Ford Opportunity Scholars Program Grant

Ford Opportunity Scholars Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Ford Family Foundation
Amount: Up to US $40,000
Last Updated: December 03, 2025

Summary

The Ford Opportunity Scholars Program offers scholarships to parents and adult learners over 25 with financial barriers to education in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Annually, up to 90 scholarships are awarded, providing up to $40,000 per year based on need and costs. Support includes financial assistance, academic guidance, and a connection to the Ford Family alumni community, aiming to empower students in their pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Overview

Ford Opportunity Scholars Program Our Ford Opportunity Scholars Program is an undergraduate scholarship available to parents of any age or adult learners over the age of 25 who work hard and have significant barriers — financial and otherwise — to higher education. Up to 90 renewable scholarships are awarded each year to students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. Scholarships for our programs include a renewable financial award of up to $40,000 per year. The actual award amount is calculated based on several factors, including the student's financial need, the Cost of Attendance at their college of choice and additional scholarships received. For parents or adult learners seeking an associate or bachelor’s degree in their home state of Oregon or California, the Ford Opportunity Scholars Program covers expenses such as tuition, living expenses, books and required fees. Students with dependent children may also be able to add child care expenses to their Cost of Attendance. Specifically, the Ford Opportunity Scholars Program includes: Financial supportPersonal and professional supportLifetime connection with the Ford Family alumni communityAcademic guidanceLeadership development

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. There is no minimum GPA requirement to apply, however, quality of performance in college to date, if applicable, is considered. Resident of Oregon or Siskiyou County, CaliforniaResidents of Siskiyou County may attend Oregon Institute of Technology, Southern Oregon University or Klamath Community College if they qualify for in-state tuition.Parents of any age or adult learners over the age of 25 as of March 1 of the application yearHave a goal of earning an associate or bachelor’s degree (and has not previously earned a bachelor’s degree)Have at least one full year remaining in program as of fall of the application yearPrepared to enroll fall of application year, attending full time, at a federally financial aid-eligible public or private (nonprofit) college, based in their home state of Oregon or California*Face significant barriers – financial and otherwise – to attending collegeA completed financial aid application and have a Student Aid Index (SAI) of no more than 10,000The college or university must be based in your state of residence (Oregon or California).