Options for college scholarships for children of convicted felons?

Navigating the scholarship world can be tough, especially when you’re the child of a convicted felon. Are there particular scholarships or programs out there that support students like me in pursuing higher education?

Assisting people in overcoming the barriers that come up due to past criminal convictions is an integral strategy for helping make our society more equitable. Many scholarships and grants are designed just for that purpose—they help provide financial resources for students facing challenges due to their family’s past.

1. The Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest is open to students of all backgrounds and educational levels. While not specifically for children of incarcerated parents, their essay contest often revolves around topics that allow students to share their unique background and experiences.

2. ScholarCHIPS is a program that grants scholarships to children of incarcerated parents. They focus on providing hope to the family members of individuals who are imprisoned.

3. Appily, formerly known as Cappex, allows you to match your unique background and experiences to potential scholarships. Even if you don’t find specific scholarships directed at children of convicted felons, you can browse through all sorts of opportunities.

In addition to national scholarships, it’s crucial to explore local and regional scholarships as well—these may have less competition, and some small municipalities even offer scholarships specifically for students whose parents have been incarcerated.

Remember, scholarships are just one part of financial aid. You should also file the FAFSA to see if you're eligible for federal grants, work-study, or loans. Colleges and universities also typically have need- and merit-based aid that you can apply for.

With determination and a bit of research, you can absolutely find financial support to continue your education!