Scholarship Opportunities

The Alternatives for Youth Foundation (AYF) was set up in 1996 by Key to support programs and activities that are fundamentally consistent with Key's mission. Within AYF there are two scholarship funds available.

The William J. Wolfe Scholarship Fund is designed to award scholarships to talented, motivated individuals who have received service through Key. Scholarship candidates must have a demonstrated social commitment, and wish to pursue an educational or vocational certificate/degree beyond high school. The Fund honors one of the founders of Key, William J. Wolfe, whose commitment to social, educational, health, and human services, spurred the founding of Key in the early 1970s.

The annual application deadline is April 30th. Scholarship winners will be notified of their selection in June. The selection criteria includes having received Key services for at least three months, performed successfully academically, demonstrated a positive impact on their own development and/or communities, and financial need.

The Deborah Feldstein Bartfeld Memorial Scholarship Fund is dedicated to Deborah Feldstein Bartfeld to honor her career in the field of social work. Deborah began her experience in social work at Key as an intern. Her life was tragically cut short following a courageous battle with cancer.

The fund was designed to award scholarships to individuals enrolled in a formal MSW or licensed mental health counseling program who have demonstrated commitment to the field of social work/child welfare, specifically with 'youth at risk'.

Eligibility criteria includes full or part-time enrollment in an MSW or licensed mental health counseling program. Recipients will be selected from one of the following: Boston University School of Social Work, Lesley College graduates, Salem and Bridgewater State College, Springfield, Rhode Island and Wheelock College, and employees of the Key Program.

All scholarship award recipients will be required to meet with Key personnel in June to discuss internship, field placement or career possibilities upon graduation. The annual application deadline is April 15th and the awards are announced in May. For further information about scholarship guidelines and an application form, please contact Cynthia Hay, Director of Management/Human Resources.