Mary Graham College & Trade School Scholarship and Support Program
Scholarship
Scholarship Information
The Mary Graham Scholarship Foundation 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 mentor*
- Social gatherings throughout the year for students to meet other students with similar experiences*
We understand that financial circumstances can shift from year to year—or even mid-semester. If your situation changes, we encourage you to reach out. For example, if you age out of AB12 support or transfer schools during the year, you may become eligible for additional financial assistance.
*Students who do not qualify for financial support are still welcome and encouraged to be part of the Program.
MG Scholarships are awarded based on financial need. They are designed to fund unmet need, they are not in recognition of GPA or other achievements.
To qualify, an applicant:
- Must have been in foster care in San Joaquin County at any time during their minority.
- Be enrolled full-time in an accredited school (12 units or more) at the time the scholarship is awarded.
- Demonstrate unmet financial need.
- Apply for financial aid and submit FAFSA documentation (award letter or application confirmation). Scholarships will not be awarded to anyone who has not applied for financial aid.
Beginning with the Fall 2026 semester, the Mary Graham Scholarship applications and renewals will be submitted through a new online portal. New and returning scholarship applicants must create an account in order to submit all future applications. The new online portal will be available on May 1, 2026.
The Mary Graham College & Trade School Scholarships are available to help former foster youth pay for the education and training they need to establish a career, so they can become financially independent and stable. This scholarship is determined by each individual student’s need. The Foundation determines need based on the information in the official MG Foundation budget form. A complete application includes a copy of the student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) award.
- Awards are made for the semester and are renewable each semester.
- To remain eligible, students must maintain a 2.0 or higher GPA in addition to attending school full-time and having unmet financial need.
- A renewal application, budget and FAFSA award must be submitted before awards are made.
- It is the student’s responsibility to provide all required paperwork by the posted deadlines. Late submissions with no communication with the Foundation, may result in reduced funding and delayed response from the Foundation.
Please Read our Scholarship Program Policies
New Applicants
Students applying to the Foundation for the first time should complete an application and include a copy of their FAFSA award. If the award information is not yet available, proof of submission should be included. Each new applicant will be required to participate in an informal Q&A as part of the process. Interviews will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable date.
Deadlines for new applicants
- Fall Semester: June 30 – OPENS MAY 1, 2026
- Spring Semester: November 15
Returning Students
Returning students (those who have been part of the Program within the past 12 months) should complete the Renewal Application and submit it by the following dates.
- Fall Semester: June 30 – OPENS MAY 1, 2026
- Spring Semester: November 15
- Summer School: April 1 – Please call for more information.
