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Black United Fund Scholarships

Children of Incarcerated Parents Scholarship (NEW)
Online Applications Due 11:59 PM March 28, 2013

This scholarship to open to ALL students regardless of their race/ethnicity or socioeconomic status.

Introduction

Here at the Black United Fund of Oregon, we believe that every student deserves a chance at success. This last year, we’ve learned in the most beautiful way that our community does too. Inspired by one of our 2012 ACCESS Scholarship recipients, two of our community members felt it in their hearts to donate $17,000 to the Black United Fund for students who have been affected by the incarceration of their parents. This scholarship represents a chance for all students to overcome the challenges that face them and take their first steps toward a brighter future.

In partnership with the Pathfinders of Oregon, we are proud to present the 2013-2014 Children of Incarcerated Parents Scholarship. We will be offering five $3,400 scholarships to eligible students attending an accredited college, university, or community college in the coming academic year.

Pathfinders of Oregon is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1993 to operate cognitive restructuring programs for the Oregon Department of Corrections. Since that time, its mission has broadened to include prevention as well as intervention strategies that are aimed at keeping at-risk individuals from entering the criminal justice system. Pathfinders’ innovative programs include Youth Violence Prevention, Parenting Inside Out, and Pathfinders’ Academy.

Located in Northeast Portland, the Black United Fund of Oregon is an organization whose mission is to assist in the social and economic development of low-income and minority communities, and to contribute to a broader understanding of ethnic and culturally diverse groups. Through our Think to the Future Initiative education program, BUFOR offers the ACCESS Scholarship, Scholarship Writing Workshops, College Fair, and Mentor4Success programs designed to increased college access and success to undeserved students in the community.

Eligibility
• Students whose parents are currently or were formerly incarcerated in the criminal justice system
• Applicants must be current high school seniors
• Students must be enrolled as full-time freshman college students during the 2013-2014 academic year
• Students must reside in the state of Oregon or SW Washington

Steps to Apply:
1. Go to http://bit.ly/buf2012scholarship
2. Create individual account
3. Complete scholarship application and upload necessary documents
4. Submit application online 11:59 PM on Friday, March 28, 2013

Required Documents to Upload
1. Two letters of recommendation: one academic (e.g. faculty member, teacher, counselor) and one personal (e.g. neighbor, coach, church leader, volunteer supervisor, employer).
2. Official Transcript
3. Personal Resume including: all schools attended, extracurricular school activities, paid work experience, volunteer activities outside of school, and awards or honors attained.
4. Proof of Eligibility, verifiable documentation that the student has been impacted by parental incarceration. Documentation-type may vary. Here are some examples: Current incarceration information from the governing agency, parole information, newspaper article and/or a letter from incarcerated parent, etc. This documentation will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
5. Explanation if GPA is lower than 2.50. We understand that GPA may not reflect a student’s potential or the reality of their story. This section represents an opportunity for applicants to explain to us the circumstances that may have negatively affected their GPA. This might include employment held during high school, absences related to parent incarceration, caring for siblings, or other external factors.

Required documents can be uploaded through the online application. If an applicant is unable to upload his or her documents, they can be mailed to the Black United Fund at the address found below. Please note that all documents must be received by the Black United Fund of Oregon before the application deadlines on Friday, March 28, 2013 at 11:59 PM.

Black United Fund of Oregon
Marshawna Williams
Children of Incarcerated Parents Scholarship
2828 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR. 97211


2014-2015 ACCESS Scholarship Application will be available October 1, 2013.

The following Scholarships are available:

Ron Herndon Scholarship (Three $1,500 Awards)
• GPA of 2.75 or higher
• One time only scholarship
• Record of community service
• Demonstration of financial nee
• Attend any accredited college or university as a freshman for the 2013-2014 school year

City of Portland Partnership Scholarships (Five $2,000 Awards)
• GPA of 2.5 or higher
• One time only scholarship
• Must be graduating high school senior or earned a GED by June 2013
• Currently attending or attended one of the following public school districts or alternative schools: Portland Public, Centennial, David Douglas, Parkrose and Reynolds.
• Scholarship only is available if applicant will be attending one of the following two year or four year colleges for the 2013-2014 school year: Portland Community College, Clackamas Community College, Mt. Hood Community College, Portland State University and Lewis & Clark College.
• Demonstrate financial need

Concordia University/Johnson Scholars Scholarship (One $8,000 award) http://www.cu-portland.edu
• GPA of 2.75 or higher; Score 1000+ on the SAT (Critical Reading + Math) or 22+ on the ACT
• Renewable for up to four years while maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Demonstration of financial need and record of Community Service
• Special consideration to students from North/Northeast Portland
• Students will be required to participate in CU Commitment program and serve as scholarship
Representative
• Attend Concordia University-Portland in 2013-2014 (Deadline for Admission is January 13)

Lewis & Clark College* (Five awards from $10,000 to full unmet need) http://www.lclark.edu
• GPA of 3.50 or higher; Successful application to Lewis & Clark College via the Portfolio Path option or score at least 1200 on the SAT (Critical Reading + Math) or 24 on the ACT.
• Renewable for up to four years while maintaining a GPA of 2.8 or higher.
• Demonstrate financial need
• attend Lewis & Clark College in 2013-2014 (Deadline for Early Action Admissions is November 1; deadline for Regular Decision Admissions is February 1)

Pacific University Scholarship (One award from $10,500 to full unmet need) http://www.pacificu.edu
• GPA of 3.0 or higher; Score at least 1000 on the SAT or 21 on the ACT
• Renewable for up to four years while maintaining a GPA of a 2.0 or higher
• Demonstrate financial need via submission of the FAFSA by March 1st
• Demonstrate the potential to foster the cultural, economic and geographic diversity
• Attend Pacific University in 2013-2014 (Regular Decision deadline is March 1)

Reed College Scholarship (Five awards from $10,000 to full unmet need) http://www.reed.edu
• GPA of 3.30 or higher
• Score at least 1100+ on SAT or 24 on ACT
• Renewable for up to four years while maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Demonstrate financial need
• Attend Reed College in 2013-2014 (Deadline for Early Decision I is November 15; deadline for Early Decision II is December 20; deadline for Regular Decision is January 15.)

University of Portland Scholarship (Three $12,000 awards) http://www.up.edu
• GPA of 3.00 or higher; Score at least 1000+ on SAT or 21 on the ACT
• Renewable for up to four years while maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Demonstration of financial need
• Special consideration to students from North/Northeast Portland
• Attend University of Portland in 2013-2014 (Deadline for Priority Admission is January 15)

Willamette University Scholarship (Two $15,000 awards) http://www.willamette.edu
• GPA of 3.25 or higher; Score 1100+ on the SAT (Critical Reading + Math) or 24+ on the ACT
• Renewable for up to four years while maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Attend Willamette University in 2013-2014 (Deadline for Early Action II Admissions is December 1; Deadline for Regular Admissions is February 1)