Scholarships
We invest in their future through scholarships and opportunity.
Project H.O.P.E. (“Help Overcome Poverty’s Effects”) began as an in-house work program at MadCAAP, providing employment opportunities and job skills training through the creation of handcrafted jewelry for individuals experiencing poverty.
Today, Project H.O.P.E. has evolved into a dedicated scholarship fund that supports college- and trade-bound students from the families we serve, investing in brighter futures through education and career development.
"Receiving my scholarship has not only helped support my educational journey, but it has also eased the financial burden on my family. My mother is a single parent who is working hard to support both my brother and I as we pursue our college education."
Jordan Ross, Accounting, Belhaven University
$45,484
U.S. News, Sept. 2025
Average tuition cost of a 4-year degree at a public college
$7,395
Maximum Pell Grant
The maximum annual Pell Grant leaves a large funding gap for low-income students
2–3×
More Likely
For a student in poverty to drop out of school due to financial hardship
In our community, there are students with big dreams and very small margins. These are young people who study hard at kitchen tables where bills pile higher than textbooks, and whose determination is often stronger than their resources. Many come from families working tirelessly just to meet basic needs, leaving little room for college applications, tuition deposits, or trade school tools. Yet their potential is undeniable.
The need is real, close to home, and urgent. When a community steps in to support them, hope replaces uncertainty, and possibility begins to feel within reach.
Families experiencing poverty know all too well that financial hardship does not affect them alone. For students in these households, the dream of college or trade school can feel out of reach before it ever begins. The cost of applications, tuition, and tools adds up quickly, and without the right resources, even the most driven students can fall behind.
Project HOPE works to bridge that gap. Beyond direct scholarship support, we guide client families toward grants and other funding opportunities, connecting them with resources that open doors to education and lasting stability.
Scholarships are awarded for a single academic year. Awards are based on financial need, educational goals, and each applicant's commitment to building a stable and self-sufficient future through college or trade school training.
The number of scholarships awarded varies from year to year and may be granted in amounts of up to $5,000 depending on available funding and the number of qualified applicants. Past recipients are welcome to reapply and may be considered for continued support as long as eligibility requirements are met.
When selecting award recipients, the scholarship selection committee evaluates each application for eligibility, educational goals, and the applicant's dedication to furthering their education. Priority is given to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need, though all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. Award notifications will be sent by July 15, 2026. To accept an award, recipients must confirm their enrollment at an accredited college, university, or trade school. Scholarship funds are made payable and mailed directly to the recipient's institution and cannot be distributed directly to the student. If no eligible balance exists at the time of disbursement, funds will be returned to the Project HOPE Scholarship Fund.
FAQ
Apply Today!
Please complete the form to apply for the HOPE Scholarship.
2026 Scholarship Timeline
-
April 1: Applications Open
-
June 30: Applications Close
-
July 15: Awards Announced
-
August 1: Funds Disbursed
Donorship
Invest in a Student’s Future
Your support of Project HOPE is more than a gift. It is an investment in a student’s future. For many of the families we serve, higher education feels out of reach, but your generosity helps remove financial barriers and replace them with opportunity. Every dollar given moves a hardworking student closer to college or trade school, creating a ripple effect of stability, dignity, and long-term change for an entire family.