National Scholarships:

MWM supports the national Mensa Education and Research Foundation’s (MERF) scholarship program, raising funds and making awards to students from the greater MWM area.  The application process runs from September 15th through January 15th… if you’re attending college, or college-bound, please apply! You do NOT need to be a Mensa member to take advantage of our vast scholarship opportunities!

Local Scholarships:

MWM also runs its own SEPARATE scholarship program that is specifically for MWM member and their families, using the funds that we raise and allocate locally. This encourages learning in our local area! Beginning in 2013, our own MWM scholarships were available for students of all ages (MWM members and their families only), and not restricted only to college students as MERF scholarships are.

THE 2025 LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS ON HOLD pending a lack of volunteers. We look forward to revisiting the local scholarship program in 2026.

There are two types of awards:
1) College/Technical/Trade School Scholarships [C/T/TS Scholarships]
2) PLEASE NOTE: Scholarships for younger students (Elementary school, middle school, and high school) attending a gifted, talented or enrichment program [G/T/E Program] are not available at this time

Eligibility: Each applicant must either be a current member of MWM, the child or grandchild of a current MWM member, or a former MWM youth member residing at an out-of-area school. The terms “child” and “grandchild” include stepchildren and legally adopted children. Only one application per year is allowed per student. 

Awards: Awarded amounts will vary depending on the quality and number of applications and will be dependent on funds available. It is not anticipated that awards would cover the full cost of any programs. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit. By submitting an application through the MWM Scholarship Form, the applicant certifies that the information and essay are the applicant’s own work and that the applicant has read these rules and guidelines. For applicants under the age of 18, the applicant’s parent or guardian certifies to the content of this application on behalf of the applicant and consents to the applicant’s participation in the scholarship program. 

Proof of Enrollment: Winners of C/T/TS Scholarships must have proof of enrollment in a regionally accredited US institution or licensed trade school for the academic year for which the scholarship is awarded before receiving their awards. C/T/TS Scholarship winners will be judged on the basis of an essay. Essays must be the applicants’ original work and should be between 300 and 550 words; anything in excess of this limit will be truncated. DO NOT include information in your essay that would clearly identify you (i.e. your name, full names of others that know you, social media handles, etc.).

Judging: Emphasis in judging will be placed on the applicant’s response to the essay statement.  Points will be awarded based on organization, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.