New Hampshire Hope Starts Here Scholarship

The NH Coalition to End Homelessness Hope Starts Here Scholarship provides multiple scholarships of financial support to students currently living in NH who have experienced homelessness during their school career, have a desire to continue their education beyond high school, and have demonstrated academic achievement.  Since 2009, the scholarship has helped students who have experienced homelessness achieve their dream of attaining higher education.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Applicant must be under the age of 21 prior to the scholarship due date;
2. Applicant must be residing in NH at the time of applying for the scholarship;
3. Applicant must be actively pursuing post-secondary education;
4. Applicant must be experiencing homelessness or have experienced homelessness at some point during their school career. Parameters on homeless status are defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act (see below).

According to the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act, a person is considered homeless who “lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence.” This includes people living in shelters, cars, motels/hotels, campgrounds, or places not meant for human habitation. The definition includes children and youth who are living with friends or relatives temporarily (doubled-up or sharing the housing of others) because they lack permanent housing.

How may the scholarship be used?

The scholarship can be used to help defray the costs of college or a post-secondary vocational training program.

What are the scholarship deadlines?

Applications for the scholarship are accepted in the spring of each year.