Hubbardston's Library Trustees have proposed a significant change to their scholarship application timeline, aiming to enhance student participation and awareness. During their recent meeting on May 2, 2025, trustees discussed moving the scholarship application period to January, with a deadline set for March 1. This adjustment is intended to provide students ample time to prepare their applications and increase the number of applicants.

Trustee discussions highlighted the importance of making scholarship opportunities more accessible to students. By announcing the scholarship in January, the trustees believe that more students will be encouraged to apply, ultimately leading to a greater number of awards distributed. The decision to evaluate applications in April will allow the trustees to reflect on the process and make any necessary adjustments for future years.

In addition to the scholarship timeline, the trustees reviewed the financial aspects of the scholarships available. The Hubbardston Cash Committee has allocated $1,000 for local students pursuing higher education, while the Hubbardston Scholarship Committee offers $500 scholarships. These funds are part of a broader effort to support students in their academic pursuits.

The meeting also touched on the challenges faced by local organizations in attracting scholarship applicants, particularly from the Hubbardston Community Theatre, which has seen a limited number of applicants in recent years. The trustees expressed a desire to broaden outreach efforts to ensure that more students are aware of the available scholarships.

As the trustees move forward with these changes, they remain committed to fostering educational opportunities for Hubbardston students. The proposed timeline shift is expected to not only increase participation but also strengthen community engagement with local scholarship programs.