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Support Starts with Family
The Family Fellowship Scholarship provides current and former foster youth with the financial assistance, mentorship, and guidance they need to succeed in college and beyond. As a Fellow, you’ll join a network of student peers and mentors who celebrate your success and support you as you work toward your Bachelor’s degree.
Are you ready to succeed with guidance every step of the way?
What The Family Fellowship Offers
This is a unique foster care scholarship program that takes a holistic approach, combining financial aid with personal, emotional, and social support. Fellowship scholars become part of a close-knit, family-like community where they can feel empowered to succeed.
Tuition
Up to $12,000 per year for up to five years, funding tuition, books, and essential school supplies.
Career Development
Life-skills support and networking that prepare you for internships, jobs, and long-term career success.
Annual Retreats
Year-round gatherings designed to support your personal growth, emotional well-being, and connection.
Housing Aid
Monthly housing allowances during the academic year, including summer and winter breaks.
Family & Community
A close-knit network offering emotional support, encouragement, and guidance year-round.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications for the Family Fellowship Must:
- Be 18-24 years of age and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Be accepted to an accredited public or nonprofit college or university.
- Plan to be enrolled full-time.
- Be pursuing an undergraduate education Bachelor’s degree
- Hold U.S. citizenship.
They must also have experienced the foster care system under at least one of the following circumstances:
- Lived in public or private foster care for at least 12 consecutive months up to and including your 18th birthday. Adopted or placed in legal guardianship from foster care after age 13. Orphaned for at least one year at the time of your 18th birthday.
- Adopted or placed in legal guardianship from foster care after age 13.
- Orphaned for at least one year at the time of your 18th birthday.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Transcripts, proof of foster care, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation.
Step 2: Apply Online
Submit your application and upload your documents through the Scholarships Portal.
Step 3: Interviews
Selected applicants are invited to speak with our committee to share their story.
Step 4: Stay Updated
Check your email or the Scholarships Portal for application updates!
Meet Students in the Fellowship!
Each scar's a story: of strength, of survival, and resiliency. I've fought hard to turn pain into purpose, translating what I went through in the past into what teaches me for my future. I want to be able to set an example for the next generation, to show them that where you begin doesn't necessarily mean where you'll end up.
"I am currently in my first semester and I’ve really enjoyed the Veterinary Technician program so far. The Vet Tech scholarship has helped take some financial pressure off my back, which has made some big difference. Covering groceries and getting a monthly allowance has given me more breathing room, especially since I juggle both full-time and part-time jobs. When I was struggling, the scholarship helped cover part of my rent, which was a huge relief. Having that support has allowed me to focus more on school and my career instead of constantly stressing about money."
I want to use this scholarship to be able to help out people. The same way that you guys did. The same way you guys provide support, care, and compassion. This scholarship. to me, is the foundation for almost everything I wanted to become.
— Angel
Family Fellowship
I believe I can achieve anything as long as I put my best foot forward and have the hope and faith that I can. I was hoping to find support and mentorship. Being a part of this organization was going to be more for all of us.
— Kimora
Family Fellowship
I don’t know what I could do if I couldn’t get my degree. This is one of the coolest scholarships I’ve ever gotten. I’m so happy resources exist like this for foster kids. I wanted to have a community where people trusted each other. Here, it’s just so nice to see everybody and talk to them about everything.
— Farrah
Family Fellowship
I feel like I’ve gotten close with all the Fellows and I feel like I’ve made great memories. And it’s not even just about the money. It’s like a family, it’s a real family, and they make you feel welcome, they make you feel loved.
— Tyler H.
Family Fellowship
After everything I’ve been through, even though I didn’t have the best past, I can have a great future. Using this scholarship…I can focus on one thing and that’s the future and not surviving through the present.
— Juliana
Family Fellowship
After everything I’ve been through, even though I didn’t have the best past, I can have a great future. Using this scholarship…I can focus on one thing and that’s the future and not surviving through the present.
— Makayla
Family Fellowship
All of the statistics that show that you’re not destined for much in life can go away, that you can be just like all of the other kids that are growing up in better situations. You can be in business, you can be in healthcare, you can do anything you set your mind to. And because of Foster Love, I finally feel that way and I’m so grateful.
— Ruben
Foster Love Trade Scholarship
I was very grateful when I received the scholarship and the first thing that I did was buy tools. I would like to say thank you BrandSource for helping me with my stability and helped me concentrate and get on the Dean’s Honor scholarship
— Shi'ann
Foster Love Trade Scholarship
I was very grateful when I received the scholarship and the first thing that I did was buy tools. I would like to say thank you BrandSource for helping me with my stability and helped me concentrate and get on the Dean’s Honor scholarship
— Shi'ann
Foster Love Trade Scholarship
— Amber
Foster Love Trade Scholarship
— Cadence
Vet Tech Trade Scholar
— Casandra
BrandSource Trade Scholar
Foster Love came in and showed me that I needed to stay in school, so I just stayed in school. Honestly, without Foster Love I would be in another country right now, working in a factory, welding. I don’t want that life. I’d rather be an AG teacher. Never give up. Just keep on pushing. Eventually, the road’s going to open up. Thank you all so much.
— Ernesto
Foster Love Trade Scholarship
Foster Love made all this possible, for students like me, and foster youth who kind of wonder how their life is going to be. And because of kind people like you, I’m able to take steps to make my life better for myself and for the people around me
— Frida
Foster Love Trade Scholarship
Ready to Apply?
Take the first step toward higher education and a brighter future. The Family Fellowship Scholarship is here to support you every step of the way.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to some of the common questions regarding the Family Fellowship, the application process, the selection process, and the general admissions process.
The Fellowship is more than just a scholarship; it’s family!
General Information
The scholarship process is as follows:
Step 1 – Create an account using the Foster Love Scholarships Portal.
Step 2 – Complete the application for the Family Fellowship
Step 3 – Prepare to upload the following verification documents to your Scholarship Portal.
- High School Transcripts
- College Transcript (if applicable)
- Proof of Foster Care Status
- Personal Statement Essay (essay prompt in portal)
- Professional Headshot Photograph
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- College Acceptance Letter(s)
Your application and all required documents must be submitted before the application deadline (see website or portal) and before 12:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on the day of the deadline.
In fairness to those who completed their application on time, we will not accept applications that are late and will not review incomplete applications.
Historically, the Family Fellowship application opens in March and concludes in early May. Please visit the Family Fellowship Website to learn more about our next application window!
Visit the Additional Resources section in the Scholarship Portal to learn more about the other scholarship opportunities and additional resources for transition-aged and college-bound foster youth!
- Applicants must be 18-24 years of age.
- Applicants aged 17 can apply with a guardian’s signature.
- Applicants turning 24 before June 1st of the application year can apply.
- Applicants have been accepted into an accredited public or private nonprofit college in pursuit of an undergraduate bachelor’s degree with the intent to enroll on a full-time basis.
- Applicants must have completed high school or obtained a GED. Graduating high school seniors are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants must hold United States citizenship and must have experienced foster care while living in the United States.
- Applicants must have experienced foster care under these circumstances:
- Lived in public or private foster care for twelve consecutive months before and including the applicant’s eighteenth birthday.
- Was adopted or placed into legal guardianship from foster care after the applicant’s thirteenth birthday.
- Was orphaned for at least one year at the time of the applicant’s eighteenth birthday.
No, this scholarship is solely reserved for individuals who experienced foster care in the United States. No exceptions will be made.
No, this scholarship is reserved solely for undergraduate studies. No exceptions will be made.
The applicant must be accepted into an accredited public or private nonprofit college in pursuit of an undergraduate bachelor’s degree with the intent to enroll on a full-time basis. Individuals attending a two-year community college with the intent to transfer into a 4-year institution to pursue an undergraduate bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply.
Required Documents
- High School Transcripts
- College Transcript (if applicable)
- Proof of Foster Care Status
- Personal Statement Essay
- Professional Headshot Photograph
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- College Acceptance Letter(s)
Your application and all required documents must be submitted before the application deadline (see portal) and before 12:00 pm Pacific Standard Time. Applications provided after the deadline will not be reviewed.
Your most recent High School Transcripts are required to verify your current academic standing. Please request a copy from your academic advisor or school administrator/registrar.
Unofficial transcripts will be accepted as long as they are current and match the information presented in your online application.
If you’re currently a college student, your high school transcripts will be required. Please contact your school administrator and request a copy of your transcript. If you are unable to secure a copy, please reach out to Foster Love for additional guidance.
As applicable, your most recent College Transcripts are required to verify your current academic standing. Most colleges provide students access to transcripts through their student portal. If you require additional support, contact your academic advisor or the school administrator/registrar’s office.
Your documentation must display all courses you have or will be taking, and must display your term and/or cumulative grade point average.
If you are currently enrolled in college, your college transcript can be used as your proof of college enrollment. If you are planning to transfer into another institution, please provide a copy of your admissions letter as proof of enrollment.
Documentation may include copies of your ward of the court letter, adoption paperwork, guardianship documentation, verification letter from a social worker or advocate, or court documentation clearly stating your experience in foster care.
If you are having difficulty securing this information, contact your state’s child welfare agency and your state’s Ombudsman office, which can assist in providing you with that information. Foster Club’s Help Hub is a great resource to help guide you in the right direction.
No exceptions will be made for individuals who were never in foster care or for individuals who cannot secure proof of foster care status. Please reach out if additional clarification is required.
The application prompt will be provided to each applicant when the application process begins. Please read the prompt carefully and do your best at answering the questions.
The personal statement essay is your formal introduction to our selection committee. We want to know about you, your personal story, your experiences in foster care, your drive and motivation, your interest in pursuing higher education, and your personal and professional goals.
Your narrative will be scored using a rubric measuring your ability to fully answer the prompt, ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely, the grammatical merit of the paper, proper formatting, length of essay, and relatability to the Family Fellowship.
Academic integrity is of the utmost importance. All essays will be scanned for plagiarism and AI detection. It is your responsibility to write your essay and tell your story. The use of generative AI to write a paper and any plagiarized essays will disqualify you from the application process.
An appropriate photo of the applicant will be required. The photo will be used to identify applicants during the video interview process and for scholarship announcements, should the applicant be selected. Your photo is required, but will not be scored as part of the selection process.
This photo should professionally represent you. The photo must be taken from the shoulders and up, taken with a plain background, taken in the best lighting possible, and must not appear blurry. Avoid adding any filters, stickers, or modifying the image with any 3rd-party software. A selfie is fine as long as it meets the requirements noted above.
A minimum of Two Letters of Recommendation are required. Failure to provide two letters will disqualify your application.
A letter of recommendation is written by someone who can recommend an individual’s work or academic performance based on experiences and personal interactions with the individual.
Who can you ask for Letters of Recommendation? Mentors, teachers, counselors, advocates, coaches, supervisors, volunteer coordinators, school administrators, program directors, case managers, social workers, community leaders, and others who hold professional positions of high responsibility are eligible to write your letter of recommendation.
Letters that are written by yourself, friends, neighbors, foster parents, guardians, or family members will not be accepted.
A copy of your college admissions letter is required. If you are still deciding on which college to attend, please include all college admissions letters you’ve received thus far. Your college application letters are considered proof of your intent to attend college/university.
If you are currently enrolled in college, your college transcript can be used as your proof of college enrollment. If you are planning to transfer into another institution, please provide a copy of your admissions letter as proof of enrollment.
This is an opportunity to tell us about you and leave a great first impression on the selection committee. Tell us anything you would like to share with the selection committee. Most importantly, use this opportunity to express what this scholarship would mean to you.
The selection committee will use the video to gauge your personality and character. Video submission will be optional for all applicants and will not be weighted as part of your application.
Application Process
Please contact Foster Love through the Contact Us section in your portal and provide a detailed summary of your inquiry. Our team will work to correct the issues on your application.
No, but it is highly recommended that all applicants apply for Federal Student Aid. Please visit https://studentaid.gov/ for more information about the deadlines for financial aid. It is also recommended that all current and former foster youth identify the state financial benefits offered for transitioning foster youth (Chafee Grant, Education Training Voucher-EVT, Independent Living Programs-ILP, Tuition Waivers, etc).
Yes, you are welcome to apply as long as you still meet our eligibility requirements. We strongly encourage you to rewrite your personal statement essay with relevant updates that have occurred since submitting your previous application, and provide updated letters of recommendation.
Yes, applicants with permanent residency status in the United States can apply. Documents stating your residency status will be required for verification purposes.
Proof of citizenship will be required upon finalist selection. Applicants born in the United States will require proof in the form of (1) a U.S. birth certificate, (2) a US-issued passport, or (3) a US Certificate of Citizenship.
Academic Standing & Transcripts
Yes! We understand the struggles foster youth experience during high school. Your personal statement essay is a great place to discuss your academic challenges and how you have overcome those challenges. Our selection committee takes a holistic approach when evaluating each individual.
Yes, the scholarship can assist in getting you to the finish line! Know that funding is only available for your undergraduate degree and is not intended to pay down or pay back any student loans you may have withdrawn. Funds will not extend to post-baccalaureate programs after graduation.
Yes! Use your application essay to add context to your academic experiences and what you’ve done and will continue to do to focus on your educational goals. Know that this scholarship is highly competitive. Use your personal story to create a compelling case in front of our committee members.
Contact the high school campus administrator and request a copy of your transcripts. Transcripts may be unofficial and may be provided digitally to Foster Love. Use the Contact Us section in the portal to reach out with any additional questions you may have.
Request your most recent transcript and provide us with that information. If you feel your current semester grades will have an impact on your overall cumulative GPA, include a progress report from your teachers highlighting your current academic standing for review.
Foster Care Status
Start by contacting your social worker’s office and requesting proof of foster care. You can ask your guardian for documentation. You can contact your county social services office. You can contact your state child welfare offices to secure documentation. Be patient but persistent with your request.
In most circumstances, you will not be eligible. If you feel you have a special case, please present your supporting documentation to Foster Love for evaluation at [email protected]. We ask that you not apply until a staff member approves your foster care experience.
In most circumstances, you will not be eligible. If you feel you have a special case, please present your supporting documentation to Foster Love for evaluation at [email protected]. We ask that you not apply until a staff member approves your foster care experience.
In most circumstances, you will not be eligible. If you feel you have a special case, please present your supporting documentation to Foster Love for evaluation at [email protected]. We ask that you not apply until a staff member approves your foster care experience.
Yes. Complete the online application and submit your supporting documents.
Age Eligibility
Yes, minors can apply with guardians’ approval. If selected, funding will be adjusted accordingly until the student’s 18th birthday. Know that at no point will funds be distributed to a guardian, family member, or anyone besides the student, and only for academic purposes.
In most circumstances, you will not be eligible. If you feel you have a special case, please present your supporting documentation to Foster Love for evaluation at [email protected]. We ask that you not apply until a staff member approves your foster care experience.
No, students who apply for this year’s scholarship must enroll and attend classes for the fall semester. We would recommend you apply next year when you are prepared to start college.
Personal Statement
Your narrative will be scored using a rubric measuring your ability to fully answer the prompt, ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely, the grammatical merit of the paper, proper MLA formatting, length of the essay, and relatability to the Family Fellowship program.
Scores from your personal statement will be tallied alongside your academic merit scores and your letters of recommendation. Students with the highest scores overall will be recommended to partake in our video interviews.
We prefer you find a friend, mentor, tutor, or teacher to support you with the essay review. You can contact Foster Love if you have questions about the prompt; however, in fairness to others, we will not be reviewing any draft essays.
We would prefer your paper be written in MLA format. Please visit Purdue Owl or other citing websites for more information about MLA.
MLA formatting requires a 12-point font, 1-inch margins, page numbers at the top-right of the page, and double-spacing. Your first page should include your name and date on the top-left of the document, followed by a centered title. No cover letter is required.
Personal statement essays make up one-third of your selection score. Please pay very close attention to the prompt, double-check your essay for grammatical errors, review MLA format, and provide a clear and concise essay.
We strongly encourage you to use the full space provided to tell us your story. If you feel comfortable with your essay as is, please submit that to us. If you find yourself not knowing what else to include, seek advice from a peer or an instructor for additional feedback, and make sure you are answering all the questions from the essay prompt instructions. Essays shorter than 3 pages (not counting title pages) will be penalized when scoring.
We strongly encourage you to keep your essay to no more than 5 full pages, not including your cover page. We will have ample time during the interview process to allow you to elaborate and add more context to your essay. Seek advice from a peer or an instructor to shorten your essay. If you feel comfortable with your essay as is, please submit that to us, but know that essays longer than 5 pages will be penalized when scoring.
Letter of Recommendation
They can include anything they feel is applicable and appropriate to this scholarship. They can mention your academic achievements, your leadership, your community involvement, your professionalism, your maturity and responsibility, and your career aspirations. Letters of recommendation are typically not more than 1-2 pages in length.
Feel confident in asking professionals who have seen your work or have interacted with you in the past. Think of previous social workers, mentors, advocates, police officers, employers, volunteers, church groups, judges, or others you have interacted with.
If you have requested letters but have not heard back, be patient but persistent. You might want to ask a 3rd person for a letter as backup. Please reach out to Foster Love should you have any specific circumstances that prevent you from gathering two letters.
No. Letters written by yourself, friends, neighbors, foster parents, guardians, or family members will not be accepted.
Yes, however, the selection committee will only select and review two letters picked at random. We recommend only submitting your two best recommendations.
How to upload documents
Start by logging into the Scholarship Portal. Find the document uploads section, and link the right document to the right section. Be sure your documents are saved in PDF, PNG, JPEG, or JPG format and no more than 25MB in file size.
If you are scanning or photographing documents, please be sure your digital documents are legible, clear, and contain all pages included in the original document. Missing pages or unclear documents could delay your application completion.
A confirmation email will be issued informing you that your application was received. If documentation is missing, a Foster Love staff member will contact you via email.
If you have access to a working camera on your cell phone, you can take photos of the full document and upload them using the link. Make sure you can see the image, and confirm you have captured a full photo of the entire page. Photos that are not clear or do not show the full sheet will not be accepted.
Another option is to seek support in scanning those documents at your school, a local library, or with your employer. For a minimal fee, copy centers like Office Depot, Staples, FedEx Office, UPS Store, and others will scan those documents for you.
Yes, you can complete your application and upload documents at any time. Just make sure you are fully aware of the deadlines and that you are actively working towards completing your application.
Use the Contact Us section in the portal to inform a Foster Love team member about your situation. We will then proceed with the instructions to provide us with your new documents.
Please use the Contact Us section in your Scholarship Portal to submit your inquiry. A team member will provide you with additional instructions on how to upload your documents.
Please use the Contact Us section in your Scholarship Portal to submit your inquiry. A team member will provide you with additional instructions on how to upload your documents.
Scholarship Selection & Award
A selection committee is tasked with identifying the most qualified candidates for the scholarship. The committee will analyze and score applicants based on extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership in community service and volunteer work, academic merit, career ambitions, and the application essay.
The committee will select the top finalists to participate in a series of scored interviews, and the highest-scoring applicants will be selected. All applicants agree to accept the decisions as final.
Foster Love will spend May through July identifying our finalists. Finalist selections will be made before the start of the fall semester.
Students will be allowed to access their annual allocated funds at the start of the fall semester of the application year.
As a member of the Fellowship, students must comply with program academic expectations and abide by program policy to maintain funding year to year, for up to 5 years, or upon graduation with an undergraduate degree, whichever occurs first. Funding will be distributed to each award recipient at the sole discretion of Foster Love.
The Family Fellowship Scholarship is not a lump-sum scholarship award, nor can applicants request a lump-sum award. Scholarships are budgeted at $12,000 per year for up to five years.
No. This award is not a loan and will not require you to repay.
These funds are to be used strictly for education-related expenses, which can include tuition, administration fees, room & board, including off-campus housing; academic supplies, including
academic technology; textbooks & access codes; tutoring; wellness services; professional & leadership development; relocation costs; travel to academic, employment, or program events; and other academic-related expenses related to the scholars education.
No, recipients are not entitled to receive a scholarship payout, and recipients will not be allowed to spend-down funding. Annual funding will not transfer over from year to year. Funding is intended to only support college foster care students during their undergraduate studies.
The vision of the Family Fellowship is to establish a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to academic success, community leadership, professional development, and personal wellness. This scholarship is intended for scholars who dream of changing the world and becoming trailblazers for others to follow in their footsteps. The Fellowship is more than just a scholarship; it’s family!
In addition to the monetary award, recipients receive one-on-one guidance to navigate through college in preparation for the professional workforce. Recipients are presented with the opportunity to engage with their peers who are building up the Fellowship’s legacy of success, hard work, and determination. Recipients will have the opportunity to apply for internships with partnering companies and participate in annual leadership development events included in our winter retreats, and much more!
Participation, communication, professionalism, and appreciation!
Recipients will be required to participate in a series of orientation workshops that will prepare the students to start the school year on the right foot. Recipients will be required to participate in our annual leadership conferences and organized networking opportunities (all expenses paid).
From time to time, our partners and donors will request updates from our students, which will require each recipient to prepare thank-you letters and other media. Partners and donors may also present internship opportunities for our students that will require a level of professionalism and preparedness.
Communication will be of utmost importance. Scholars are expected to communicate on a frequent and consistent basis with staff, peers, and alumni. Individuals who put in the effort, time, and care into the Fellowship will receive the most fulfilling experiences. You will only get out if it what you put into it!
