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.
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
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.
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!
