Mary Graham Foundation College & Trade School Scholarship and Support Program Grant

Mary Graham Foundation College & Trade School Scholarship and Support Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Mary Graham Children's Foundation
Amount: US $5,000 - US $12,000
Last Updated: October 13, 2025

Summary

The Mary Graham Foundation Scholarship supports foster youth in San Joaquin County, providing financial assistance for college and trade school expenses. With a focus on helping individuals transition to independent living, the program offers mentorship and social gatherings. Eligible applicants must have been part of the foster care system and maintain a minimum GPA. Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to pursue their educational goals.

Overview

NOTE: New Applicants and Returning Students can apply on the application deadlines above. About Us Each year over 1,500 youth in San Joaquin County find themselves in Foster Care due to neglect, abuse or abandonment. The Mary Graham Children’s Foundation is a private non-profit 501 (c)3 organization formed by local concerned individuals to give support to local foster youth, picking up where other systems of support leave off. The Foundation’s fundraising efforts are dedicated to supplementing County funds to increase the education and enrichment programs, equipment, and capital improvements that directly benefit the children at the Shelter…and further, to provide trade school and college scholarship opportunities for these children and those who are placed in the foster care system and have since ”aged out”… all innocent victims of abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Mary Graham Foundation College & Trade School Scholarship and Support Program The Mary Graham Children’s Foundation (MGCF) recognizes that helping ensure a smoother transition from foster care to a successful and independent life is to have a stable financial situation and solid support system. We help with this transition by providing: financial assistance to help students pay for college and trade school related expenses (including but not limited to tuition, books, living expenses and transportation)social support and guidance from a volunteer adult mentorsocial gatherings throughout the year for students to meet other students with similar experiences We recognize that financial situations change from year to year and sometimes from semester to semester, and if that happens, students are encouraged to reach out to us. For example, if a student ages out and no longer receives AB12 support or transfers schools mid-year, they may qualify for (increased) financial support. Students who do not qualify for financial support are still welcome and encouraged to be part of the Program. Funding Guidelines Funding is provided to each student on a case-by-case evaluation. No funding is provided until ALL other funding sources are awarded. Note that these amounts are guidelines only, and that students are not guaranteed to receive the amounts below. Community College: $500 – $8,000 per yearCalifornia State University system: $2,000 – $10,000 per yearUniversity of California system: $2,000 – $12,000 per yearPrivate 4-Year University: $2,000 – $12,000 per yearVocational/Technical school: $8,000 – $10,000 per year The MGCF Scholarship is a renewable scholarship.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Individuals who were a dependent of San Joaquin County Foster Care system at any time during their minor years (age 0 to 18).If placed outside of San Joaquin County during dependency, youth would still be considered eligible to apply for the Mary Graham Foundation scholarship.Applicant should have a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in high school and/or college if already attending.Applicant must be enrolled in school full-time (12 units or more) at the time the scholarship is awarded.Applicant is required to have applied for all financial aid available. Proof of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submission is required.Students are required to reapply every term and complete a new budget form.Examples of Commonly Funded ItemsTuition and student-related feesBooks and school suppliesHousing and related living expensesGroceriesCertain medical expenses

Ineligibility

Scholarships will not be awarded to anyone who has not applied for financial aid.