Being adopted often comes with many obstacles and problems, often starts when the adopted person is still a kid. But once they pass through their teen’s age, there are many scholarships for adopted kids available so that they can pursue good degrees in an accredited college in United States. This should ensure their bright future.
The presence of such financial aid is crucial because statistics have shown that many of these adopted children don’t go to college. In fact, only half of them graduated from high school. Out of those who actually earned their high school diploma, there’s only six percent that continue their education to college.
List of Scholarships for Adopted Kids
In this post you will see our list of available scholarships for adopted kids, which hopefully can boost these kids’ confidence and spirit to pursue higher education:
Horatio Alger Association National Scholarship
Specifically aimed for students facing great problems (including adoption), this is by far the biggest adopted kids scholarship available in United States. Applicants should demonstrate extreme financial need, have an average GPA of at least 2.0, and show good commitment to finish their study.
The application submission deadline is on February 1, and the eligible students will receive a whopping $21,000. Please call (703) 684-9444 or send emails to scholarships@horatioalger.org for more information on this great opportunity.
Casey Family Scholars Program
The Casey Family Scholars Program is a nation-wide program available for eligible foster or ex-foster kids. Those who have been adopted from a foster care after they turned 16, those who have been in a foster care for 12 consecutive months, and those whose parents passed away before their 18th birthday are encouraged to apply.
The amount of scholarship varies, but typically somewhere between $1,500 and $6,000 per year for each selected students. It is also worth noting that the scholarship is preferably given to those receiving the Pell Grant. Usually the deadline for this scholarship ends in March 31st. For more information, please call (571) 203-0270 or visit their website.
Gordon Evans Scholarship
As their utmost respect for the well-known foster parent named Gordon Evans, the National Foster Parent Association provides five scholarships, each worth $1,000, for foster and adoptive children in the United States who are studying full-time as undergraduate students in an accredited college. The deadline for this scholarship ends in March 31, and you can contact them at (253) 683-4246 for further information regarding this opportunity.
Fostering a Future Scholarship Program
The scholarship money is up to $2,500, and the deadline for application is on April 15. The program is by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Children’s Action Network.
The adopted kids should be enrolled in vocational training program, or two or four years of undergraduate education at an accredited institution in the United States. The candidates should be under 21 when he or she applies for this opportunity. Call them at (310) 477-7611 or send emails to caninformation@aol.com for more information.
Carlos Lara and Don Hazel Scholarship Fund
This $1,000 scholarship is available annually for foster and adoptive children who have graduated from high school and is currently attending an accredited college. You need to provide a copy of your high school transcript, college acceptance letter, letters of recommendation, and a short essay. Contact the Texas Foster Family Association for further details at (936) 275-3547. As you may have suggested, this scholarship is available for people in Texas State.
Youth in Foster Care Scholarship
Students who have lived in New Mexico and been in the New Mexico foster care program for at least one year. They must be between 17 and 21 years old. Applicants need to have at least a 2.5 GPA if they are in high school or college. This requirement does not apply to GED holders applying to college.
- Scholarship amount: $1,000
- Application deadline: June 6, 2024
Oregon Chafee Education and Training Grant
Oregon students who are currently in child welfare foster care, were in child welfare foster care for at least 180 days after turning 14 and left foster care at age 16 or older, or were adopted or placed under guardianship after their 13th birthday, with the adoption or guardianship finalized after September 1, 2015.
- Scholarship amount: Up to $2,500, and it is renewable.
- Application deadlines: Fall – August 1, Winter – November 1, Spring – February 1, Summer – May 1
Forward Steps Scholarship
Foster youth from Colorado who want to go to a university in the Denver metro, Longmont, Fort Collins, or Greeley areas.
- Scholarship amount: Up to $3,000.
- Application deadline: Twice a year – May 31 and October 31.
Nicholas & Helena Patti Foundation Scholarship
Students with Italian heritage who plan to major in music or education-related subjects. Preference is available for students who have been in foster care.
- Scholarship amount: Up to $6,500.
- Application deadline: November 1, 2024.
Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program
Undergraduate students in Pennsylvania who are currently in foster care or were discharged or adopted from foster care at or before age 16. Applicants must be under the age of 26.
- Grant amount: $5,000.
- Application deadline: January 31, 2025.
Adoption STAR Academic Scholarship Programs
High school seniors who are adopted or in foster care. Applicants must have a transcript that demonstrates either high performance or improvement over time.
- Scholarship amount: $3,000.
- Application deadline: Rolling.
Casey Family Services Alumni Scholarship
Individuals who have received services from Casey Family Services in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Applicants must be between 16 and 49 years old and starting or attending a post-secondary institution to earn a certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, or a professional degree (PhD’s not eligible).
- Scholarship amount: Up to $10,000.
- Application deadline: Rolling.
Maryland Higher Education Commission Tuition Waiver for Foster Care Recipients
Foster care youth in Maryland under 25 years old who are pursuing an associate, bachelor’s degree, or vocational certificate at a Maryland public college or university.
- Waiver amount: Full tuition waiver.
- Application deadline: Deadlines vary by school, but be sure to complete the FAFSA by June 30 of each year.
Other Scholarships for Adopted Children
There are many scholarships for adopted kids for specific states or cities. For example, there’s the Illinois’ Adoptive Families Today Commemorative Scholarship, Oregon’s DREAM Former Foster Children Scholarship, Vermont’s Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship, the Dorothy and Robert Debolt Scholarship in California, etc.
References:
- Horatio Alger Association National Scholarship – https://scholars.horatioalger.org/
- Foster Care to Success – http://www.fc2success.org/programs/casey-family-scholars/
- Image: edtosavetheworld.com
