Helping You Get To and Through Higher Education

Scholarship Program

Our program is the nation’s only national scholarship program specifically providing youth that have experienced homelessness with comprehensive support to and through higher education and into the workforce.

Next Application Cycle Begins January 1st, 2025

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

  • January 1, 2025: Application Opens
  • June 2, 2025: Application Closes
  • First Week of August, 2025: Applicants Notified

As a SchoolHouse Connection Scholar, You Receive:

$2,500 Scholarship Award

One-on-One Support from SchoolHouse Connection Staff

3 All Expenses Paid Trips

Support from SchoolHouse Connection Scholars

Opportunities to Engage in State and Federal Policy Advocacy

Three All-Expenses-Paid Trips

Awards Ceremony Celebration

Meet SchoolHouse Connection staff and your fellow scholars for a 5-day fun-filled trip to celebrate your award.

Washington, DC Summit

Join staff and your fellow scholars one year after receiving your award for a 5 day trip of advocacy opportunities and fun activities around the nation’s capital.

Workforce Success Retreat

Join staff and your fellow scholars between your third and fourth year of the program for a trip focused on post-graduation and workforce success.

How We Define Homelessness

Homelessness is defined as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.
Examples & Additional Information

You are Eligible if:

  • You are currently residing in the United States. Note: undocumented applicants are eligible.
  • You were born on or after June 2, 2005
  • You will be starting college (four year, community college, or trade school) for the first time in the 2026-2027 academic year (not including dual-enrollment courses). This applies to high school juniors, high school seniors planning to take a gap year, or students receiving a GED and planning to begin college for the first time in the 2026-2027 academic year.
  • You experienced homelessness in the last six years
SchoolHouse Connection has continued to serve as one of the integral support systems in my life for the last 3 years. It has opened doors for me I never knew were possible. Schoolhouse creates a community of friends and support systems with a unique, personal understanding of experiencing homelessness and overcoming adversity where I feel 100% seen and understood. They taught me, not only to accept, but hold pride in my identity as a homeless youth. I have learned how to be an advocate, not only for myself, but for the entire community of youth experiencing homelessness.
— Cecelia, 2019 Scholar
The YLS program is far more than just a scholarship. This program gave me access to leaders and mentors who have guided me with endless amounts of resources to navigate my college career. Through this program I have also been able to travel to new places and make friendships with people who share similar backgrounds and interests as me. The leaders at Schoolhouse Connection go above and beyond to truly get to know each and every scholar, and become lifelong companions and advisors.
— Conrad, 2022 Scholar

How to Apply

  • Eligibility, Demographic, and Education Questions
  • Full High School Transcript (Unofficial or Official)
  • Essay (1,000 words maximum that answers all three of the topics below)
    • Your experience of homelessness and how it relates to your life and education.
    • Your commitment to education during your experience of homelessness.
    • Your desire to attend college
  • Letter of Recommendation (at least one and a maximum of three)
    • You can upload letters of recommendation when you submit your application or letters of recommendation can be submitted here.

2025-2026 Academic Year

Know someone who will benefit from this scholarship? Let them know!

We rely heavily on education and non-profit professionals to ensure that students who are eligible for our scholarship program know that the application is available. We appreciate your effort in distributing our information to the youth you serve, and we are available to answer any questions you have.

Check back this Fall for outreach materials!

Please contact Jordyn if you have further questions.

Email Jordyn