The Family Fellowship Scholarship Is Now Open for 2026

The Family Fellowship Scholarship application for 2026 is now open!

📅 Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

If you are a current or former foster youth pursuing a four-year college degree, this scholarship is a unique program designed to help you navigate the world as independent adults.

It offers financial aid, mentorship, and a supportive community designed to help foster youth succeed.

SIGN UP for the Fellowship and other scholarships on our NEW Student Portal!

This Scholarship Is Different from Other Financial Aid

Many scholarships only offer funding. While taking care of financial needs is a large part of higher education, it’s only a small piece of what youth need to succeed.

The Fellowship scholarship was built to help recipients succeed, graduate, and build life-long, sustainable careers. The Family Fellowship offers:

• A family-like environment
• Mentorship and guidance
• Annual retreats
• Housing assistance
• A long-term commitment to our scholars

What Does the Family Fellowship Scholarship Provide?

Award amounts are structured to address financial challenges beyond the full cost of attendance—not just tuition. Funding helps cover things like:

Academic Funding

Up to $12,000 per academic year for up to five years. This may include tuition, books, required fees, and school supplies at an accredited public or nonprofit university.

Housing Support

Monthly housing allowances during the academic term, including summer and winter breaks.

Career and Life Development

Networking, internship preparation, and professional development resources.

Emotional and Social Support

A supportive community that prioritizes personal growth and social well-being, because success in college requires both financial and emotional support.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be 17–24 years of age
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Be accepted into an accredited, Pell-eligible, nonprofit college or university
• Plan to enroll on a full-time basis in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree

Applicants must also have experienced foster care under one of the following circumstances:

• Lived in foster care for at least 12 consecutive months leading up to their 18th birthday
• Adopted or placed in legal guardianship after age 13
• Orphaned for at least one year before age 18

Read more about what the scholarship requires here: fosterlove.com/family-fellowship-scholarship/

Required Documents

Students must submit an online application along with the following through the Foster Love Student Portal:

• Official high school and/or college transcripts
• Proof of foster care status
• Two letters of recommendation
• A 3–5 page personal essay (MLA format)
• A professional headshot photograph

REMEMBER: Documentation must be complete and submitted before the deadline. Missing documentation can delay review.

Can You Combine the Fellowship Scholarship With Other Financial Aid?

Yes. Students are strongly encouraged to apply for federal and state aid, and any other resources that will help them succeed. Family Fellowship funding can be combined with:

• Federal grants
• State financial aid
• Educational and Training Voucher (ETV) programs
• Tuition and fee waivers
• Other private scholarships

This layered approach ensures students maximize all available resources while pursuing higher education.

SAVE THE DATE: Apply Before May 1st!

The Family Fellowship Scholarship funding helps you pay for school, while your mentors help you get through the ups and downs of life. It exists to ensure former foster care youth have access to higher education, academic funding, and a community that believes in them.

Sign up in the Student Portal, and complete your Family Fellowship Scholarship application before May 1, 2026.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of a scholarship program designed not just to fund your education — but to support your success every step of the way!