Twenty Adult Learners Honored at Scholarship Ceremony Hosted by the City of Boston Worker Empowerment Cabinet
2026-2027 First Literacy Scholars. Photo Credit: Greg Ciccarelli
BOSTON, MA – On September 2 the City of Boston Worker Empowerment Cabinet hosted the 37th Annual First Literacy Scholarship Ceremony at The Great Hall in Boston. The ceremony celebrated the 20 adult learners who were awarded First Literacy Scholarships for the 2026-2027 school year.
Since the Scholarship Program began in 1990, First Literacy has awarded nearly 700 scholarships to adult learners throughout Massachusetts. Awards are given in recognition of educational achievements and potential, community service, and perseverance in the face of hardship. Eligibility is based on a nomination from the student’s Adult Basic Education program, acceptance to a college or training program, and proof of financial need.
Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment, and the Director of the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) for the City of Boston welcomed the scholars to the ceremony and congratulated them on their achievement.
“Completing an adult education program, whether it’s ESOL or earning a high school diploma is a remarkable achievement,” said Nguyen. “For funders, community partners, or scholarship recipients, this is not just a scholarship. This is about fueling the economy and an economic engine.”
Nguyen, who came to the U.S. as a refugee immigrant from Vietnam with her family in the 1980s, spoke about how First Literacy makes it possible for every adult to thrive no matter where they come from or what language they speak.
“At a time when funding is underserved, it’s especially important to recognize that adult education is a vital link in building a skilled and adaptable workforce and economy,” said Nguyen. “The City of Boston and First Literacy shares a strong commitment to lifelong learning and creating pathways for adults to improve their skills, access education, job training, and thrive in today’s economy.”
First Literacy Scholar, Wenley, also shared his story during the ceremony. Wenley is a student at UMass Boston and was awarded a scholarship from First Literacy for the third consecutive year. With the First Literacy Scholarship, Wenley has been working towards completing his bachelor’s degree in computer science. His dream is to have a career in cybersecurity.
“I have come to believe that we should not focus only on what we can get from education, but on what we can do with it for others,” said Wenley. “I want to use my education not only to build a better future for myself and my family, but also to protect others, create opportunities, and give back to the community that has supported me.”
Both new and continuing scholarships were awarded at the ceremony. All of the adult learners who received scholarships have overcome significant obstacles to reach this point. Many are heads of household balancing caregiving and financial responsibilities, while others are the first in their families to attend college.
“Every time I am at this ceremony, I’m inspired by our scholars and their perseverance, and I am reminded again why First Literacy matters so much,” said Terry Witherell, Executive Director of First Literacy.
