Mayor Marty Small Expands Access to $3M Scholarship Program in Its Third Year
100 More Atlantic City Residents to Receive Up to $10,000 Each for Higher Education
Atlantic City, NJ – March 10, 2025
Mayor Marty Small, Sr. today announced expanded eligibility criteria for the third year of the “Mayor Marty Small, Sr. Scholarship,” a transformative $3 million initiative aimed at breaking down financial barriers to higher education for Atlantic City residents.
First launched in 2023, the program commits $1 million annually for three years, providing 100 scholarships worth up to $10,000 each to local students. Now entering its third year, the program is opening doors even wider by broadening the eligibility criteria to include a greater range of Atlantic City residents pursuing postsecondary education.
“We said from the beginning that the Small administration would do everything in our power to give our Atlantic City residents the opportunity to succeed,” said Mayor Marty Small, Sr. “That means making sure finances are never the reason someone can’t pursue their education. This year, we’ve expanded eligibility so more residents can apply—and we’re excited to once again change lives for the better.”
New Eligibility Criteria for 2025
For this year’s awards, applicants must be Atlantic City residents who meet one of the following conditions:
Will graduate high school in Spring 2025 and be accepted to an accredited college, university, or trade school
Previously graduated from Atlantic City High School or another school that accepts Atlantic City students
Be a current college freshman, sophomore, or junior
Be a graduate or doctoral student
Be a prospective trade school student
Previously awarded students who still meet the eligibility requirements may reapply for the 2025-2026 cycle.
Award Details
Up to $10,000 per student
Funds distributed in two parts:
Half in Fall 2025 semester
Half in Spring 2026 semester
Fair, Community-Based Selection Process
The selection committee is composed of City of Atlantic City employees and trusted community members. The Mayor does not take part in the decision-making process to ensure fairness and impartiality.
The scholarship is funded by the American Rescue Plan’s Addressing Educational Disparity allocation, part of Atlantic City’s strategic investment in its residents’ futures.
A Legacy of Investing in People
This initiative is a cornerstone of Mayor Small’s broader commitment to empowering youth, promoting equity, and building pathways to economic mobility. With 200 students already impacted in just two years, the scholarship is quickly becoming one of Atlantic City’s most impactful educational tools.
#MayorSmallDelivers #InvestInAC #AtlanticCityScholarship #ACFutureForward
