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YOUTH RESOURCES

Nick’s Scholars

The Nicholas Scoppetta Scholarship (Nick’s Scholars) Program was developed by New Yorkers For Children to support New York City youth aging out of foster care to attain a college degree. It is a comprehensive program for youth in foster care and foster care alumni who are enrolled in college in New York City. The Nick’s Scholars Program provides essential personalized wraparound services in the form of financial, academic, and emotional support to help students transition to, and succeed in college. Nick’s Scholars receive a monthly stipend to help them cover their educational and living expenses and allow them to focus on school. The program connects these students to academic and personal resources to help them overcome challenges as they navigate college on their own. As Nick’s Scholars, they belong to a larger community where they are provided the opportunity to build relationships with other Nick’s Scholars and supportive adult mentors to encourage them on their path to a college degree.
For up to 5 years, scholars can receive:
·         Minimum of once monthly Academic Advisement (in-person, but virtual during COVID-19)
·         Tutoring
·         Peer to Peer mentoring
·         Career Exploration
·         Networking opportunities
·         $500 – $750 per month for living expenses
·         $1000 – $1,200 per year for textbooks
·         Up to $1000 per year for tuition
·         A one time $500 move – in allowance
 
Applications are now closed.
 
 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
·         Currently or formerly in foster care in New York City (If formerly in foster care, student must have aged out)
·         Enrolled or have been accepted and plan to enroll in a New York City College/University for the Fall 2020 semester and plan to earn a four-year degree.
·         In good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5
·         24 years old or younger
 

Bridge Scholars

The Bridge Scholarship Program was developed by New Yorkers For Children to support youth who are either currently in foster care or have aged out of foster care in new York City, and wish to further their education beyond high school, including college or university studies.  Two youth, who will be known as Bridge Scholars, will each receive $8,575 worth of tuition for the 2020-2021 academic year and will participate in other NYFC programs like the Youth Advisory Board, Peer Mentoring and community-building events.  Priority will be given to undocumented youth and students who are not eligible for financial aid.
 
Applications are now closed.
 
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
·         Currently or formerly in foster care in New York City (If formerly in foster care, student must have aged out)
·         Enrolled or have been accepted and plan to enroll in college/university in Fall 2020 semester.
·         Must reside in and/or attend college/university in Queens, NY (If attending college outside of Queens, your primary residence must be in Queens)
·         In good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.5
·         Not be older than 25 years
 

Spirit Award

The Spirit Award is an annual scholarship given to a young person who embodies the spirit of New Yorkers For Children and our founder Nicholas Scoppetta, and the scholarship was intended to support a student on their path to graduation.

Applications are now closed.

 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible the applicant must:
·         Be a college student who is still in care or who has aged out of care
·         The student must be entering either Junior or Senior year in good academic standing with their school on track to graduation. 
·         A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required.
 

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.

The qualities NYFC is looking for in the Spirit Award recipient is evidence of the awareness of the needs of others and the willingness to step outside of themselves to help or advocate for others.  Their personal story should reflect an awareness of self and resiliency in the face of some difficult situations.  NYFC will also consider the students plans for the use of the scholarship: Is it meeting an unmet need? Will winning the scholarship significantly impact the student’s success?

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:

  1. Youth aged out of NYC foster care, ages 18-26, who are not enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program
  2. Youth who are currently in foster care in NYC and are currently enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program
  3. Youth who are aged out of NYC foster care, ages 18-26, and are currently enrolled in college or an accredited vocational program
  4. Youth in Foster Care Who Are Not Enrolled College or an Accredited Vocational Program

To learn more and to apply to an emergency grant today, please visit: https://www.newyorkersforchildren.org/nyfc-emergency-funds/ 

The Back to School Package Program

The Back to School Package Program 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

Registration is currently closed, but will reopen on August 15th. Please check back then!

The Financial Empowerment Fund

Sponsored by First Republic Bank, the purpose of this new merit-based 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. This scholarship is open to students currently or formerly in foster care pursuing a bachelor’s degree.  Each Financial Empowerment Fund scholarship recipient will meet with a Financial Coach – provided by First Republic Bank – once per semester, where they will receive instruction on navigating student loan debt and learn how to establish credit. Up to five students will be selected for this scholarship and will receive up to $5,000 based on academic merit and financial need.

 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 currently closed.

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.