Cosmetic Surgeries Of Pets - Free Essay Example

Cosmetic surgeries are performed on people all the time. Animals, like their human companions can also have cosmetic surgeries. Tail docking, ear cropping, devocalization, and declawing are the most common unneeded surgeries performed on pets.   Each surgery in special circumstances benefits the pet and always benefits the owner. I would like to know if these surgeries can cause harm, if they do, what kind. Do the benefits outweigh the problems? Is it ethical to put an owners desires above the pets? Tail docking is the amputation of a part or all of a dogs tail. The amputation of the tail is generally done when the puppies are a few days to a week old. There are several ways it can be accomplishedone of the most common being the application of a rubber band around the tail. The band is squeezed tight enough to stop blood from flowing to the tissue underneath of it eventually causing the necrosis and loss of that region. Docking can also be accomplished through a surgical removal of the tail using a blade or scissors. Bleeding can be stopped by a suture or two. Tail docking can be traced back to the Roman empire where dogs tails were cut to avoid the contraction of rabies. Later in history docking was believed to increase agility and strength of the dog. It was also used to decrease the chances of a dog getting injured during dogfights [1]. Tail docking today is generally used for working/hunting dogs to prevent injury of the tail. It can also be used for dogs whose tails become matted easily or have an increased risk of fecal material and urine becoming lodged in the coarse hair. Another far more popular reason to justify docking is because it is a traditional look for the breed in question [2]. According to the AVMA, only two states have regulations on tail docking in the United States. Maryland law stipulates that only a licensed veterinarian may perform the surgery under anesthesia when it is appropriate. Pennsylvania prohibits a dogs tail from being amputated from five days to twelve weeks of age. It is legal for a veterinarian to amputate the tail during that age but only if it is medically necessary. The law does not prohibit a veterinarian from performing the surgery after the dog is twelve weeks old as long as anesthesia is used [3]. Hunting dogs have an increased risk of breaking or damaging their tails while on a hunt. The alternative is to remove the tail to decrease the odds of that happening. Dogs can sometimes leave fecal matter and urine on their tails and the hair can become matted and smell. Animals that have this issue can have their tail removed to improve their hygiene [4]. Short-haired dogs who are excessively flamboyant or hyper can also have their tails docked in order to decrease injury to themselves. Like any other surgical procedure, tail docking can have complications. Pain during and after the operation is likely. Hemorrhaging, infection, and toxemia can occur. The amputation area may also delay healing. Necrosis of the site is also possible without proper veterinary care [5].   Neuromas are also a possible complication and is often seen with severe pain. Shock can also be a byproduct of surgery which can be fatal [6]. Behavioral effects of tail docking has had little research done on it. Dogs mainly use their tails to communicate with other dogs and humans [5]. A slight shift or small movement in a dogs tail can signal submissiveness, anxiety, uneasiness, and playfulness. Therefore, the removal of the tail could hinder the animal from displaying their emotions and effect a dogs interaction with humans and other dogs [6]. The publics perception of tail docking is an important issue to discuss. A recent study was done to assess the public view on physically altered dogs. The experiment found that natural looking dogs were perceived as more playful and attractive than the modified dog of the same breed. The modified dog was perceived as being more aggressive and more dominant [7].   Assuming a person wanted a more aggressive looking dog for protection, a modified dog may be the way to go. Adopting out a modified breed as a family dog may be more difficult given the negative perception of them.  Ã‚   Ear cropping is another controversial cosmetic surgery surrounding dogs. Ear cropping involves the surgical removal of part of a dogs ear. Cropping usually takes place when the dog is between six and twelve weeks of age. The dog is placed under anesthesia and scissors/scalpel is used to remove part of the ear flap. There are various lengths the ears can be cut to depending on the breeds traditional style or personal preference. After surgery, some breeds require the positioning of the ears in an upright position; tape and bandages are the most commonly used [8]. Ear cropping is commonly seen in Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes. Ear cropping was used on Great Danes in order to keep their ears from ripping when hunting wild boar [9]. Today, cropping is used to keep the tradition of the dogs breed. It can also be used to make security dogs look more alert [8].   Only nine states regulate ear cropping of dogs. New York, New Hampshire, Maine, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts prohibit ear cropping unless it is performed by a licensed veterinarian and under anesthesia. Maryland also has the same regulation but stipulates that it must also be appropriate for the animal [3]. According to the AVMA, ear cropping has been thought to stop dogs from getting ear infections that are common to hanging ears. However, there is not enough scientific evidence for this claim. Many believe that cropping a dogs ears keeps the animal from being injured during a fight or horseplay. There is no scientific proof that dogs hear better with cropped ears, but it is considered a benefit for the dog by some owners. Ear cropping may not be considered a major invasive surgery, but the animal is still put under anesthesia. There is always a risk of death when an animal is surgically operated on.   Infection is also a risk of ear cropping. Post-surgical care involves taping, bandaging, and stretching of the ears. There is also a risk of the sutures on the ears being pulled out [8]. A study done on the perception of the public of dogs with altered ears was done at James Madison University.   The participants were asked to rate an altered dog and a normal floppy eared dog on agreeableness, emotional stability, extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness. The dogs were identical aside from the ears. The results showed that the altered dog scored higher on extraversion, while the normal dog scored higher on agreeableness and emotional stability. The dogs did not significantly differ in either openness to experience or conscientiousness [10]. Another study found that the surgically altered dog was perceived as more aggressive and dominant and less playful and attractive than the natural-looking dog of the same breed [7]. Another form of cosmetic surgery performed is an onychectomy or declawing. Declawing is the surgical removal of a cats claws and toes bones. It is usually done on a cats front paws but could be performed on the back paws as well.   Veterinarians can use a scalpel or a surgical laser. There is no specific age a cat has to be to have the surgery.   However, it has been suggested that performing the surgery on younger cats decreases psychological issues often heard of after surgery. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim at this time. Declawing became popular in the 20th century. Declawing is usually used to prevent cats from scratching and ruining furniture, curtains, and carpets. It is also used to keep people safe from scratches that could occur during horseplay [11]. Hollywood, California banned declawing in 2003. The United Kingdom only allows declawing if it is medically necessary. Currently, no other states have regulations or prohibitions against declawing [3] . Having a cat declawed decreases the chances of it being abandoned or given to an animal shelter. It is also an alternative to leaving the cat outdoors and being euthanized. Scratching is a normal behavior in cats and that can present a lot of issues for owners [11]. Declawing would solve the behavioral problem and also keep the cat with their family. It has also been suggested that cats affected by neoplasia and paronychia would benefit from declawing [12]. There are several welfare concerns about declawing. Like any surgery, declawing has risks such as, profusely bleeding, reopening of the wound, and infections. Scratching is a normal cat behavior and taking that away could lead to unwanted stress. Problem behaviors such as biting and urinating in unwanted places in declawed cats have been noted by opposers of declawing [11].   A declawed cat effectively loses its ability to protect itself. Therefore, cats that have this surgery must stay inside at all times or be closely watched while outdoors. Ventriculocordectomy or devocalization is the surgical removal all or part of the vocal cords. Devocalization is performed by an oral or a laryngeal approach. During an oral surgery, surgical equipment is used to go through the mouth of the patient and into the vocal cord region. It is less invasive and less costly than the alternative approach. A laryngotomy must first be performed by creating an incision into the larynx, providing better access to the vocal cords. Anesthesia is either given through a temporary tracheotomy or through injection [13]. There is no particular age a dog has to be to receive this surgery. However, younger animals tend to recover from surgery faster than older ones. Devocalization was developed to decrease the volume of a dogs bark. It is commonly done as a last resort when training, therapies, and punishment techniques have failed to keep the dog from barking [14]. Four states have laws that regulate/prohibit devocalization of dogs except under certain circumstances. Unless deemed necessary by a veterinarian; New Jersey, Massachusetts and Ohio do not allow the surgery to take place. Pennsylvania delegates that only a licensed veterinarian can perform the surgery, but it does not have to be deemed necessary. California and Rhode Island have legislation that prohibits landlords from forcing tenants to get their dogs the surgery [15]. Allowing a dog to stay with its family is a great benefit of devocalization. If training and behavioral interventions have failed to decrease barking, devocalization is a good alternative. The surgery could possibly save the dog from euthanasia or abandonment. Debarking can also reduce the noise caused by loud barking and noise complaints from neighbors. There are some issues that arise from debarking. Barking is a normal behavior carried out by all canines. Barking can be used to communicate when visual cues cannot be seen or are not understood. Making the bark softer and harder to hear could disrupt normal communication. The reasoning behind the uncontrollable or excessive barking has not been reduced. Therefore, other symptoms of an underlying condition may creep up after the surgery. Some of these reasons could be boredom, anxiety, and obsessive disorders [14]. Devocalization is a major surgery and many risks and complications accompany it. Swelling of the airway, pneumonia, and infection are some potential complications that could arise during the recovery process [15]. There is also risk of scarring inside the laryngeal tube. Scarring could cause noisy breathing and respiratory problems [16].

The Best Scholarships in Massachusetts

​With one of the nation's highest public university tuition rates, it's no surprise that many students in the "Bay State" look to supplement family contributions and student loans with scholarship funds as they head off to college. With a robust combination of state-funded aid programs, merit grants, and need-based scholarship initiatives, students in Massachusetts can certainly find at least one scholarship that will help them afford the cost of tuition, fees, room, and board, for the duration of an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree program in the state. 1.Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship A state program awarded by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance, the Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship is given each year to eligible students who are from rural areas of the Bay State. The program defines "rural" as a town with fewer than 15,000 residents. Like most state-funded aid programs, the Lindsay Scholarship is need-based and grants awards in varying amounts based on the information supplied in a student's FAFSA. The award does renew for as long as a student remains enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate credit hours.You can learn more about the ​Agnes M. Lindsay Scholarship hï » ¿Ã¯ » ¿ere. 2.Atlantic Aviators Aviation Scholarship Given annually by the Atlantic Aviators Chapter of Women in Aviation International, this scholarship is designed to enhance awareness and interest in aviation technology. The program is open to all female students in southeastern Massachusetts, primarily in the greater Boston metropolitan area, who display a demonstrated interest in aviation technology or are studying the field as an undergraduate student. Two awards, each for $1,000, are given each year on a nonrenewable basis. Previous recipients are ineligible to reapply in successive years.You can learn more about the ​Atlantic Aviators Aviation Scholarship here. 3.Edward Bangs Kelley and Elza Kelley Foundation Scholarships The Kelley Foundation offers this scholarship each year to a student from Barnstable County who plans to practice in a medical field in the county after they finish their education. Based on a mixture of demonstrated financial need and academic merit, several awards are offered each year in amounts that range from $100 to $3,000. These awards do not renew, but previous recipients are encouraged to reapply each year until they receive the applicable license for medical practice in Barnstable County.You can learn more about the ​Edward Bangs Kelley and Elza Kelley Foundation Scholarships here. 4.GFWC of Massachusetts Memorial Education Fellowships Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aYou can learn more about theGFWC of Massachusetts Memorial Education Fellowships here. 5.Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program As a state-funded program, the Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program is open to any Massachusetts resident planning to study at a public or private university in the state. To be eligible for the grant funds, the student must be either the child or spouse of someone who was killed or missing in the line of duty while serving in the military. Like many state-funded grant opportunities, the program renews for the duration of a student's undergraduate enrollment. Both full-time and part-time students are eligible for the $2,500 award.You can learn more about the ​Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program here. 6.New England Regional Student Program Sponsored by the New England Board of Higher Education, the regional Tuition Break program is designed to encourage students in New England to study at out-of-state universities without suffering from high levels of student debt. The program provides scholarship funds to students from Massachusetts who study in New England Board of Higher Education or vice versa. The maximum award amount varies per student, and per year, based on their financial need and the cost of the student's out-of-state college or university.You can learn more about the ​New England Regional Student Program here. 7.Paul Tsongas Scholarship Named after a popular former governor of Massachusetts, the Paul Tsongas Scholarship is a merit-based program for which all graduating high school seniors are considered as long as they submit the FAFSA and accept enrollment at a state college or university. As a merit-based program, requirements are stringent and include a 3.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale and at least 1200 on the SAT. Students can also submit ACT scores for consideration. The scholarship covers the full cost of in-state tuition at state universities and renews each year as long as the recipient maintains at least a 3.3-grade point average.You can learn more about the ​Paul Tsongas Scholarship here. 8.NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarships The National Independent Automobile Dealers Association offers four scholarships each year as part of its Regional Scholarships Program. Students in Massachusetts compete with students in several other New England and Mid-Atlantic states for the $3,500 annual award. Applicants must be graduating high school senior at a "Region I" school, which includes Massachusetts, and must submit a transcript and SAT scores that show outstanding academic achievement. The program does not renew and does not accept applications from former applicants or recipients in future years.You can learn more about the ​NIADA Foundation Regional Scholarships here. 9.PMI Mass Bay Chapter Scholarships Each year, the Mass Bay Chapter of the Project Management Institute awards two individual scholarships in the amount of $2,500. To be eligible for this program, applicants must be studying project management or a related field at a university in the state of Massachusetts. The scholarship is only open to undergraduate students. Application materials include a formal application, transcript, essay, and two letters of recommendation. The award is nonrenewable; previous recipients are encouraged to reapply for the program each year.You can learn more about the ​PMI Mass Bay Chapter Scholarships here. 10.Massachusetts Part-Time Grant The Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance created the Part-Time Grant to address a significant increase in the number of students studying on a part-time basis in the state. Previously, most grant programs were available only to full-time students. This grant requires that recipients enroll in no more than 12 credit hours, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and file the FAFSA each year. Students who transition to full-time enrollment will forfeit their eligibility for the Part-Time Grant immediately.You can learn more about the ​Massachusetts Part-Time Grant here. 11.The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund Founded in 1949, The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund is considered The Golf Charity of Massachusettsâ„ ¢. A 501 (c) (3) organization, The Ouimet Fund’s purpose is to help deserving young men and women who have worked at golf courses in Massachusetts obtain a college education. We provide need-based undergraduate scholarships which are renewable and can be worth up to $10,000 – $40,000 (or more) for four years. The Ouimet Fund is the largest independent scholarship fund in New England.You can learn more about the ​The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund here. 12.Tuition and Fee Waivers for Guard Members The Massachusetts National Guard Education Assistance Program was created by the state to help members of the state's National Guard afford the cost of a higher education. To that end, this tuition assistance program provides for the full cost of an in-state education at Massachusetts colleges, universities, and community colleges. To continue being eligible for the program, students must maintain state National Guard service, attend a full-time program during the day, and earn no more than 130 credits toward an undergraduate degree.You can learn more about the ​Tuition and Fee Waivers for Guard Members here. 13.Valley Press Club Scholarship The Valley Press Club advocates learning about journalism through its five-scholarship program for Massachusetts students. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be interested in journalism or pursuing a degree in the field. Five scholarships are given to students, with each scholarship based on a different journalistic niche. Awards for print journalism, broadcast journalism, photojournalism, and sports journalism are given, as is an award for general interest in the profession. A financial aid form, resume, essay, and several letters of recommendation are required to be considered for one of these $1,000 scholarships.You can learn more about the ​Valley Press Club Scholarship here. 14.A. David †Davey† Duggan Memorial Scholarship Sponsored by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, the Duggan Memorial Scholarship is open only to graduating high school seniors from a public high school in Holyoke, MA. The $250 scholarship is given to students who have shown academic and athletic success in high school. The award does not renew applicants cannot reapply after graduating from high school.You can learn more about the ​A. David †Davey† Duggan Memorial Scholarship here. 15.Albert H. and Reuben S. Stone Fund Scholarships Full-time students who are entering their first year of higher education can qualify for this program, sponsored by the Mechanics Bank of Worcester, Massachusetts if they reside in the community of Gardner, MA. Several scholarships are awarded each year, based primarily on demonstrated financial need, in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The awards are nonrenewable, and students are ineligible to reapply after their first year of undergraduate enrollment.You can learn more about the ​Albert H. and Reuben S. Stone Fund Scholarships here. 16.Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program Funded by the state Office of Student Financial Assistance, the Gilbert Matching Grant Program is given to students in Massachusetts who demonstrate significant financial need. The goal of the grant is to match federal grant funds with state funds, reducing the student loan burden of full-time students attending a school in the state. To be considered, students must submit the FAFSA, maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits, and demonstrate satisfactory academic progress as defined by their college or university's registrar.You can learn more about the ​Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program here. 17.Horatio Alger Massachusetts Scholarship Program A merit-based program for high-achieving students, the Horatio Alger Award is given to at least one student in each of the 50 states. Massachusetts students who wish to qualify for the award should have a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, though a much higher GPA will be given preference in award consideration. The fully renewable award pays out in four or five installments for the duration of a student's undergraduate enrollment and totals up to $7,000 in funds over that time.You can learn more about the ​Horatio Alger Massachusetts Scholarship Program here. 18.Massachusetts Cash Grant Program The Cash Grant Program was established by the state government in Massachusetts to cover the cost of non-tuition-related expenses at public and private universities in the state. The award, which is entirely need-based, is given to students whose financial needs exceeds other state and federal financial aid allowances. The funds can be applied to miscellaneous fees, the cost of textbooks, or the cost differential between tuition at public and private universities within the Bay State.You can learn more about the ​Massachusetts Cash Grant Program here. 19.GFWC of Massachusetts Music Scholarships Also known as the "Nickels for Notes" scholarship, this award is sponsored by the General Federation of Women's Clubs of Massachusetts and open to female students in the state who are studying a music-related field as an undergraduate student at an in-state institution. Qualifying fields of study include voice, music therapy, instrument performance, piano, or music education. The award, applicable only to the cost of tuition, totals $500 and is sent directly to a student's college or university.You can learn more about the ​GFWC of Massachusetts Music Scholarships here. 20.Massachusetts Foster Child Grant Program Children who are considered "alumni" of the Foster Care system often have a harder time affording the cost of higher education. The Foster Child Grant Program, funded by the Massachusetts Office of Student Financial Assistance, is open to all students in the state who have been placed into the custody of the Department of Social Services through a Care and Protection Petition. Eligible students cannot be more than 24 years of age. The $6,000 scholarship is renewable each year as long as students remain eligible.You can learn more about theMassachusetts Foster Child Grant Program here. 21.African-American Achievement Scholarship Open to African-American students who live, work, or attend a college in the Massachusetts counties of Franklin, Hampden, or Hampshire; the African-American Achievement Scholarship is based both on a student's academic merits and overall financial need. The program awards at least $3,000 to several high-achieving African-American students each year, and is offered through the Community Foundation of Massachusetts. Though this scholarship is nonrenewable, past recipients and applicants are both eligible to submit a new application for consideration each academic year.You can learn more about the ​African-American Achievement Scholarship here. 22.Altrusa Club/Camilla C. Pickering Memorial Scholarship Offered to undergraduate students who live in Bristol County, Massachusetts, this award focuses on a combination of academic merit and community involvement in awarding several scholarships each year. The number and amount of these scholarships do vary based on funding. Eligible students should be enrolled at a Massachusetts university, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, and be able to write an essay about their history of community involvement in the county. Demonstrable leadership skills, either in the community or on campus, are also considered when evaluating applicants for the award.You can learn more about the ​Altrusa Club/Camilla C. Pickering Memorial Scholarship here. 23.Alice W. Rooke Scholarship The Rooke Scholarship is offered to female students throughout Massachusetts who are members of the state's chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In addition to qualifying via membership, applicants must also be pursuing an undergraduate program leading to a career in medicine. Notably, this excludes pre-medicine courses of study. Students in biology, nursing, and other programs can still qualify, however. One award of $5,000 is granted annually. Though this scholarship does not renew, previous recipients can apply each year again.You can learn more about the ​Alice W. Rooke Scholarship here. 24.John and Abigail Adams Scholarship Offering a "full ride" scholarship to a handful of highly accomplished Massachusetts students each year, the Adams Scholarship is a fully funded state program that rewards students who rank near the top of their class. To qualify, students must be in the top 25 percent of graduates at their high school, school "proficient" or "advanced" on every section of the MCAS state standardized test, and intend to enroll at a Massachusetts university after their high school graduation. Students must also file the FAFSA annually; male students must be registered for the Selective Service program in order to be considered.You can learn more about the ​John and Abigail Adams Scholarship here. 25.Massachusetts Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program Early childhood education is one area of teaching that suffers from continual shortages of highly qualified professionals in Massachusetts, and that’s a problem that this scholarship intends to solve. The scholarship program is open to any early childhood educator, regardless of education level, who is pursuing their first bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Several $4,500 awards are made each year on a nonrenewable basis. Only educators who enroll at a Massachusetts university are considered for scholarship funds.You can learn more about the ​Massachusetts Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program here. 26.New England Direct Marketing Association Foundation Scholarship For students who are currently majoring in marketing or pursuing a marketing-related concentration at the undergraduate level, the New England Direct Marketing Association offers an annual scholarship program designed to offset the high cost of Bay State tuition. The program offers several scholarships, each of $3,000, to undergraduate students in Massachusetts. As a condition for receiving scholarship funds, students must attend the NEDMA Annual conference and attend an organization-sponsored seminar in direct marketing. The scholarship is non-renewable, but past recipients are eligible to reapply for each year of their undergraduate enrollment.You can learn more about the ​New England Direct Marketing Association Foundation Scholarship here. 27.Rachel Butterworth Dietz Scholarship Open to students throughout the broader New England region of the country; this scholarship program is sponsored by Boston Flower Exchange and generous donors. The program is open to students who intend to enroll in a full-time, fully accredited undergraduate program in floriculture or ornamental horticulture. As part of the application process, students must compose an essay describing their interest in the field and showing an awareness of the industry. A single, $5,000 scholarship is awarded each year on a nonrenewable basis.You can learn more about the ​Rachel Butterworth Dietz Scholarship here. 28.Ralphine McGill-Coons Memorial Scholarship The Boston chapter of Mensa International sponsors this scholarship program for Boston-area students and members of the Mensa International organization. The award is given out annually, of $500, to students who write the best essay about science or medicine. Only applicants who live in Boston Mensa's service area, or intend to enroll in a university within that service area, will be considered for the nonrenewable award. Past recipients cannot reapply for the scholarship in future years.You can learn more about the ​Ralphine McGill-Coons Memorial Scholarship here. 29.Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund The Steven Phillips Memorial Fund was established specifically to help students avoid high levels of student loan debt at the end of an undergraduate degree program. Awards, which are need-based and require submission of a FAFSA Student Aid Report, range from $3,000 to $15,000 on a renewable basis. The program gives preference to applicants from the greater Boston metropolitan area, though applicants are considered as long as they are from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont.You can learn more about the ​Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund here. 30.Sylvia Gafvert Stubblebine Scholarship Worcester County high school seniors are eligible to apply for the Greater Worchester Community Foundation if they intend to study a music-related field as an undergraduate. The program is open to graduating Worcester County high school seniors who plan to attend a Massachusetts university; several awards are issued each year for $1,000, though the number of recipients fluctuates according to program funding. The scholarship does not renew and notably, prior recipients cannot reapply for the award.You can learn more about the​Sylvia Gafvert Stubblebine Scholarship here. 31.Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow Jr. Scholarship Sponsored and funded by the Horticultural Research Institute, the Timothy S., and Palmer W. Bigelow Jr. Scholarship offers a single, $3,000 award each year to students who express an interest in horticulture. Applicants must submit an essay stating their interest in horticulture and their intention to study the field as an undergraduate. Additionally, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a formal application are required. The award does not renew each year, but previous recipients are encouraged to reapply annually.You can learn more about the ​Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow Jr. Scholarship here. 32.Women’s Partnership Scholarship for Women This program focuses on adult women who are continuing their education. Offered exclusively to women in the greater Springfield metropolitan area of Massachusetts by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, applications are open to any woman over 25 years of age. Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate program in Hampden or Hampshire county in Massachusetts, be over 25 years of age, and be returning to school after a break in higher education. Award amounts vary per year and are not renewable.You can learn more about the ​Women’s Partnership Scholarship for Women here. 33.Massachusetts Youth Soccer Student Scholarship Massachusetts Youth Soccer awards a $1,000 scholarship to one male and one female applicant each year. In order to be considered for the scholarship award, applicants must be former members of a youth soccer team affiliated with the organization. Unlike most scholarships, this award is paid only after recipients have completed at least one semester of college at a Massachusetts institution. For this reason, graduating seniors who apply for the program will want to factor the award solely into the budget for their upcoming spring semester as college freshmen.You can learn more about the ​Massachusetts Youth Soccer Student Scholarship here. 34.M. Geneva Gray Scholarship A need-based program for Massachusetts residents, the M. Geneva Gray Scholarship focuses on students whose parents make too much money for the student to earn a full scholarship package, but too little money for the student to fully pay for the cost of their education. Scholarship awards range from $25,000 to $50,000, are renewable, and cover expenses that exceed the student's financial aid package for the duration of their enrollment in an undergraduate degree program. The number of awards does vary each year, based in part on successful funding of the program.You can learn more about the ​M. Geneva Gray Scholarship here. 35.The Karen Jacobs Scholarship Offered by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, this program is open only to students who have been accepted to a professional occupational therapy degree program at the graduate level. Additionally, the applicant must be enrolled in an accredited OTA program in the Bay State. The scholarship requires that students file a formal application, essay, formal transcripts, and letters of recommendation, and issues a single award of between $250 and $500 each year. Though the award does not renew, students can reapply each year.You can learn more about the ​The Karen Jacobs Scholarship here. ​We've worked hard to include a variety of scholarship opportunities within our list. If you have any suggestions on additional scholarships, please feel free to leave them in the comments section.