We are honored to welcome our 2025 Scholarship Cohort—a remarkable group of young people who have overcome significant challenges and are now pursuing their dreams in college, trade programs, and technical certifications. These scholarships are more than financial awards—they are a commitment to walk alongside each student with coaching, mentorship, and care.
What our scholarship provides
Unlike traditional scholarships that focus only on tuition, the Open Arms Scholarship includes:
- Last-dollar funding to cover the remaining cost of attendance after grants
- Success coaching for academic planning, time management, and mental health support
- Peer mentorship from previous cohort members
- Emergency micro-grants for textbooks, housing deposits, or transportation
“I never thought college was for someone like me. This scholarship didn’t just open a door—it gave me people who promised to walk through it with me.” — 2024 Scholar
Meet the 2025 Cohort
Here are just a few of the incredible young people beginning their journey this year:
Leah — Nursing Program
After spending four years in foster care, Leah is pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse. “I want to be the person I didn’t have—someone who listens.”
Tomas — Auto Tech Apprenticeship
Tomas discovered his passion for mechanics in a high school workshop class. His scholarship funded the tools required to enter an automotive apprenticeship program.
Maya — University Transfer Program
Maya was the first in her group home to apply for college. She is transferring from community college to a four-year university to major in education.
The power of coaching and community
Every scholar is paired with a success coach who meets with them weekly or biweekly to provide personalized support. Many students in foster care are responsible for navigating financial aid, housing, and healthcare on their own—often before the age of 19.
Our program ensures they never have to do this alone. Coaches help with:
- Filing financial aid renewals
- Planning class schedules
- Balancing work and school responsibilities
- Accessing mental health resources
“When my housing fell through, my coach didn’t just give me a list of shelters. She helped me find emergency housing and checked in every day until I was safe.” — 2025 Scholar
The growing need
Only 3–10% of youth who experience foster care will earn a college degree. Many more will start but face barriers that lead to drop-outs: housing insecurity, lack of transportation, or sudden financial emergencies.
This year, we received more scholarship applications than ever before. With your support, we were able to expand the program by 40%—but there are still students on our waitlist.
How you can support this cohort
- $250 provides textbooks for a semester
- $500 covers one month of housing support
- $1,000 funds emergency grants so students don’t drop out
You can also join our network of volunteer mentors, speakers, and internship hosts who support scholars beyond the classroom.
Looking ahead
This scholarship program is not simply about higher education—it’s about breaking cycles of instability and unlocking futures filled with choice, opportunity, and hope. As one student said at our kickoff event:
“This isn’t just school. This is the first time in my life I get to choose who I want to become.”
Thank you to every donor, mentor, and partner who makes this program possible. Together, we’re not just funding education—we’re building futures.
*Names and some details changed to protect privacy.