Through the partnership agreement, which is known as the Chelsea Compact, UMass will provide up to 20 full scholarships to students who have demonstrated the greatest commitment and potential for seeking a higher education.

Known as the Chelsea Chancellor’s Award, these 20 scholarships will cover the costs of tuition, fees, room and board.

The yearly college scholarships will be granted to the students who have participated in the Families United in Educational Leadership (FUEL) College Savings Program, which aids low-income families with students in both middle and high schools.

Additionally, UMass will provide $13,000 a year to all students from the FUEL program upon their receiving an offer of admission from the University.

As part of the collaboration, Bunker Hill will provide the five remaining scholarships which were distributed to this year’s graduating seniors. Scholarships granted by the Bunker Hill Community College will cover the cost of in-state tuition and fees for up to 12 credit hours each semester.

Known as the President’s Chelsea Scholarship, the awards will also ensure faculty mentorship to students for duration of the scholarship award period.

According to UMass chancellor Robert C. Holub, the partnership will allow these students to attend the University despite their lack of finances and graduate with little or no debt.

“UMass Amherst, as the state’s flagship public research university, has a deep commitment to providing educational opportunities to students throughout the Commonwealth,” Holub said.

“This distinctive partnership leverages public and private dollars, paired with a family’s commitment,” Holub continued, “to prepare students for success in the twenty-first century workforce.”

Bunker Hill will also be working with the UMass administration to highlight the financial transfer benefits for students who are interested in seeking a four-year degree following their graduation from Bunker Hill.

In order to qualify for the FUEL program the student’s family must commit to save a fixed amount each month to be decided upon by FUEL, support the student’s attendance at an approved after-school program and attend at least six Savings Circle meetings per year.

According to Robert Hildreth, executive director of FUEL, the partnership between UMass, Bunker Hill and FUEL will highlight new opportunities available to students through the College Savings Program to better the access to higher education.

The high school graduation rate for the Chelsea school district for 2007-2008 was 49.9 percent as compared with the statewide average of 81.2 percent, according to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

“The Chelsea Compact brings important inspirational value to the FUEL program,” Hildreth said. “These scholarships will illuminate the path to higher education for many Chelsea students who are the first in their family to go to college.”

Jennifer Heshion can be reached at [email protected].