Youth in Foster Care Scholarship Program
Jim and Ann Nelson are volunteers for CASA, (Court Appointed Special Advocates) an organization that oversees care for children in state custody. CASA volunteers speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. Over the years the Nelsons have developed a great respect for social workers and foster parents who work with these children on a daily basis.
They have seen first-hand the significant resources allocated to a child’s support up until their 18th birthday when they are dropped from the foster care program and wanted to help ensure the opportunity for a successful transition into adulthood. At age 18, it is extremely difficult to support yourself while attempting to continue your education in hopes of a brighter future.
The Nelson’s student aid fund will award grants to young adults ageing out of foster care who want to develop a marketable skill or continue their education at a post-secondary school. They hope they can positively impact the lives of young people who have already suffered from the insecurity of an unstable childhood.
Applicants may be high school seniors or recent graduates, or those with a GED certificate. Students may attend college in New Mexico or out-of-state and go to school full time or part-time.
One or more awards up to $1,000 each will be awarded.
Additional Criteria:
Applicant must:
- Be a New Mexico resident for a minimum of one year
- Have been in the New Mexico foster care system for a minimum of one year at the time of their 18th birthday
- Be between the ages of 17 and 21 at time of initial application
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA 2.0 for high school or have completed a GED program, OR have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in college
