Investing in the Future: Mayor Marty Small Awards Over 100 Scholarships in Third Year of $3M Education Initiative
Mayor Marty Small, Sr. is making good on his promise to invest in the next generation. At a heartfelt celebration at Atlantic City High School, Mayor Small—joined by Superintendent Dr. La’Quetta Small and the scholarship selection committee—announced the third round of recipients in his landmark $3 million scholarship initiative.
This year, 113 Atlantic City residents were awarded scholarships of up to $10,000 each, helping to ease the burden of tuition and open new doors to opportunity. The awards are split between the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 semesters and mark the program’s largest and most inclusive round to date.
“Three years in, and we’re just getting started,” said Mayor Small. “This program is about changing lives, uplifting our community, and proving that Atlantic City believes in its people.”
Originally launched in 2023 using American Rescue Plan funds under the Addressing Educational Disparity category, the Mayor Marty Small, Sr. Scholarship Program has become a pillar of the administration’s commitment to equity and advancement. In its third year, the program expanded eligibility so that any Atlantic City resident—regardless of which high school they attended—could apply.
This year’s awards include:
44 scholarships for high school graduates entering college this fall
52 scholarships for current college students continuing their studies
11 scholarships for residents pursuing Master’s or Doctorate degrees
6 scholarships for students entering trade school
With nearly 300 applications received, this was the program’s most competitive year yet—proof that Atlantic City residents are hungry for opportunity and ready to rise. All selections were made by an independent committee to ensure transparency and fairness. Neither Mayor Small nor Dr. Small participated in the decision-making process.
What began as a bold investment in 100 students per year has now grown into a movement—offering hope, support, and recognition to residents at every stage of their educational journey.
“This isn’t just about scholarships,” Mayor Small said. “It’s about building a city where education is within reach for all—no matter your zip code, your income, or your background.”
As the program continues to expand, it reflects Mayor Small’s deep belief that education is the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Atlantic City. With each scholarship awarded, the city moves closer to a future built by its own residents—equipped, empowered, and ready to lead.
