Springfield-based MassMutual is expanding its scholarship program to more states, increasing the number of scholarships, and offering internships in the financial services field to winners.

MassMutual is making $135,000 in scholarships available in nine metropolitan areas as part of the program, which is open to minority students.

Applicants for the 27 $5,000 scholarships must meet certain academic criteria, such as having concentrations in the fields of business, economics, finance, financial planning, management, marketing and sales.

"When students tell us that our scholarship program could mean the difference between achieving finishing college and dropping out, we are heartened to know that our efforts are paying off, for them and their families and, ultimately, for our industry and our country. Especially during these tough economic times, we’re immensely proud to be able to expand the program, so more students can benefit from it," said John Chandler, senior vice president & chief marketing officer of MassMutual.

"Our scholarship program is a very important part and symbol of our commitment to diversity and education, and because of it and our other efforts, we’re already making a big difference in the lives of the communities we serve," said Nick Fyntrilakis, assistant vice president of Community Responsibility for MassMutual. "As an industry, we need to attract outstanding multicultural candidates to our field and to make our companies representative of the communities we work in, and our scholarship support can help make that happen."