The price of a college education is on the rise. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the cost of education, fees, and board at public colleges and universities increased by 28% from the 2008-2009 school year to the 2018-2019 school year. After inflation, the cost of college increased by 19 per cent at private nonprofit schools. It may be tough to keep up with the escalating expenditures. If you are applying for a need-based grant, you may be required to complete the FAFSA. Scholarships may help some families bridge the financial difference. They could assist students with unmet financial needs or be merit-based. Scholarships are frequently not repaid by students.
According to Sallie Mae research, 7 out of 10 households (73%) used a scholarship to pay for college in the 2019-2020 school year. 82 per cent of students did so in the 2018-2019 school year. Grants and scholarships were used by 33% of the families. This contributed to their ability to pay for college. They could be used by many students to pay for tuition, books, and other expenses. This could help relieve some financial strain. So, it is a no-brainer that scholarships will be of great assistance for foster kids. Many students who have endured a difficult childhood in the foster care system aspire to earn a college diploma, which is where the top scholarships for youngsters adopted from foster care come into play. University education is costly; these prizes help with tuition, books, and other expenses. That way, kids may keep focused on studying and obtaining the abilities that will help them advance in their careers in the future.
We have put together the top 10 best scholarships for former foster care youth.
1. Family Fellowship
The Family Fellowship, which is sponsored by the Fund ll Foundation and Together We Rise, awards up to $90,000 to foster students. This funding can pay tuition, books, and tutoring for up to five years. The reward also includes a monthly housing stipend, as well as housing during summer vacations to prevent insecurity. Because the foundation recognises the specific obstacles that former foster children face, it also provides mentoring and emotional support to ensure that students feel safe and secure enough to succeed in college. Scholarship awardees receive care packages, outings with other students, and other benefits as part of this programme. This scholarship provides enough funds to get through college without any hassle. The Family Fellowship is made up of scholars from all over the country who attend the country’s top institutions and institutions. The program’s students graduate at a rate of 95%. Many graduates go on to get further professional degrees and find work in their field of study within six months of graduation. Students are given a chance to mentor younger scholars as they progress through the curriculum, enhancing the family nature of the institution.
Provided By: Family Fellowship
Amount: Varies
Education: High School
Deadline: Yet to be Updated
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2. Western Michigan University Foundation Scholarship
The Foundation Scholarship is one opportunity for students considering Western Michigan University to save money. The award is worth $60,000 over four years if the student maintains a 3.0 cumulative GPA and attends full-time each fall and spring semester. Students must also finish 24 credit hours or more per year; this number does not include summer credits or any programs that must be completed. Apply to utilise the WMU Gold Gateway system by February 15; the WMU application must also be filed by this date.
Provided By: Western Michigan University
Amount: 60,000 USD
Education: High School
Deadline: February 15
Apply Now
3. Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans provide a valuable chance for foster children and former foster children who are immigrants or children of immigrants to pursue graduate school. This fellowship provides up to $90,000 to each recipient to fund two years of schooling. The committee evaluates innovation, accomplishment, and devotion to American principles while reviewing applications. Some degrees, including online programmes, dual bachelor’s/programs, master’s overseas programmes, certificates, and post-baccalaureate programmes, are not eligible for this award. Every student must attend a university that is accredited. Every year, this scholarship attracts a lot of applicants; therefore, the earlier you apply, the better.
Provided By: Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Amount: 90,000 USD
Education: High School
Deadline: Yet to be Updated
Apply Now
4. Hendrick Scholarship
The Hendrick Scholarship Foundation awards about 15 students the Hendrick Scholarship each year. This prize is meant to assist students who have faced severe difficulties throughout their youth; applicants must submit an essay outlining their circumstances and the efforts they took to live and prosper. Winners can receive up to $16.500 throughout the length of their college career, with $1,500 every school year if they join Collin College. This money is used to cover the costs of tuition, books, and fees. Hendrick Scholarship recipients also receive tools, assistance with school planning, career counselling and mentoring, as well as training on life skills and personal development. The deadline for applications is March 18.
Provided By: Hendrick Scholarship Foundation
Amount: 1,500 USD
Education: High School
Deadline: March 4
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5. David E. Ballard Living Legacy Scholarship
The David E. Ballard Living Legacy Scholarship offers financial aid to students who have been destitute or in foster care. It’s meant to pave the way for a career in live entertainment, which might entail music, engineering, production, and operations, among other things. This $10,000 award is given in memory of David E. Ballard and is spread out over two or more semesters. Transcripts, a CV, evidence of attendance, and two letters of recommendation are all required as part of the application process. They’ll also have to provide verification of their previous employment status as well as an essay describing their professional objectives. The deadline for applications is March 31.
Provided By: HBCU Connect
Amount: 10,000 USD
Deadline: March 31
Education: High School
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6. UMPS CARE Charities All-Star College Scholarship
The UMPS CARE Charities All-Star College Scholarship is financed by Major League Baseball umpires for children who were acquired later in life. The beneficiary receives up to $10,000 per year, which can be used to fund tuition, books, and other college-related expenditures. Students might receive this award every year for four years if they complete the task given. Students must adhere to the UMPS CARE standards of conduct and maintain communication with the group’s personnel in addition to maintaining a 2.5 GPA or better.
Provided By: UMPS Care
Amount: 10,000 USD
Education: High School
Deadline: Varies
Apply Now
7. Nick and Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship
Every year, the Nicholas and Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship Fund selects one candidate to receive $6,500 from the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. This fellowship was designed with music majors in mind, but it is also open to students from other disciplines of study. The committee examines the applicant’s academic record, leadership skills, musical talent, and involvement in the Italian-American community while evaluating applicants. Applications must be filed by November 1, and winners are eligible to apply the following year again. The scholarship has a number of competitors every year.
Provided By: Nicholas and Helena Patti Foundation
Amount: 6,500 USD
Education: High School
Deadline: Yet to be Updated
Apply Now
8. Iris-Samuel Rothman Scholarship
The Iris-Samuel Rothman Scholarship is one option for young men who have lost both of their parents to help pay for college in New England. The amount of the award fluctuates from year to year, although it normally ranges between $500 and $5,000. The It’s Who’s On The Bus That Counts nonprofit organisation manages this fund. The application is straightforward; applicants just only respond to nine questions regarding their personal situations and write a brief essay about themselves. You can register at any time, but please remember that the organisation only notifies winners 60 days after the deadline.
Provided By: Iris Samuel Rothman Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Education: High School
Deadline: Open
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9. Vermont John H. Chafee Education and Training Scholarship
The Vermont John H. Chafee Education and Training Scholarship provide up to $5,000 to students who have been in foster care to cover tuition, fees, room and board, living expenses, and books. Please remember that by reducing the estimated family commitment and other aid from the cost of attendance, this scholarship considers the student’s college needs. The majority of beneficiaries receive between $1,000 and $3,000 in aid. Plan to submit the FAFSA, a Vermont Grant Application, and a Unified Scholarship Application as part of your application. The federal government is funding this scholarship.
Provided By: The Federal Government
Amount: 5000 USD
Education: High School
Deadline: Varies
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10. Pinnacol Foundation Scholarship
The Pinnacol Foundation gives financial assistance to students who have lost or been injured while working at a Colorado-based corporation. The annual amount fluctuates, but it typically ranges from $4,700 to $4,800. This money can only be used to cover the costs of attending an approved college or university. Students must submit an application, transcripts, the FAFSA Student Aid Report, a personal essay, and information on personal experiences in order to be considered. In addition, documentation of the parent’s injuries or death is required by the foundation.
Provided By: Pinnacol Foundation
Amount: 4,700 USD
Education: High School
Deadline: February 15
Apply Now
