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

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.

NOTE: New Applicants and Returning Students can apply on the application deadlines above.
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
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
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.
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

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.