2025 News 2025: 2025 Founders' Scholarship Recipients

This year's recipients of the Founders' Scholarship, Audrey Nortey '29 and Jack Greene '29 share a common goal— advocating for social justice.

Covering tuition and mandatory fees—as well as food and housing—for four years, the Founders' Scholarship recognizes the accomplishments of high-achieving high school students in Massachusetts.

This year, Audrey Nortey '29 of Worcester and Jack Greene '29 of Princeton displayed the character and drive the scholarship committee was looking for. When they start in the fall, they'll be joining the cohort of previous Founders' recipients and the Honors College.

“This year's group of finalists for the Founders' Scholarship was stronger than ever and represented a large portion of the state. I'm very excited to welcome Jack and Audrey to our Honors College family in the fall,” said Amy Shapiro, Dean of the Honors College. “Their spirit, intellect, and passion are truly remarkable, and we look forward to watching them thrive as our newest Founders' Scholars.”

Coming from a household of seven, Audrey is excited about how the support will help her pursue her goals.

“Being selected as a Founders' Scholar has filled me with relief, excitement, and optimism for what the future has in store,” she said. “This honor is more than just a financial benefit—it has opened the door to endless opportunities that challenge, inspire, and ignites growth.”

“I truly believe that my experience at UMass Dartmouth will empower me to continue pursuing my lifelong goals while instilling values and lessons that will help me become even greater than I currently aspire to be."

For Jack, the scholarship is proof that perseverance pays off.

"Receiving the Founders' Scholarship is not only an incredible honor but also a true life-changer for me and my family. It shows me that UMass Dartmouth believes in me and the potential I have to make an impact," he said. “This support not only makes my undergraduate education possible but also opens doors for future opportunities that felt out of reach before."

UMassD doesn't just invest in students' academics; it invests in their growth as individuals, future professionals, and global citizens. The Founders' Scholarship only reinforced that this is exactly where I am meant to be, and I cannot wait to make UMassD my home.

Audrey Nortey

Audrey plans to pursue psychology, a passion that began through the Early Childhood Education Program offered at her school. “Working with children at different developmental stages with varying abilities sparked my curiosity about how and why they think and behave the way they do. Helping others has always been important to me, making human services a natural path,” she said.

She balanced her high school career by taking on the challenge of AP and Early College courses while getting involved in the community through the Black Student Union, SkillsUSA, track and field, and volleyball.

“I loved participating in these activities because they allowed me to contribute to the culture around me, broaden my perspectives, and shape myself into a well-rounded individual,” she said. “I'm eager to take advantage of the many clubs, arts, and academic opportunities—especially within the Honors College—offered at UMass Dartmouth.

One of Audrey's experiences that helped her passion for psychology grow was a month-long internship at UMass Chan Medical School's Dynamic Futures program, where she learned from professionals in Behavioral Sciences and gained hands-on experience.

"This experience solidified my dedication to psychology. This internship caused me to realize how underrepresented Black women are in psychology and behavioral health. As a Black woman myself, I am determined to change that—not just through representation but through meaningful impact," she said.

"I've always felt a strong desire to help those less fortunate. Even though I haven’t experienced the same hardships, I empathize with those who have and am driven to be part of the solution. My passion for psychology aligns with my commitment to social justice, as I aim to address issues like homelessness—which often stem from mental health challenges and addiction—by raising awareness and providing tangible aid through outreach, research, and advocacy."

Jack Greene

At the start of the college search process, Jack focused solely on academics. "I saw college primarily as the next academic step rather than a new home. But that all changed when I visited UMass Dartmouth. The moment I stepped on campus and started talking with faculty, staff, and students, I realized UMassD was much more than a place to earn a degree." 

"The university's commitment to research, support for first-generation and underrepresented students, and genuine sense of community stood out in a way no other school did. UMassD offers a place where students are encouraged to bring their full identities—where they are seen, supported, and celebrated for who they are.”

“As someone who spent much of high school trying to find where I fit in, it means everything to feel that sense of belonging before even stepping foot in a classroom. UMassD doesn't just invest in students' academics; it invests in their growth as individuals, future professionals, and global citizens. The Founders' Scholarship only reinforced that this is exactly where I am meant to be, and I cannot wait to make UMassD my home.”

Jack plans to study Spanish and psychology to help him achieve his goal of working in education as a language teacher or as an advocate for more equitable and culturally responsive policies in schools.

“Spanish was the first subject that gave me a real sense of pride and purpose. Language is not just about grammar and vocabulary. It’s a bridge between cultures, communities, and lived experiences," he said.

After spending time studying in Málaga, Spain, he saw how mastering a language is learning to see the world through someone else’s eyes. "I want to bring that sense of curiosity and cultural appreciation into my future classroom as a language teacher, helping students understand that language is a powerful tool for connection and inclusion.”

"As an educator, having a strong foundation in psychology will allow me to better understand my students' needs, learning styles, and even the societal pressures they may be facing. Combining these two majors allows me to not only teach language but also create a supportive, inclusive classroom where every student feels seen and valued for who they are."

“I'm excited to contribute to the UMassD community—as a student leader, peer mentor, and advocate for equity and inclusivity—and to use my education to help create a more just and understanding society. This scholarship is not just a financial investment in me; it is an investment in the positive change I hope to bring to my future classrooms, my community, and beyond.”

Learn more

• Founders' Scholarship

2025 Founders' Scholarship Recipients

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