The 2007 - 2008 Scholarship Process Is Closed.
Please watch for updates on when to apply for 2009 Scholarships.
Please only contact us when the scholarship process reopens.
Thank you!
The Darko Rapotez Memorial College Scholarship Fund For Aged Out Foster Youth (an initiative of Love Our Children USA) is a scholarship program that has been established to assist exceptional youths who age out of the foster care system who wish to further their education.
This is not just a scholarship, but an opportunity for gifted aged out foster youths who have excelled in school to strive for excellence and the highest achievement.
The program enables these youths to further their studies, allowing them to become independent – to achieve success and give back to their communities. More than just financial assistance – each scholarship recipient will be matched and mentored by a business leader in the community where they are studying throughout their college education, giving them a real hands-on view of the business world. When possible, internships will be offered. It is an investment in their future.
Scholarship recipients will receive financial assistance with college/tuition fees only. This financial assistance will be paid directly to the educational institution where the recipient plans to attend. Books and supplies, housing and transportation costs are not included. Scholarships are available to youths between the ages of 18 to 24 years of age who have aged out of the foster care system.
Scholarships will be awarded to youths who have aged out of the foster care system on the basis of academic excellence and need. Youths from anywhere in the United States, who age out of the foster care system, who were not adopted, and who ordinarily would not be able to afford a college education are eligible and encouraged to submit applications.
Youths must be emancipated or will be graduating from foster care. The scholarship will be available to undergraduate students who have aged out of the foster care system with not less than a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Scholarship recipients will receive up to $5,000 to $10,000 per year or as much as the fund will allow. Students are encouraged to reapply for each academic year.
If you are interested in contributing to the fund, please Click here to make a secure online donation or call 1-888-347-KIDS.
GUIDELINES
Please submit the application in the below order, using paper clips. No staples please.
All parts must be received in one envelope by Will Be Posted When The Scholarship Process Reopens. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Send completed application packages to:
Love Our Children USA
220 East 57 th Street , 9 th Floor – Suite G
New York NY 10022 – 2820
Att: Darko Rapotez Memorial Scholarship Fund
Applications and essays must be postmarked no later than March 10, 2007. Applicants will be notified of the committee's final decision by May 15, 2007. Decisions on funding are made on academic excellence and by need.
Youths between the ages of 18 – 24 must be emancipated or will be graduating from foster care.
Applicants must demonstrate how a scholarship would have a positive effect on their educational goals and future success. They must also demonstrate consistency and excellence in the past year in work, school or other activities.
Applicant finalists will be required to have an initial phone interview and meet in person with the Love Our Children USA Committee prior to approval of funding. Travel costs cannot be paid.
1. Complete and sign the following application form assembled in this order:
2. Attach a resume or a page that includes the following:
- School and extracurricular activities (Include any work experience and internships.)
- Significant achievements
- Academic awards/honors received
- Community service work
3. Attach a 300-750 word personal story describing how events in your life have inspired you to achieve success or to overcome difficulty in the face of living in foster care and any additional obstacles. Explain what has compelled you to pursue a career in your chosen field.
4. Provide two recommendations from a professor, employer and/or advisor. One must be from a professor or advisor.
5. Provide an official transcript from high school/colleges attended and proof of qualifying GPA. Please note that if your school must send your official transcript under separate cover, all materials must arrive on or before the deadline with your name referenced on the outer envelope.
6. Provide verification of acceptance as soon as it is available for the 2007 -2008 academic year to an accredited college or university.
For first year students:
- graduated from high school or have a GED
- maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA overall
- have a well-developed plan for a living location during school year
- have a well-developed plan for budgeting expenses during school year
- have applied for all other financial aid for which they are eligible
For students who have completed at least one-year of college:
- maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA overall and for each semester of enrollment
- have well defined goals for their future
- have applied for all other financial aid for which they are eligible
