I'm a junior in high school looking into college options, and I'm in foster care. Are there specific scholarships available for foster care youth? I'd love some guidance on where to find scholarships geared toward people like me.
Absolutely, there are several scholarships specifically targeted towards students who have been in the foster care system. You're certainly on the right track in seeking out these opportunities early.
A good starting point for scholarships specific to foster care youth might be The Orphan Foundation of America, which offers the Foster Care to Success Scholarship. This scholarship provides funds for tuition and fees. It requires proof of foster care status and accepts up to 500 new applications each year.
Another scholarship initiative to check out would be the Educational and Training Vouchers for Current and Former Foster Care Youth offered by the Federal Student Aid office. This program provides funding that foster youth can use for their college education or vocational training.
You can also search for scholarships on databases like Appily or Fastweb. Filter your search to target scholarships specifically designed for students from foster care backgrounds.
Moreover, some states have programs that support foster care students entering college. For example, Michigan's Fostering Futures Scholarship and the Chafee Grant in California. Check if your state has similar programs.
Remember, the key to successfully securing scholarships is to apply for as many as possible! Best of luck with your scholarship hunting.
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