This FAQ panel answers some common questions regarding the application, selection, and admissions process. Please visit our contact us page for additional information.
Please visit our donations page for individuals and organizations interested in donating and/or contributing to the Together We Rise - Family Fellowship Scholarship.
The Family Fellowship is more than just a scholarship, its family!
There is a two-step process to complete your application.
Step 1 - Complete the online application during the scholarship application window.
Step 2 - Digital documentation will be required to verify your eligibility and complete your application. The following documents must be uploaded to Together We Rise on or before the application deadline:
A secure email containing your personalized upload link will be provided soon after your initial application is submitted. Be sure to review your spam folder for correspondence from Together We Rise as sometimes our emails may be directed there.
For more information on the documents required, please see the Application Process section.
The scholarship application window will open on March 1st, 2022, and conclude on May 27th, 2022. Students can apply anytime within the application window. Once closed, applications will not be accepted until the following year. Please sign up for our newsletter for more information about this scholarship and other Together We Rise programs.
For verification purposes, supporting documentation will be required as part of your application to verify your eligibility. Failure to provide all supporting documentation will result in the disqualification of your application.
A confirmation email will be issued informing you that your application was received. If documentation is missing, a Together We Rise staff will contact you via email.
Up to 15 students are selected annually to participate in the Family Fellowship program.
Scholarship funding will become available in August of the selection year. Please visit the “Scholarship Selection” section for more information.
No, this scholarship is solely reserved for individuals who experienced foster care in the United States. No exceptions will be made.
No, this scholarship is reserved solely for undergraduate college foster care students. No exceptions will be made.
A selection committee is tasked with identifying the most qualified candidates for the scholarship. The committee will analyze and score applicants based on extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership in community service and volunteer work, academic merit, career ambitions, and the application essay. The committee will select the top finalists to participate in a series of scored interviews and the highest scoring applicants will be selected. All applicants agree to accept the decisions as final.
Together We Rise offers the Rapid Response Emergency fund aimed to eliminate barriers that prevent college foster care students from continuing with their college education. To apply, please contact Info@togetherwerise.org for more information.
The Family Fellowship Scholarship is one of many scholarships offered to college foster care students. Please visit our Resources page for more information.
We are diligently working to provide additional resources and programs to the college foster care population. Sign up for our newsletter to hear more about these and other great programs offered by Together We Rise
Applicants must attend an accredited Pell-eligible college, university, or vocational school in the United States on a full-time basis pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational certification. Students attending two-year colleges are eligible to apply if credits are transferable to an accredited four-year college or university. Scholarship funding is not available for for-profit institutions. Students attending Historic Black Colleges & Universities are strongly encouraged to apply.
All recipients may pursue majors of their choice leading to a bachelor's degree. Students pursuing majors in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) are strongly encouraged.
Together We Rise must receive all of the following documents to complete your application:
Documents must be uploaded and received no later than the application deadline. Documents not received within the application window will not be reviewed.
Your most recent high school transcript will be required. Please request a copy of your transcript from your academic advisor or school administrator/registrar. A high school transcript, including all auxiliary documentation, must be uploaded to your application portal. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted as long as they are current and match the information presented in the online application. High school transcripts must be received no later than the application deadline. Documents presented after the deadline will not be accepted and your application will not be reviewed.
Due to the COVID pandemic, some schools may have adopted new software to allow for official transcripts to be sent via email using a secure link. If this is an option at your school, Together We Rise will accept your digital transcripts in this manner. Please contact Together We Rise for instructions on how to email your transcripts.
If the applicant is selected to participate in the interview process, official high school transcripts will be required to verify the applicants academic standing. Official transcripts are presented to a student in a sealed envelope. The seal makes them official. Opened (unofficial) transcripts will not be accepted. Selected applicants will be informed on how to mail the documents at a later time.
If you're currently a college student, an official high school transcript will be required for all applicants. No exceptions will be made. Please contact your school administrator and request an official transcript.
Official college transcripts (if applicable) will be required. Please request a copy of your current transcript from your academic advisor or school administrator/registrar. A college transcript, including all auxiliary documentation, must be uploaded to your application portal. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted as long as they are current and match the information presented in the online application. College transcripts must be received no later than the application deadline. Documents presented after the deadline will not be accepted and your application will not be reviewed
Due to the COVID pandemic, some schools may have adopted new software to allow for official transcripts to be sent via email using a secure link. If this is an option at your school, Together We Rise will accept your digital transcripts in this manner. Please contact Together We Rise for instructions on how to email your transcripts.
If the applicant is selected to participate in the interview process, official college transcripts will be required to verify the applicant's academic standing. Official transcripts are presented to a student in a sealed envelope. The seal makes them official. Opened (unofficial) transcripts will not be accepted. Selected applicants will be informed on how to mail the documents at a later time.
Physical verification of foster care status is required. Documentation may include copies of your ward of the court letter, adoption paperwork, guardianship documentation, verification letter from a social worker or advocate, or court documentation clearly stating your foster care status. Please reach out to Together We Rise if additional clarification is required.
If you are having difficulty securing this information please locate your state's child welfare agency. No exceptions will be made for individuals who were never in foster care or for individuals that cannot secure proof of foster care status.
The application prompt will be distributed via email to all applicants after completing the online application. Please read the prompt carefully and do your best at answering the questions.
The application essay should be written in the style of a personal statement to introduce yourself to the selection committee. We want to know about you; your personal story; your experiences in foster care; your drive and motivation; your interests to pursue higher education; and your personal and professional goals.
Your narrative will be scored using a rubric measuring your ability to fully answer the prompt, ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely, the grammatical merit of the paper, proper MLA formatting, length of essay (essays less than 3 pages or more than 5 pages will be penalized), and relatability to the Family Fellowship program.
Academic integrity is of the utmost importance. It is your responsibility to write your essay and tell your story. Any plagiarized essays will not be accepted and will disqualify you from the application process.
An appropriate photo of the applicant will be required. The photo will be used by the selection committee to identify the applicants during the video interviews and for professional marketing purposes should the student be selected. A photo is required to complete the application but will not be scored as part of the selection process.
The headshot should professionally represent you. The photo must be taken from the shoulders and up, taken with a plain background, taken in the best lighting possible, and must not appear blurry. Avoid adding any filters, stickers, or modifying the image with any 3rd-party software.
For best results, have someone you know take your photo. Find a location with the best lighting, consider taking the photo outside with natural lighting if possible. Adjust the setting on your phone and hold your phone in landscape mode for better image rendering. If you have a friend with a professional camera, ask them to take a professional headshot of you. A selfie will suffice as long as it meets the requirements noted above.
A letter of recommendation is written by someone who can recommend an individual's work or academic performance based on experiences and personal interactions with the individual. A minimum of two (2) Letters of Recommendation are required. Failure to provide two letters will disqualify your application.
Who can you ask for Letters of Recommendation? Mentors, teachers, counselors, advocates, coaches, supervisors, volunteer coordinators, school administrators, program directors, case managers, social workers, community leaders, and others who hold professional positions of high responsibility are eligible to write your letter of recommendation. Letters that are written by yourself, friends, neighbors, foster parents, guardians, or family members will not be accepted.
A copy of your college admissions letter is required. If you are still deciding on which college to attend, please include all college admissions letters you have received thus far. If you have not received an admissions letter, please include your application confirmation letters as proof of your intent to attend college/university. Scholarship award distribution will be held until confirmation of admission is received and verified.
This is an opportunity to tell us about you and leave a great first impression for the selection committee. Tell us anything you would like to share with the selection committee. Most importantly, use this opportunity to express what this scholarship would mean to you?
The selection committee will use the video to gauge your personality and character. Video submission will be optional for all applicants and will not be weighted as part of your application. We strongly encourage everyone to attempt a video submission.
Please contact Together We Rise via email with your request and the information you would like to edit. To avoid creating duplicate applications, please do not submit a new application.
No, but it is highly recommended that all applicants apply for Federal Student Aid. Please visit https://studentaid.gov/ for more information about the application and deadlines for financial aid. It is also recommended that all current and former foster youth identify the state financial benefits offered for transitioning foster youth.
No, standardized test scores will not be required.
Use your current mailing address on your application. If you will be moving please keep us informed of your new address. If you do not have a mailing address, please contact Together We Rise for additional support.
Include any and all information from your last known social worker or social service advocate on your application. Do your best to source this information by contacting your most recent social services office.
Yes, you are welcome to apply as long as you still meet our eligibility requirements.
Yes, applicants with permanent residency status in the United State can apply. Documents stating your residency status will be required for verification purposes.
Proof of citizenship will be required upon finalist selection. Applicants born in the United States will require proof in the form of (1) a U.S. birth certificate, or (2) a US-issued passport, or (3) a US Certificate of Citizenship.
Applicants not born in the United States but who are US Citizens are required to provide proof in the form of (1) a copy of a photo ID from your United States-issued passport which includes your full legal name, or (2) a copy of your citizenship certificate.
Yes! We understand the struggles foster youth experience during high school. The selection committee will take a holistic approach when evaluating each individual.
Yes, the scholarship can assist in getting you to the finish line! Know that funding is only available for your undergraduate degree and is not intended to pay down or pay back any student loans you may have withdrawn.
Yes! Copies of both your official high school and college transcripts will be required. Use your application essay to add context to your academic experiences and what you've done to focus on your educational goals.
Contact the high school campus administrator and request a copy of your official transcripts. If you have moved and cannot collect them yourself, ask your school to mail them directly to Together We Rise.
Request your most recent transcript and provide us that information. If you feel your current semester grades will have an impact on your overall cumulative GPA, include a progress report from your teachers highlighting your current academic standing for review.
There are a few ways to go about that but it will be your responsibility to secure your documents. Start by contacting your social worker's office and requesting proof of foster care. You can ask your guardian for documentation. You can contact your county social services office. Lastly, you can contact your state child welfare offices to secure documentation. Due to the pandemic, most offices may be closed or have limited availability. Be patient but persistent with your request.
Please contact Together We Rise with your supporting documentation. We will assess your foster care status and make a determination thereafter. We ask that you not apply until a Together We Rise staff approves your foster care status.
In most circumstances, students will not be eligible to apply. If you feel you have a special case, please present your supporting documentation to Together We Rise for evaluation. We ask that you not apply until a Together We Rise staff approves your foster care status.
lease contact Together We Rise with your supporting documentation. We will assess your foster care status and make a determination thereafter. We ask that you not apply until a Together We Rise staff approves your foster care status.
Yes. Complete the online application and submit your supporting documents.
Yes, minors can apply with guardians' approval. If selected, funding will be adjusted accordingly until the student's 18th birthday. Know that at no point will funds be distributed to a guardian, family, or anyone besides the student.
In most circumstances, students will not be eligible to apply. If you feel you have a special case, please present your supporting documentation to Together We Rise for evaluation. We ask that you not apply until a Together We Rise staff approves your age eligibility.
No, students who apply for this year's scholarship must be enrolled and attending classes for the fall semester. We would recommend you apply next year when you are prepared to start college.
Yes, the scholarship can assist in getting you to the finish line! Know that funding is only available for your undergraduate degree and is not intended to pay down or pay back any student loans you may have withdrawn.
Your narrative will be scored using a rubric measuring your ability to fully answer the prompt, ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely, the grammatical merit of the paper, proper MLA formatting, length of the essay, and relatability to the Family Fellowship program.
Scores from your personal statement will be tallied alongside your academic merit scores and your letters of recommendation. Students with the highest scores overall will be recommended to partake in our video interviews.
We prefer you find a classmate, a friend, a tutor, or a teacher to support you with the essay review. You can contact Together We Rise if you have questions about the prompt, however, we will not be reviewing any draft essays.
Please visit Purdue Owl or other citing websites for more information about MLA. Formatting will be enforced and essays not written in MLA format will be scored lower, regardless of content. Please follow the formatting instructions carefully.
Personal statement essays make up one-third of your selection score. Please pay very close attention to the prompt, double-check your essay for grammatical errors, review MLA format, and provide a clear and concise essay.
We strongly encourage you to use the full space provided to tell us your story. If you feel comfortable with your essay as is, please submit that to us. If you find yourself not knowing what else to include, seek advice from a peer or an instructor for additional feedback. Essays shorter than 3 pages (not counting title pages) will be penalized when scoring.
We strongly encourage you to keep your essay to no more than 5 full pages, not including your cover page. We will have ample time during the interview process to allow you to elaborate and add more context to your essay. Seek advice from a peer or an instructor to shorten your essay. If you feel comfortable with your essay as is, please submit that to us. Essays longer than 5 pages (not counting title pages) will be penalized when scoring.
They can include anything they feel is applicable and appropriate to this scholarship. They can mention your academic achievements, your leadership development, your community involvement, your professionalism, your maturity and responsibility, and your career aspirations. Letters of recommendation are not more than 1-2 pages in length.
Feel confident in asking professionals that have seen your work or have interacted with you in the past. Think of previous social workers, mentors, advocates, police officers, employers, volunteers, church groups, judges, or others you have interacted with.
If you have requested letters but have not heard back, be patient but persistent. Due to COVID-19, many individuals may be working from home or may not have access to the information they need to process this request. Please reach out to Together We Rise should you have any specific circumstances that prevent you from gathering two letters.
No. Letters written by yourself, friends, neighbors, foster parents, guardians, or family members will not be accepted.
Yes, however, the selection committee will only select and review two letters picked at random. We recommend only submitting your two best recommendations.
Make sure you search for correspondence from Together We Rise or Family Fellowship using your emails search feature. You may also want to check your spam/junk folder as our emails may be diverted to those folders. If you feel you included the wrong email address in your application, please use the Contact Us page and include your current email address.
There are a couple of options. If you have access to a working camera on your cell phone, you can take photos of the full document and upload it using the link. Please make sure you review the image, the image is visible and without blur, and confirm you have captured a full image of the entire page. Photos that are not clear or do not show the full sheet will not be accepted.
Another option is to seek support in scanning those documents at your school, a local library, or with your employer. For a minimal fee, copy centers like Office Depot, Staples, Fedex Office, UPS Store, and others will scan those documents for you.
Please submit your inquiry using the Contact Us page and include a detailed explanation of your ongoing issues. We will respond to your question within 48 hours
Due to the high volume of applicants, email is the best method of contact. Please submit your inquiry on our Contact page. We will respond to your question within 48 hours. Should you need to speak with someone, please submit the electronic inquiry and someone will contact you as soon as possible.
Yes. You will receive an email informing you that we have received your online application. In that email, you will receive the instructions for the physical documents required and your essay prompt. Once your documents have been received and verified, an email will be sent letting you know your application is 100% completed. At this point, no other correspondence will be issued until the selection process has begun.
All notifications will be emailed to the applicants after the deadline, no later than August of the application year. All scholarship selections will be final.
Applicants will be required to submit an online application and verification documentation. Applications missing documents before the deadline will not be reviewed.
From the pool of completed applications, our selection committee will select the top candidates to participate in the first round of video interviews. Students not selected to participate in the video interviews will be notified as early as June 1st.
Finalists will participate in a series of interviews as the selection committee narrows the candidate pool. A final interview will be scheduled to determine the final candidates for this year's Family Fellowship cohort.
Immediately following the selection of new candidates, students will be required to participate in a mandatory orientation and onboarding process before the start of the fall term.
Together We Rise will spend June through August identifying our finalist. Students not selected to continue in the review process will be informed as early as June 1st. Selections will be made before the start of the fall semester.
We encourage all students to visit our resources page to identify other scholarships and opportunities for funding. There are thousands of scholarships available, do not let this discourage you from continuing your education!
Make sure you apply for federal financial aid through the FAFSA website. Identify if your state offers tuition fee waivers for college foster care students. Identify transfer programs at your local community college. Identify college support networks at a state and local level including college campus support groups and nonprofit organizations assisting college foster care students.
Students will be allowed to access their annual allocated funds at the start of the fall semester of the application year. As a member of the Fellowship, students must comply with programs academic expectations and abide by program policy to maintain funding year to year, for up to 5 years or upon graduation with an undergraduate degree. Funding will be distributed to each award recipient at the sole discretion of Together We Rise.
The Family Fellowship Scholarship is not a lump-sum scholarship award nor can applicants request a lump sum award.
No. This award is not a loan and will not require you to repay.
These funds are to be used strictly for education-related expenses which can include tuition; administration fees; room & board including off-campus housing; academic supplies including academic technology; textbooks & access codes; tutoring; wellness services; professional & leadership development; relocation costs; travel to academic, employment, or program events; and other academic-related expenses.
No, recipients are not entitled to receive the full scholarship amount. Recipients will not be allowed to spend-down funding. Annual funding will not transfer over from year to year. Funding is intended to only support college foster care students during their undergraduate studies.
The Family Fellowship's vision is to establish a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to academic success, community leadership, professional development, and personal wellness. Our students dream of changing the world and exploring new horizons, becoming trailblazers for the next generation of college foster youth. The Family Fellowship is more than just a scholarship, it's family!
In addition to the monetary award, recipients receive one-on-one mentoring to navigate through college in preparation for the professional workforce. Recipients are presented with the opportunity to engage with their peers including Fellowship alumni; College foster care students that have built the Fellowships legacy of success, hard work, grit, and determination. Recipients will have the opportunity to apply for internships with partnering companies and participate in annual leadership development events included in our summer and winter retreats, and much more!
Participation, communication, professionalism, and appreciation.
Recipients will be required to participate in a series of orientation workshops that will prepare the students to start the school year on the right foot. Recipients will be required to participate in our annual leadership conferences and organized networking opportunities (all expenses paid).
From time to time, our partners and donors will request updates from our students which will require each recipient to prepare thank you letters and other media. Partners and donors may also present internship opportunities for our students that will require a level of professionalism and preparedness.
Communication will be of utmost importance. Scholars are expected to communicate on a frequent and consistent basis with staff, peers, and alumni. Individuals who put in the effort, time, and care into the Fellowship will receive the most fulfilling experiences.