For The ONE Scholarship Fund

Every year, approximately 20,000 children in the U.S. age out of foster care. Entering adulthood is challenging for any young adult, but for those leaving foster care, the transition can be especially difficult without a strong community or support system. A year after I left foster care and began college, my school lost financial aid for housing when it was forced to close for legal reasons. Suddenly, I was scrambling to secure a place to live while balancing classes and working multiple jobs. While scholarships exist for students with foster care experience, the reality is that navigating bills, responsibilities, and unexpected setbacks often creates a high-stress, no-margin-for-error environment. Too often, this forces students to give up their education just to afford housing, food, and basic necessities. The purpose of this scholarship is to partner with the community to provide relief and stability for students aging out of foster care, helping them pursue education without the constant fear of losing their foundation.