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Scholarships for Adoptees and Foster Youth2022-07-11T14:18:35-04:00

Scholarships for Adoptees and Foster Youth

A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, it’s worth applying for, because it’ll help reduce the cost of your education.

While some scholarships for college are merit-based awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest and other scholarships are based on financial need, many scholarships are geared toward particular groups of people. 

Below you will find scholarship opportunities geared specifically towards those youths who are adopted, spent time in foster care or come from a kinship family background.  There will also be some scholarships offered due to race, ethnicity and other populations that often directly intersect with child welfare.

    Questions to Ask:

    1. Did your student spend any time in foster care? Age matters!! Was your child adopted out of the foster care system at age 13 or older? Were they adopted at the age of 16 or older? Did they leave the system at age 14 or older for guardianship? There are scholarships for applicants who are adopted and/or who were ever a part of the foster care system.
    2. Was your student adopted outside of the US? There are general scholarships for intercountry adoptees, as well as, scholarships specific to the youth’s country of origin.

     

      NYS Post-Secondary Financial Resources for Foster, Adoptive, and Guardianship Youth | AFFCNYACCESS THE ENTIRE NYS Post-Secondary Financial Resources for Foster, Adoptive, and Guardianship Youth GUIDE!

      While there are many resources and guides created to assist parents in the overall general process, the Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York has additional information, guides geared specifically towards those youths who are adopted, spent time in foster care or come from a kinship family background.

      Scholarship Tips

      What to Look Out For:

       

       

      Click on the title of the scholarship information boxes below to go directly to their site for more information about each opportunity.  

      National and State Financial Aid

      Excelsior Scholarship Program

      • “New York’s tuition-free degree program, the Excelsior Scholarship, requires participating students to be enrolled at a SUNY or CUNY two or four-year college full-time. Applicant must have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less”
      • Covers any remaining gap in tuition expenses, after other federal and state grants and scholarships are applied, up to $5,500.
      •  The Excelsior Scholarship applies to tuition only and does not cover the other costs of college. After graduation, you must live and be employed (if working) in NY for the number of years you received the scholarship.
      • In order to apply, students must:

        • Be residents of New York State
        • Attend a SUNY or CUNY two- or four-year degree program
        • Take 30 credits per calendar year (including January and Summer sessions)
        • Plan to live and work in New York following graduation for the length of time they participate in the scholarship program

         

      Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

      • “TAP, New York’s largest grant program, helps eligible New York residents attending in-state post-secondary institutions pay for tuition. TAP grants are based on the both the applicant’s and their family’s New York State taxable income”
      • Attending college part-time? Part-time TAP helps eligible New York residents attending in-state postsecondary institutions on a part-time basis pay for tuition.
      • The easiest way to apply for TAP is through the FAFSA.
      • An annual TAP award can be up to $5,665.

      FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid

      • The most vital step in applying for federal grants, work-study, and loans for college is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.

      • Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school.

      • If you were adopted, previously or currently in foster care, or are currently living in a guardianship arrangement with someone other than your parent or stepparent, pay close attention to questions 52-54.

       

      CUNY ASAP and ACE Opportunities

      CUNY Accelerate, Complete, and Engage (ACE)

      • Comprehensive academic support program designed to help students complete their academic journey to a bachelor’s degree on time. ACE provides intensive academic advisement, career development, tuition scholarships, textbooks, and transportation assistance.

      CUNY Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP)

      • Providing students with the academic, social, and financial support needed to graduate with an associate degree in no more than three years.
      • Financial incentives include tuition and fee gap scholarships for financial aid-eligible students who have a gap between their financial aid award and tuition, assistance to reduce (or eliminate) the cost of textbooks, and unlimited MetroCards for all ASAP students.

      BNY Mellon Scholarship

      • Intended for CUNY ASAP graduates pursuing their bachelor’s degree at a CUNY senior college in a STEM or Business field. This two-year scholarship is renewable annually, subject to eligibility.
      • Receive up to $1,500 per semester to cover tuition, fees, and books after all financial aid has been applied.

       

      Scholarships for Foster Care Youth

      AGE IS A MAJOR FACTOR in determining eligibility for certain scholarships and opportunities for former and current foster youth (especially the age when placed in foster care and the age when adopted (if applicable).

      Included below are two examples of how age impacts eligibility:

      1) Recall Q. 52 on the FAFSA: At any time since you turned 13, were both of your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?

        • A student who said “Yes” to this question would be considered independent on the FAFSA. This student would be eligible for more financial aid because they would not include their family’s financial information.

      2) Education Training Voucher (ETV): If you were adopted after you turned 16 -or- if you left the foster care system after you turned 14 and were placed in a guardianship arrangement, you could be eligible for ETV assistance.

      All-Star College Scholarship

      • The All-Star Scholarship is open to incoming college freshmen under 20-years-old who were adopted at or after the age of 13 (or who have exited foster care to permanent guardianship) to provide increased opportunities for advanced education.
      • Award: One student will be chosen to receive up to $10,000 annually to go towards tuition, books, and other college-related expenses.

      CUNY ASAP- ACE Foster Care Initiative

      • Eligible for added support if you are 17-25, currently or were formerly in foster care, and enrolled or on track to joining ASAP | ACE.
      • Includes:
        • Assistance with CUNY admissions, financial aid completion, and registration in ASAP | ACE
        • One-on-one support on your road to success in college
        • Tuition and fee gap scholarships (Admissions, CUNY Start, and Math Start)
        • Intersession tuition assistance (Free summer and winter courses)
        • Full coverage of MetroCards (Replacement MetroCards)
        • Full coverage of all textbooks
        • Link to paid summer employment opportunities
        • Link to free year-round on-campus housing

      David E. Ballard Scholarship (Music Forward Foundation)

      • “This scholarship supports youth who have experienced homelessness (within the last 4 years) and/or have been part of the foster care system (any time after the age of 16) and who are pursuing a career in live entertainment. Field of study may include (but is not limited to) live event operations, production, music engineering, music business management, customer service, hospitality and/or other related fields.”
      • 2022 Award: This award will be paid directly to a qualified educational institution in two equal payments of $5,000, distributed across at least two academic semesters.

      Education Training Voucher (ETV)

      • Provides post-secondary education financial aid and support to youth who are leaving foster care.
      • Youth who are adopted from the foster care system at 16 or older who are in college or at an accredited vocational or technical training program. This also applies to youth in kinship guardianship.
      • If approved, ETV can pay the following expenses (listed in order of priority):
        • Tuition
        • Balances due at school
        • On-campus room and board
        • Meal cards
        • Books and school supplies (such as uniforms, tools, and equipment)
        • One computer package
        • Federal Student Loans
        • Study abroad through qualifying schools
      • NYS Contact: Kerri Barber, Director of Education and Transitional Support Services
        • ADMIN@ETV-NYS.com
        • Phone: (518)474-9462
        • 52 Washington Street, Room 338 North, Rensselaer, NY 12144
      • Grant Amount: Up to $5,000 per year for up to five years or until the state’s age limit. ETV funds can be combined with other grants and scholarships to minimize or eliminate the need for student loans. You MUST reapply each year!

      Foster Care to Success Sponsored Scholarships

      • This program is funded by organizations, individuals, and families across the country, to help fund foster youths’ postsecondary education so they can achieve brighter futures.
      • Have been in public or private foster care for the 12 consecutive months leading up to and including their 18th birthday; OR have been adopted or placed into legal guardianship after their 16th birthday; OR have been orphaned for at least one year at the time of their 18th birthday and not subsequently adopted
      • 2022 Award:
        • $1,500 provides books and supplies for one student for one year
        • $2,500 helps a community college student attend classes for one year
        • $5,000 helps a university student attend classes for one year
      • Academic Success Program (ASP)*:
      • Trained volunteer coaches provide encouragement and guidance to college-bound foster youth by helping them do well academically and personally.

      Foster Youth College Success Initiative (FYCSI)

      • Specifically for students who have experienced foster care or are eligible orphans. FYCSI funding can be used towards supporting the cost of attending college, including housing and meals.
      • Eligibility: Current NYS resident who spent time in foster care at any time after their 13th birthday, or is an orphan, is eligible for funding. Including:
        • Adopted from foster care after 13th birthday
        • Living with a relative or kin under a kinship foster care agreement
        • Aged out of foster care
        • Were in foster care in another state, but meet the opportunity program residency requirements (a NY resident for at least 1 year or received a HS diploma in NY)
      • FYCSI funds may be used by eligible students who are matriculated at a State University of New York (SUNY) college or university, City College of New York (CUNY) college or university, or an Independent/Private college or university which also hosts a Higher Education Opportunities Program (HEOP). Funds will be directed to the respective campus financial aid office.

      Hannah’s Community Foster Care Forward Scholarship

      • Open to youth (17-25 years old) who have aged out (or will eventually age out) of the foster care system. Must be planning to pursue a certification in the healthcare field (CNA, EMT, RBT, EKG Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Office Administration, etc).
      • 2022 Award: $500

      International Student Foundation

      • For full-time undergraduate or trade school students (under 24-years-old) who have aged out or will soon age out of foster care
      • Paired with a mentor who will be your life and leadership coach, help support you in life decisions, and help you work through college and future planning.
      • Required: Documentation confirming your status in foster care or as a ward of the state prior to 18 years of age.
      • 2022 Award: n/a

      New Yorkers for Children

      • We work to enroll older and aged out of care youth in college, support them through graduation, and help them gain the skills needed to enter the workforce. Providing direct academic scholarship programs, innovative pilots, youth development events, wraparound supports, and emergency funding as needed.
      • Five Scholarships/Programs Offered:
          • Back to School Package Program – NYC Foster Care Youth
          • The Nicholas Scoppetta Scholarship Program – Foster Care Youth Attending Post-Secondary Programs
          • The Spirit Award – Youth Who Have Achieved Academic Success
          • The Financial Empowerment Fund – Ease Financial Burden for Youth
          • Emergency Funds – Two (2) Emergency Grants For Youth in the Following Categories:
            • Aged out of NYC foster care (18-26 years old) and are not currently enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program. ONLY available for residents of Queens or served by Queens agency
            • Aged out of NYC foster care (18-26 years old) and are currently enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program 

      Together We Rise: Family Fellowship

      • “The main objective of our Family Fellowship Program is to offer family-like financial and emotional support to college-bound current or former foster youth. Together We Rise creates a support system that provides each of our Fellows with academic resources such as tuition assistance, professional development opportunities, academic essentials, care packages, student engagement retreats, and much more.”
      • Foster Care Eligibility:
        • Must have lived in public or private foster care for 12-consecutive months leading up to and including the 18th birthday, OR
        • Was adopted or placed into legal guardianship from foster care after the 13th birthday, OR
        • Was orphaned for at least 1-year at the time of the recipient’s 18th birthday.
      • 2022 Award: $12,000 per year for up to five years.

      Scholarships for Adoptees

      As a domestic adoptee, born and adopted in the USA,  if you spent any period of time in foster care or were adopted from foster care, please review Scholarships for Foster Care Youth. You may be eligible for a number of these scholarships or support programs!

       

      Adoption STAR Academic Scholarship Program

      • “Through its academic scholarship program, Adoption STAR recognizes college bound individuals who were adopted [or who are in foster care] by providing academic scholarships.”
      • 2022 Award: $3,000

      Holt’s Adoptee Scholarship Contest

      • Applicants are encouraged to creatively respond to an adoption-related prompt (self-portraits, essays, digital art, songs, etc).
      • *Information and prompt released on their website in early June*
      • 2021 Award: Three adoptees (from any agency, domestic or international) will win $500 each toward any university, trade school, technical training program or other eligible educational pursuits.

      Scholarships for Intercountry (International) Adoptees

      Intercounty or International Adoptees can have additional opportunities based on their heritage or ethnicity that can also be explored:

      Also-Known-As Adoptee Excellence Scholarship

      • Awarded to “Graduating HS senior and current undergraduate international adoptees who demonstrate the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and civic engagement. We seek candidates who have used their adoption story and formative youth experiences to lead, serve, and pursue a life of purpose and significance, both individually and for their communities.”
      • 2022 Award: One-time $1,500 scholarship to support full-time study at an accredited institution. 

      Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption (FRUA) Scholarships

      • “FRUA offers 3 scholarships to celebrate the unique needs of our students, most of whom have dealt with significant challenges in their early life and beyond and have demonstrated remarkable resiliency and fortitude in shaping their futures.” *Please go directly to their website for more information on how to apply*
        • Dina Brown High School Senior Scholarship – Support an academically high-performing student with a strong commitment to community ($1,200)
        • Continuing College Student Scholarship – Students continuing their work in a post-secondary college-level program ($650)
        • Vocational and Arts Scholarship – Students pursuing post-secondary education in the vocational and arts fields ($650)
      • Must be a member to access the application ($10 annual)
      • Open for students adopted from Russia, Ukraine, & 32 former Soviet Bloc countries

      Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF)

      • Requirements: Must be of Korean heritage (i.e., have a Korean parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, or be adopted from Korea), anticipate/be a full-time student, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and can demonstrate a need for financial assistance.
      • KASF is organized into seven regions and the scholarship application process is handled separately by each region. IMPORTANT: Please select the state where the school you will be attending during the scholarship year is located for the proper instructions on submitting your application.
      • Scholarships are available for HS, Undergraduate, and Graduate students.
      • Awards range from $500 to $5,000

       

      The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholars

      • “Our vision is to see that all Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have access to higher education and resources that cultivate their academic, personal and professional success regardless of their ethnicity, national origin or financial means.”
      • Eligible for students of Asian and/or Pacific Islander ethnicity as defined by the U.S. Census
      • Scholarship Opportunities:
        • Asian & Pacific Islander Scholarship Program-
          • Scholarship awards range from one-time $2,500 awards to multi-year $20,000 awards.
        • The Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) Scholarship Program-
          • The AANAPISI Scholarship is available annually to students attending APIA Scholars AANAPISI partner campuses
            • Two (2) NYS campuses– Hunter College and CUNY Queens College
          • Awards range from one-time $2,500 awards to multi-year $5,000 awards.

       

      Ukrainian National Scholarships and Awards

      • The Ukrainian National Association offers a variety of scholarship and award options for its student members pursuing higher education.
      • Required: Be an active, premium-paying UNA member for at least two years by June 1 of the filing year. Have a policy valued at a minimum of $5,000 during the last two years (Term Life policies excluded).
      • These scholarships and awards include:
        • UNA Heritage Scholarships funded by the UNA ($1,000 each)
        • UNA Special Scholarships funded by specific benefactors:
          • Joseph and Dora Galandiuk Scholarship ($2,000)
          • Dmytro & Slava Jarosewycz Memorial Scholarship ($1,000)
          • Maria and Taras Slevinsky Scholarship ($1,000)
          • Vera Stangl Scholarship ($750)
          • Joseph Wolk Scholarship ($750)
          • Demidenko scholarship ($500)

       

      More Scholarship Opportunities:

      EEqual Scholarship Awards Program

      • “This scholarship is for students (ages 16-23) who are currently struggling with homelessness (McKinney-Vento), poverty, or a family in transition and are also dedicated and motivated to pursue higher education. This is a need-based scholarship.”
      • 2022 Award: This scholarship covers tuition costs, up to $8,000. Selected scholars will also be paired with a mentor who will guide them through their years in higher education.

      *Please go directly to their website for more information on how to apply*

      Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs

      • Assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. Administers offer 70+ scholarships within the following categories:
        • State Scholarships- full-time high school junior ($10,000 each)
        • Career & Technical Scholarships- completed high school ($2,500 each)
        • Targeted Scholarships- high school senior (various opportunities)
        • National Scholarships- full-time high school junior ($25,000 each)

      OEDb; College Scholarship and Grant Database

      Search through  Open Education Database’s (OEDb) directory of scholarships for financial aid opportunities. Included are:

      Rewritten

      • Applicants who are Christ-centered and either a high school senior or recent high school graduate (within 3 years) who come from a fatherless home and/or underserved community. Plan to pursue higher education at either a college, trade school or apprenticeship.
      • 2022 Award: In the range of $500 up to $5,000 for the school year. Awarded scholarships will be made directly to higher education institutions or apprenticeship sites and disbursements will be split evenly between semesters/quarters.

      The Quell Foundation

      • “We believe education is key to understanding, supporting, and generating awareness of the mental health issues millions of people face today. We offer four awards…”
        • Survivor – High school seniors or current undergraduate/graduate students who have experienced the devastating loss of a parent, caregiver, or sibling to suicide
        • Fighter – High school senior or a current undergraduate/graduate student being treated for a diagnosed mental health condition.
        • Fighter Student-Athlete – High school senior or a current undergraduate/graduate student-athlete being treated for a diagnosed mental health condition.
        • Bridge the Gap – Juniors and seniors in college or graduate students pursuing a degree in psychology, social work, or other fields of study related to the provision of mental health services.

      If you know of any Federal or NYS-based scholarship for adoptees, foster, or guardianship youth please let us know so we can add it to this ever-growing list!

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