Each year, First Literacy awards $1,500 scholarships to recent graduates of Massachusetts Adult Basic Education (ABE) or English language programs who are continuing on to vocational training (including certificate programs) or higher education.
Since the Scholarship Program began in 1990, we have awarded over 600 scholarships to adult learners throughout Massachusetts. Awards are given in recognition of educational achievements and potential, community service, and perseverance in the face of hardship. Eligibility is based on a nomination from the student’s Adult Basic Education program, acceptance to a college or training program, and proof of financial need. Both new and continuing scholarships are awarded, and scholars are recognized for their efforts and achievement at our annual Scholarship Ceremony.
Sheila Ngum, Northern Essex Community College
Shelia grew up in a close-knit family in West Africa where she saw first-hand the impact dedicated healthcare professionals, specifically nurses, had on her community which ultimately led to her goal of becoming a nurse. Sheila devoted much of her time after high school to tending to her four children, ensuring they had a stable and nurturing environment. Now that her children have grown, she is ready to focus on her goal of becoming a nurse. Her passion for making a positive difference in others’ lives, combined with balancing family life and pursuing her educational and professional goals, has shaped her into a resilient and compassionate individual. Shelia completed a Certified Nursing Assistant program in 2021 and has been working at the Leonard Florence Center for Living in Chelsea for the past three years. The fulfillment she gains from caring for vulnerable patients has fueled her desire to pursue a career in nursing. Her dedication led to her promotion to Lead Certified Nursing Assistant within the last year, and she earned the Employee of the Month award at the Leonard Florence Center for Living in November 2023. The scholarship from First Literacy will allow Sheila the opportunity to attend Northern Essex Community College and work towards an associate degree in Nursing. She aspires to specialize in geriatric nursing, combining her love and experience in caring for this patient population with her passion for healthcare.
