ScholarCHIPS’ College Scholarship Application

ScholarCHIPS is the only organization in the DC region that works to achieve the following mission: provide college scholarships, mentorship, mental health supports, and a robust support network for children of incarcerated parents, inspiring them to complete their college education.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

Please review the requirements below to ensure that you qualify.

The applicant:

• Must be a graduating high school senior with plans to pursue higher education (including an accredited four-year college or university, community college, technical or vocational school), or already a college student
• Must be personally affected by having an incarcerated parent(s) or an immediate family member(s) in prison who has served as the applicant’s primary caregiver
• Must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 (cumulative) or higher
• You can live anywhere within the United States to apply; however, must be willing to travel (expenses paid) to Washington, DC or another state for the Annual Awards Ceremony
• May be living on his or her own (independently) and/or have children of his or her own. This is not a requirement, but if one of these applies to you, you are still eligible to apply.
• Submit your completed application and email us all required documentation to scholarchipsfund@gmail.com
• Must be willing to participate in a combination of online/virtual and in-person events hosted by ScholarCHIPS, at least two per year, to be eligible and willing to sign a media release form
• If you have any questions, please email us at scholarchipsfund@gmail.com

NOTE: We welcome you to apply whether your parent or other immediate family primary caregiver is currently incarcerated or was formerly incarcerated. We recognize that each person’s time served will vary. You will have the opportunity to explain how their incarceration has had an impact on you in the essay portion of the application.

Scholarship Application Requirements

• Completed ScholarCHIPS Application
• Current resume or brag sheet
• An unofficial or official high school transcript (including senior year report card when available)
• Two (2) recommendation letters from the following:
  • One (1) high school official (teacher, counselor, principal or school administrator) who is familiar with the applicant’s academic history, leadership, commitment to learning and ability to matriculate through college
  • One (1) community member (i.e. community service or job site supervisor, mentor from a place fo worship/church) who is familiar with the applicant’s good citizenship, community involvement, leadership and character
• Proof of financial need (i.e., copy of FAFSA/SAR report)
• Proof of parent’s or immediate family member’s incarceration (includes incarcerated relative’s name, prison name, prison identification/register number and/or a copy of the Inmate Locator website page, if available, for each inmate)
• Proof of college enrollment (at least half-time) will be requested by the Application Review Committee before award funds are disbursed
• If you have any questions please email us at scholarchipsfund@gmail.com