Masonic Scholarship Fund of Missouri

Scholarship Sponsored by Grand Lodge of Missouri

Introduction
Freemasons regard education as a cornerstone of our state’s and nation’s wellbeing. To support this belief, the Masonic Scholarship Fund of Missouri, Inc. awards multiple scholarships each year to qualified Missouri high school seniors.

Scholarships Available (Undergraduate)
Undergraduate applicants may be considered for the following awards:
- Masonic Merit Scholarship — $1,000 per year, renewable up to four consecutive years.
- Ruth Lutes Bachmann Scholarship — $1,000 per year, renewable up to four consecutive years. (For students pursuing nursing or teaching.)
- Samuel Smith Stewart Scholarship — $17,000 per year, renewable up to four consecutive years.
- Community College Scholarship — $1,000 per year, available to students in any degree program.

Application and Selection Overview
All applications must meet the published eligibility standards to be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. Selection is based primarily on academic achievement and demonstrated aptitude. Applicants should follow submission instructions closely to ensure consideration.

General Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Must be a graduate of a Missouri public high school, private high school, or an accredited home-school program.
- Must enroll as a full-time student (minimum 12 credit hours per semester or term) at an accredited U.S. college or university.
- Selection is made without regard to race, creed, sex, or country of origin.
- No Masonic membership or affiliation is required.

Standardized Test Scores
- For the primary undergraduate scholarships (Masonic Merit, Ruth Lutes Bachmann, Samuel Smith Stewart), ACT scores in the 28–36 range are considered.
- For Missouri College Masonic Scholarships, ACT, SAT, or equivalent test scores in the 18–36 range are considered.

Continuation and Renewal Rules
- Scholarships are renewable for up to four years, provided the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria and any specific requirements of the award.
- Recipients should maintain the academic standards required by their particular scholarship to remain eligible for renewal.

Details and Historical Notes on Specific Scholarships
Masonic Merit Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000 per year, renewable up to four consecutive years.
- Available to students in any degree program.
- History: The Masonic Merit fund was established in 1985 through a member dues assessment and donations; by 1991 the resources had grown sufficiently to begin awarding scholarships. These awards are available to students enrolling at four-year universities and community colleges.

Samuel Smith Stewart Scholarship
- Amount: $17,000 per year, renewable for up to four years.
- Available to students in any degree program.
- History: Dr. Samuel Smith Stewart established this fund in memory of his parents to promote the betterment of humanity through education. The first four Samuel Smith Stewart scholarships were awarded in 2001 at $2,500 per year (renewable). Through careful stewardship, in 2024 the trust supported ten Samuel Smith Stewart scholarships at $17,000 per year, renewable for four years.

Ruth Lutes Bachmann Scholarship (Nursing & Teaching)
- Amount: $1,000 per year, renewable up to four consecutive years.
- Restricted to students pursuing degrees in nursing or teaching.
- History: Ruth Lutes Bachmann, a member of Tuscan Chapter #69, Order of the Eastern Star, left funds initially to educate orphans residing at the Masonic Home of Missouri in St. Louis who wished to become teachers or nurses. After the Masonic Home closed, the trust was amended to provide scholarships for Missouri high school students entering careers in education or nursing.
- Additional requirements:
- Continued eligibility requires submission of an official college transcript showing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- The Board may review applications on a case-by-case basis.
- Recipients must be in residence (study abroad programs are not accepted).
- Students must notify the Grand Lodge Office of any address changes and must inform the office if they transfer to another college, as this information can affect the scholarship.

Community College Scholarship
- Amount: $1,000 per year.
- Available to students in any degree program enrolling at community colleges.

Important Notes
- Applicants must meet all stated criteria for their chosen scholarship to be considered by the Scholarship Committee.
- When applicable, students should provide current official transcripts and keep the Grand Lodge Office informed of changes in enrollment or contact information.

For application deadlines, forms, and submission instructions, contact the Masonic Scholarship Fund of Missouri, Inc. or the Grand Lodge Office.