connected, unpaid opportunities.

The Solution

Recognizing this disconnect between students’ financial needs and the valuable experiences available at smaller organizations, the university established the Moloney Student Scholar Fund for students to do this important work and gain valuable, paid career experience from critically important community partners and through meaningful projects on-campus.

The award provides funding for students to enhance their career readiness through off-campus internships with non-profits and government agencies and through on-campus work with faculty and university departments.

Off-campus internships with non-profits and government agencies

• Eligible students are awarded a $2,500 stipend to pursue unfunded internships with non-profits and government agencies. Students will receive two lump sum amounts.

On-campus work with faculty & departments

• Eligible students are awarded up to $2,500 in wages to pursue unfunded opportunities that enhance their career readiness. Students using their fellowship on-campus will receive an hourly wage and will be paid on the university’s bi-weekly pay schedule.

How do I get an award?

Student Eligibility

• Open to both undergraduate and graduate matriculated students.
• Enrolled full-time when the experience occurs. If a summer experience, student must be enrolled for the following fall semester.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.000.
• Student must secure a work experience within six weeks of being awarded the fellowship. (Job search support can be provided through the Career & Co-op Center. Plus, check Handshake for internships.)

Experience Eligibility

• Off-campus work must be unfunded with qualified non-profits, a federal, state or municipal government agency, or with UMass Lowell.
• Students will submit their site for final approval.
• The work experience must take place during the funding cycle.
• The work place must last more than nine weeks.

ApplicationApplication Process

Funding is available for three cycles (fall semester, spring semester, and summer).

Student applications are reviewed on a rolling basis depending on the availability of funds for requested cycle. The application process requires:

• a resume and
• a brief statement describing the impact this fellowship would have on the pursuit of the student's dreams and career goals.

Applications for the Moloney Student Fellowship can be submitted through the UMass Lowell Scholarship portal.

For more information on the Moloney Student Fellowship, contact Greg Denon, Associate Dean, Career Development, by email: gregory_denon@uml.edu.