ScholarCHIPS’ College Scholarship Application

Scholarship Sponsored by ScholarCHIPS

Important note about 2026 funding and your application
- Because of the current economy, reductions in federal support for nonprofits, and changes in some foundations’ funding priorities, ScholarCHIPS cannot guarantee scholarship awards for the incoming 2026 cohort. Despite this uncertainty, if you want to join a growing national community of college-bound young people who have or had incarcerated parents and who are pursuing higher education and careers, you are encouraged to apply.

What selected 2026 cohort members may receive
- A new MacBook laptop.
- If circumstances permit, a trip to Washington, D.C. in the summer to attend the ScholarCHIPS Annual Awards Ceremony.
- A variety of supports and opportunities, which may include virtual and in-person professional development, career planning, financial-literacy workshops, care packages, networking and community-building events, and occasional speaking or media opportunities to share your story and inspire other youth who have incarcerated parents.

ScholarCHIPS overview and non‑discrimination
- ScholarCHIPS (For Children of Incarcerated Parents) awards college scholarships and provides mentoring, mental-health supports, and a robust support network to college-bound graduating high school seniors and current college students who have or have had an incarcerated parent or primary caregiver. We recognize the challenges that having an incarcerated loved one can create. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, or background.

Eligibility requirements
To be considered you must meet all of the following:
- You have or have had a parent or primary caregiver/guardian who is or was incarcerated. Current or prior incarceration qualifies; length of incarceration does not affect eligibility.
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- You are a graduating high school senior or a current college student.

Application deadlines
- The application deadline is March 31, 2026. You are encouraged to apply early.
- NOTE: Completed applications with all required emailed attachments must be received by March 21, 2026. (See “Required attachments” below for details.)

How to apply and application guidance
- Read every part of the application carefully. Do not rush. Applications that are incomplete or submitted hastily will not be considered. Reviewers can tell when answers were rushed, which often results in missing responses and grammatical mistakes.
- Take several days to work through the application and essays. Ask at least one trusted adult (family member, teacher, school counselor, mentor, etc.) to proofread your application and essays before you submit.
- Keep in mind that participation is expected: selected scholars must be willing to take part in virtual and in-person events and to share their story through video testimonials, interviews, or panel appearances if invited by ScholarCHIPS.

Required submission method
- Email your completed materials to: scholarchipsfund@gmail.com

Required documents (MANDATORY)
When emailing your application materials, include the following items. If any documents are not available at the time you apply, indicate that in your email and explain the situation.

1. Application form and personal/background information completed in full (your information will be kept confidential).
2. Two recommendation letters:
- One letter from a teacher, professor, school counselor, or school administrator.
- One letter from a community member — for example, a supervisor at a community service site, a leader at a place of worship, or another non-family community leader who can speak to your character, leadership, and work ethic.
- References must NOT be family members. We prefer letters that are signed by the person who wrote them and that are personalized to describe your unique qualities as a student, volunteer, and community member and explain why the recommender believes you will succeed in college and contribute to the ScholarCHIPS community.
3. Resume and/or “brag sheet.”
4. High school transcript (an unofficial transcript is acceptable).
5. Proof of financial need: the Student Aid Report (SAR) or FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index (SAI) (formerly Expected Family Contribution/EFC). If you have difficulty obtaining this by your application date, state that in your email when you send attachments.
6. Proof of a parent’s or primary caregiver’s incarceration, if available. Examples include a copy of correspondence you mailed to an incarcerated parent; include the parent’s name and prison number if known (this is often publicly available via local jails or the Federal Bureau of Prisons).
7. Copies of any college acceptance letters you have at the time you apply. If selected for an award, you will be asked to provide official proof of enrollment prior to disbursement.

Contact, questions, and next steps
- If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, email scholarchipsfund@gmail.com.
- If ScholarCHIPS would like to interview you, we will contact you directly. Please avoid repeatedly emailing to check the status of your application.
- If your phone number or email address changes after you apply, notify ScholarCHIPS staff with your updated contact information.

Thank you for your interest in ScholarCHIPS. We look forward to receiving thoughtful, complete applications from dedicated students who want to join and contribute to this community.