Fill the Gap Scholarship

The Fill the Gap Scholarship provides flexible funding to help youth with foster care experience cover basic needs expenses for continuing education after high school. While tuition may be covered by other sources, costs like housing, transportation, books, and technology can be significant barriers to educational success.

Purpose: To reduce stressors and barriers so students can focus on their educational goals.

Award Amount: Up to $4,000 per year, renewable for up to 4 years (contingent upon continued eligibility)

Geographic Scope: Oregon (applicants must have experienced foster care in Oregon)

Eligible Expenses

• Housing
• Transportation
• Technology
• Books/textbooks
• Tuition
• Food assistance/meal plans
• Other necessary items to pursue education

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: Under 24 years old
• Foster Care Experience: Must have experienced foster care or ILP (Independent Living Program) after age 14 in Oregon
• High School: Graduated from high school with minimum 2.5 GPA, or earned GED
• Enrollment: Enrolled (or planning to enroll) in 12 or more credits per term
• Education Level: Undergraduate students only (not graduate students)
• School Type: Accredited college, university, or trade school (any geographic location)

Program Details

• Number of Awards: 4 scholarships awarded annually each spring
• Announcement: Awards announced in April (Foster Care Awareness Month)
• Renewal: Scholarships are renewable for up to 4 years based on continued eligibility

Application Process

Timeline: Application opens February 1 and closes March 1 annually

Status: Application closed for 2026 (will reopen February 1, 2027)

Required Materials

1. Application Form - Complete online application form
2. Essay - 350-500 word essay (PDF format required)
   • Choose from three prompts:
   • Describe a skill or strength you have, or something unique about yourself, and why it is part of who you are
   • Describe an issue that matters to you, and why
   • Describe a challenge you have overcome in your life
   • Must indicate which prompt you are addressing in the essay heading
   • Must adhere to required word count (350-500 words)
3. Transcript - Most recent high school or college transcript (PDF or JPEG format)
4. Letter of Recommendation - One letter from a trusted adult (not a relative or foster parent)
   • Acceptable recommenders: teacher, professor, supervisor, mentor, ILP coach, case worker

Application Tips

• Complete full application in one sitting
• Have all materials ready before starting (essay, transcript, letter of recommendation)
• Preview all application questions (PDF available) before applying
• Submit essay as PDF with prompt heading clearly indicated

Review and Notification

• Awards announced in April
• Recipients notified in spring