Nick’s Scholars
Bridge Scholars
Spirit Award
Applications are currently closed.
The Spirit Award consists of a $10,000 scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship and two $2,500 scholarships awarded each year to four individuals in foster care or former foster youths who are attending a 4-year college with plans to complete a bachelor’s degree.
NYFC Emergency Grants
NYFC has a suite of five available emergency grants available for youth in and aged out of NYC foster care, as well as foster parents and caregivers. Our emergency grants were established to provide support for individuals who fall under the following categories:
- Charles Evans: Youth aged out of NYC foster care, ages 18-26, who are not enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program
- In-Care: Youth who are currently in foster care in NYC and are currently enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program
- Youth who are aged out of NYC foster care, ages 18-26, and are currently enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program
- Youth in Foster Care Who Are Not Enrolled College or an Accredited Vocational Program
To apply to any of the Emergency Applications, please click here.
Please note: If you are applying for the In-Care Fund or if you are applying for the grant for Youth in Foster Care Who Are Not Enrolled College or an Accredited Vocational Program, please have your Agency Worker fill out the application on your behalf.
The Back to School Package Program
The Back to School Package Program (BTS) provides youth in foster care who are enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program with up to $2,500 in materials, including gift cards for incidentals and a laptop computer equipped with Microsoft Office Suite. Students can receive a package every semester they are enrolled in school.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Student is currently in foster care or was in care until their 18th birthday in New York City
- Student is enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year college or university OR
- Student is registered for a vocational program that is a minimum of 90 days
The BTS program is accepting applications from January 15th – March 31st, 2021.
- If you are Aged-Out, please apply via: https://www.tfaforms.com/4877881
- All youth who are currently In Care should contact their agency to apply on their behalf. Agency workers should reach out to Cassandra Rosser at crosser@newyorkersforchildren.org for more information.
The Financial Empowerment Fund
Sponsored by First Republic Bank, the purpose of this scholarship is to help ease the financial burden of pursuing a college education and to alleviate current debt and/or prevent students from incurring debt by connecting them to a Financial Coach and providing them with financial support. Up to five students will be selected for this scholarship and will receive up to $5,000 based on academic merit and financial need. Each scholarship recipient must meet with a Financial Coach from First Republic Bank, once per semester.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be currently in foster care or have aged out of foster care in NYC*
- Must be entering their Junior or Senior year in an accredited 4-year college or university
- Must have a 2.0 GPA or higher
- Must demonstrate significant financial need
*Priority will be given to students who have aged out.
Applications are open through October 27th, 2020. Click here to apply.
Youth Advisory Board
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is a group of college students currently or formerly in foster care who serve as advocates for youth in foster care in New York City. YAB’s mission is to support NYFC by shaping public awareness and perceptions of children and youth in foster care, and inspiring peers to become advocates in their communities. YAB collaborates with other programs for positive youth development, education, and professional success, while inspiring New Yorkers of all ages and walks of life to strengthen society. The group meets at NYFC once a month to plan events and programs that positively impact younger children in foster care. The YAB also advises NYFC on the needs of older youth in foster care and provides an opportunity for youth to meet and socialize with one another.
Interested in joining the YAB, complete this interest form.