Exclusive Scholarships for Adopted Children to Apply for in 2025
August 25, 2025
Elise
Dror LiebenthalThe Best Scholarships for Adopted Children with Upcoming Deadlines
Jose Montanez Memorial Scholarship
Funded byThe Berndt FamilyAmount
$1,000Deadline
Apr 15, 2026Education Level
AnyThis scholarship will support high school seniors in PA and NY who were in the foster care system as they go on to pursue undergraduate or trade school.- Future Educational Plans: Undergraduate or trade school after high school
- Preference To: Students from the foster care system and/or studying music, arts, etc.
- Education Level: High school senior
- State: PA or NY
1A Heroes Family Scholarship
Funded byFirst Responders Family FoundationAmount
$1,000Deadline
Mar 30, 2026Education Level
AnyAs one small way to help the families of first responders, the A Heroes Family Scholarship exists to provide financial support for a student who has lost a parent/guardian or spouse to an on-duty tragedy of a first responder.- Education Level: High school senior or above
- Background: Lost a parent/guardian or spouse in the line of duty including those in law-enforcement, fire, or military
2GUTS- Olivia Rodrigo Fan Scholarship
Funded byBold.orgAmount
$500Deadline
Only 5 days left!Education Level
AnyThis scholarship is perfect for students who have been impacted by Olivia Rodrigo's "Guts" album!All students are eligible3Thomas Griffin Wilson Memorial Scholarship
Funded byWilson FamilyAmount
$15,000Deadline
Jul 06, 2025Education Level
AnyThis scholarship seeks to uplift underserved youth who otherwise might not have a chance to pursue higher education.- Education Level: High school senior or Undergraduate
- State: California or Oregon
- GPA: 2.7 minimum (high school)
- Background: Financial need and/or experience with the foster care system
Scholarship is awarded to
3 winners4Adoptee Scholarship
Funded byNathan TrailAmount
$1,250Deadline
Feb 01, 2023Education Level
AnyThis scholarship seeks to support adoptees as they prepare to pursue higher education so they have all of the resources necessary to achieve their goals.- Education Level: Two or four-year undergraduate student
- Background: Adopted
Scholarship is awarded to
0 winners5Adopted Students Scholarship
Funded byBold.orgAmount
$3,000Deadline
Nov 20, 2020Education Level
AnyThe Adopted Students Scholarship will celebrate and elevate an adopted member of the Bold.org platform in celebration of National Adoption Day.All students are eligibleScholarship is awarded to
0 winners6Ashley M. Lopez Foster Care Scholarship
Funded byJennifer CarlAmount
$500Deadline
Dec 14, 2021Education Level
AnyThis scholarship exists to help students who have been impacted by an experience in the foster care system.- Living Status: Lived or is currently living in a foster home
- Year in HS (if applicable): Senior
Scholarship is awarded to
1 winner7LA Kids for Change Scholarship
Funded byLA Kids For ChangeAmount
$1,000Deadline
May 26, 2022Education Level
AnyThis scholarship seeks to support students who have experienced the foster care system on their journey to higher education.- Education Level: High school juniors, seniors, or first-year undergraduates
- Background: In or recently out of the foster care system
Scholarship is awarded to
2 winners8Forever Sisters - Olivia Jansen Memorial Scholarship
Funded byKurtzmanAmount
$1,500Deadline
Aug 01, 2022Education Level
AnyThis scholarship will support students who are planning to pursue a career in helping abused children.- Education Level: High school
- Career Plan: Helping abused children
- Education Level: Undergraduate
- Education Level: Graduate
Scholarship is awarded to
1 winner9Lee Avenatti Memorial Scholarship
Funded byHeartland Healing Counseling & ConsultationAmount
$2,500Deadline
Aug 01, 2022Education Level
AnyThis scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Lee Avenatti by supporting students with a history of time spent in group homes or foster care.- Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
- Identity: LGBTQ+
- Background: Has spent time in a group home or foster care
Scholarship is awarded to
1 winner10Camryn Dwyer Foster Youth Scholarship
Funded byKristy CrowlAmount
$1,750Deadline
May 15, 2023Education Level
AnyThis scholarshop supports high school seniors and undergradute students who have been in foster care at some point in their lives.- Education level: Undergraduate or High School Senior
- Background: Experience in the Foster Care system
Scholarship is awarded to
1 winner11Hannah’s Community Foster Care Forward Scholarship
Funded byHannah PfisterAmount
$500Deadline
Jul 01, 2023Education Level
AnyThis scholarship is designed to help even the playing field for foster kids moving into the workforce. It’s time we invested in and supported foster kids' future endeavors.- Background: Currently in or have aged out of the foster care system
Scholarship is awarded to
1 winner12
Frequently Asked Questions
You can begin applying for scholarships as soon are you're in high school and at least fourteen years old. Some high school scholarships are only open to high school seniors preparing to graduate and attend college, but there are also plenty of scholarship opportunities that are open to all high school students, even freshmen! The earlier you begin applying for scholarships, the more time you'll give yourself to win funding for your college degree. If you need considerable financial assistance to afford college, you should start applying for support services as soon as possible so you can earn all the financial aid you need in order to avoid student debt.
In general, scholarships are not counted as income. However, there are some specific requirements that a scholarship must meet for this to be the case. Check out additional resources like the IRS page on scholarships to check on the status of your scholarship.
Some scholarships may require proof of adoption as part of the application process. This could include legal documents or a statement from the adoptive parents. Check the specific requirements for each scholarship.