The Matchlighters Scholars Program

The Matchlighters Scholars Program welcomes U.S. residents of any race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, or citizenship status.

I’m a student. Apply for support. I’m a counselor. Volunteer as a mentor.

 

 

 

Are you a counselor interested in volunteering?

Learn More About the Matchlighters Scholars Program

The Matchlighters Scholars Program Logo

The Matchlighters Story

“I come from a single parent household, my father does not support us in any way at all and my mother has just recently been let go of due to financial struggles, but I would like to ask for your help. Please light a little match to guide me through this.”

This is the email that started it all, back in 2015, from a student we’d never met before. And, just like that,  Matchlighters was born.

The Matchlighters Scholars Program connects experienced college counselors with highly motivated students from low-income households, delivering 10 hours of free, one-on-one college admissions support to those who need it most.

How to Apply

Two people sit at a table, one writing in a notebook while the other looks on, with bookshelves in the background and sunlight streaming in.

Step 1

Make Sure You Qualify

In order to qualify for the Matchlighters Scholarship program, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You’re a US resident (undocumented students welcome). Unfortunately, we’re not able to support international students at this time.
  • You’re trying to get into college or graduate school. You could be a second-semester junior in high school, a senior in high school, a gap-year student, or even a part-time student working a job to support your family. No matter your story, if you’re trying to get into college or graduate school, we’ve got a counselor for you.
  • You’ve earned a 3.0 unweighted GPA. You’ll submit your high school transcripts as part of your application.
  • Your family income falls within our income guidelines.  which you’ll verify with financial documentation during the application process. Examples include:
    • Enrollment in free/reduced-price lunch program
    • Enrollment in a federal, state, or local program that aids students from low-income families
    • Copy of your family’s federal 2024 tax return (please black out SSNs for security)
  • You are motivated and ready to work.

Step 2

Complete the Application Form

Plan to spend about 20 minutes filling it out. Before you start, make sure you have your high school transcripts and a document proving financial need. You’ll find a list of accepted documents on the application itself. 

If you meet our financial and academic requirements, you’ll be accepted.

Get Started

Several people sit around a table working on laptops, with smartphones and notebooks also on the table. The image is overlaid with a purple abstract shape.
A person uses a laptop on a wooden desk, reading and typing text on the screen. Pinecones and other objects are visible in the blurred background.

Step 3

Complete Your Brainstorming Exercises

If you’re accepted, you’ll receive an email with instructions for completing your essay brainstorming exercises.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll send them back to us for review.

Note: You’ll also receive a consent form and pledge that both you and your parent/guardian will sign.

And that’s all you have to do.

Based on the preferred start date listed on your application, you will be introduced to a professional counselor for 10 hours of virtual one-on-one support.

Get Started

I just wanted to say a big THANK YOU to you for creating such a wonderful scholarship program.

Without Matchlighters and my amazing counselor, I would have never been able to complete and compose such great essays that help me get admitted to Harvard, UPenn, Duke, JHU, Rice, and UCLA! I still cannot believe what happened this past month and all of that incredible news would not have been a reality without the Matchlighters program.

Khoa

Matchlighters Scholar

Here’s where some of our Matchlighters scholars ended up

Modern glass and brick academic building with people walking and children playing on green lawn in front under clear sky.

Is Your College/University Interested in Meeting our Fabulous Scholars?

We are always happy to host a virtual information session, an interview night, or just make a connection with an incredible student.

View Our CBO Profile Contact Us

 

Lighting the Way

Meet some of our fabulous Matchlighter volunteers.

Two women are sitting closely together indoors, smiling at the camera. There is greenery visible through the windows behind them.

Shannon Bergeron

A program volunteer since 2020, Shannon quickly develops strong working partnerships with her Scholars, thanks to her warm and approachable demeanor. With 16 years of experience as a school counselor and leader, paired with her own journey as a first-generation college student, Shannon brings deep expertise and unique perspective to her student-centered partnerships.

The heart of her work is focused on creating a college going culture for all students, as well as breaking down barriers to accessing higher education. Shannon is a fierce advocate for all of her students, especially those who identify as transgender and nonbinary.

Volunteer Dr. John Young

Dr. John Young

A veteran former teacher, longtime volunteer and former Matchlighters Scholars Coach, Dr. John is beloved by the many Scholars who have worked with him over the last five years. As the first male to earn a doctorate in Gifted Education from Columbia University Teachers College, Dr. John’s work is focused on supporting academically high-achieving adolescent Black males. With deep care and through powerful mentorship, he helps students to see the possibilities that lie ahead and guides them as they embark on this next stage of their academic journey.

What our Matchlighters are Saying

I am a senior at Brooklyn Technical High School who has recently been enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania.

I am writing this email to express my heartfelt gratitude for the scholarship program. This program is truly amazing, and I sincerely hope that you continue to support other students after me.

Anna Y

I am a student who has received the Matchlighters Scholarship and the 10 free sessions.

I’m happy to say that I have received a full 4-year scholarship to Columbia University through Questbridge. I would like to thank Matchlighters for this incredible opportunity. Matchlighters truly changed my life and will forever remain in my heart.

Naima I

I am extremely excited to tell you that I was accepted by Cornell Early Decision, Computer Science in Cornell Engineering!

I want to say thank you so so much from the bottom of my heart! Jane is an extremely helpful and responsible counselor. During my college application journey, she was with me the whole time, guiding me and answering all my questions (and I had a lot). Also, she is the best writing teacher!

Janet L

Thank you for all the help both you personally and the Matchlighters Scholarship Program in general has been able to offer me.

Without the meetings with my counselor, our meetings together when Natasha was away, and the resources that CEG provided virtually, I know that I would not have been as confident and successful in the entire application process.

Rushil V

Questions?

Click here to see answers to the most frequently asked Matchlighters questions.

Don’t see your question answered?

Email [email protected]