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EEqual Scholarship Awards Program

The EEqual Scholarship Awards Program is designed to highlight the incredible potential of young people in the United States who are struggling with homelessness, housing instability, or extreme poverty. At EEqual, we believe that every student, no matter their economic background should have an equal opportunity in education.

This scholarship covers tuition costs, up to $8,000, for students experiencing homelessness or housing instability (as defined under the McKinny-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program (MV) students in extreme poverty; or students whose family is currently going through a transition) to attain post-secondary education. Selected scholars will also be paired with a mentor who will guide them throughout their years in higher education.

We are NOT accepting scholarship applications for the 2023/2024 school year. All of EEqual's scholarship spots are currently filled. Scholarship applications will open again in November 2024.

Our scholarship is renewed for students each year they are in school. With no anticipated graduations this year, all of our spots remain filled. 

Hear from one of our scholars

The EEqual Scholarship is closed. Applications will open again in November 2024. 

Please remember this scholarship is only for students who meet our eligibility requirements.

Please be mindful of spelling and grammar when applying.

We encourage every student to use the application essays as a chance to share as much as possible about you and your situation.

Application Review

EEqual does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or citizenship status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to the selection of volunteers and vendors, and the provision of services. 

EEqual is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our organization and programs. We understand we, as humans, do not all come from level playing fields—but all students who meet our eligibility standards are welcome to apply and will have an equal opportunity to be considered. That being said, we understand that students experiencing homelessness are disproportionately students of color, and we are committed to serving minority students through our Scholarship Program.

Eligibility

All applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered eligible for the EEqual Scholarship:

  • Applicant is a legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia (“D.C.”) who is at least 16 years of age and no older than 23 years of age as of the last day of the Program Period located in the United States or D.C.

    • Citizenship is not a determining factor in your eligibility for this scholarship.

  • Applicants must be on-track to apply for or enrolled in an accredited post-high school/post-secondary educational program (including accredited two-and four-year colleges, universities, vocational-technical and trade schools).

  • Applicants must have a 2.0 Unweighted GPA or higher to be eligible for this scholarship. 

  • Applicant may be required to complete an interview as part of the application process. 

  • Applicants must be in their last year of high school or have already graduated and at least 16 years of age

  • Applicant must complete the application in its entirety. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 

  • Applicant must be willing to work with the EEqual leadership team and selection committee throughout the application and award process.

  • Applicant has not previously received the EEqual Scholarship. If you are a current scholarship recipient looking for the renewal of your scholarship, please reach out to your peer mentor. 

  • Applicant understands that funds will be dispersed directly to their institution of higher education. In addition, the applicant understands the funds may only be used for qualified educational expenses (which can include tuition, required fees, books, and course-specific supplies).  

  • Applicant must have financial need OR has been verified as a McKinney-Vento student by a MV School District Homeless Education Liaison in their public school district, a student experiencing poverty or homelessness, or part of a family in transition. Parameters on homeless status are defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program (see below).

According to the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program, a person is considered to be experiencing homelessness if they “lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence.” This includes people living in shelters, cars, motels/hotels, campgrounds, or places not meant for human habitation. The definition includes children and youth who are living with friends or relatives temporarily (doubled-up or sharing the housing of others) because they lack permanent housing due to economic hardship.

 

Please note: This is not an honorary scholarship for students who have experienced homelessness or extreme poverty in the past and overcame their situation. EEqual is looking to support students who are currently struggling and are in need. 

This scholarship only covers tuition costs for these types of higher education opportunities: Four Year College or University (Bachelor's Degree); Junior or Community College (Associates's Degree); Career College (Trade or Vocational); Online Degree Programs.

Scholarship FAQs

General

What is the EEqual Scholarship?

This scholarship is for students (ages 16-23) who are currently struggling with homelessness (McKinney-Vento), poverty, or a family in transition and are also dedicated and motivated to pursuing higher education. This is a need based scholarship.

How do I apply for a scholarship award?

Submit your application during our application period. The next application period starts in November 2023. 

  1. A Completed application.
  2. A Personal Statement Essay:  (Minimum of 2.5-minute Video/300 Words) Taking as much time—or as many words—as you feel is appropriate, please describe your journey and experiences with homelessness, housing instability or extreme poverty.  Feel free to use these prompting questions as a guide to your response: 
  • How has poverty, homelessness, or housing insecurity affected your life? 
  • Why is furthering your education a priority for you?
  • What keeps you hopeful? What do you aspire to do in the future? 
  1. A reference from a local homeless education liaison, school official, outreach worker, shelter provider, religious leader, or other homelessness service provider, confirming current homeless/need status.
I'm concerned about privacy. Who will have access to the information in my application?

This application and all supporting documents will not be made available to the public and will only be viewed by the application review committee.

When does the application open?

We are not accepting applications for the 2023/2024 school year. 

The application phase is open from November 1, 2023 to March 1, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST.

When will recipients be notified?

Recipients will be announced around the beginning of May 2022. 

Does it cost money to apply?

No, applications are free.

I have not been identified as homeless by my school but I am experiencing/ have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity. Am I eligible?

Yes. You may apply for our scholarship even if you have not been identified as a McKinney-Vento student by your school. Please note: we do require a reference to confirm your need-based eligibility. 

Some of the details of my homelessness/housing insecurity and my life seem too personal to share. How much personal detail do I need to include in my essay?
It is your choice to share details about your situation or withhold any information that you do not want to share. We recognize these details can be sensitive. Information shared in essays or by references is confidential, and is not shared with anyone outside of the selection committee.

 

Do you accept mail-in submissions?

Applications should be submitted through the “Apply” link on EEqual.org/scholarships when the application phase is open. If you have any challenges with the electronic submission process, please contact us directly: scholarships@eequal.org 

My friend and I want to create a joint video—can we apply together?

No. Each applicant must submit their own application and video.

I missed the deadline. Can I still apply?

In order to be fair to all applicants, we do not accept applications submitted after the application deadline of March 1st, 2022. Please be sure to start and submit your application early to avoid missing the deadline. EEqual assumes no responsibility for an applicant’s technical submission issues encountered on the final due date.

Who do I contact for additional eligibility questions?

Email us: scholarship@eequal.org

Eligibility

I’m already enrolled in college. Am I still eligible to apply for the EEqual Scholarship?

Yes, as long as you are within the age range of 16 to 23 and meet the eligibility guidelines outlined above, you may apply. If selected, you may use the funds for tuition at your current accredited two- or four-year college, university, vocational-technical, and/or trade school.

I used to be a student experiencing homelessness or poverty, but I am not in this situation currently. Am I still eligible for this scholarship?

No. EEqual is looking to support students who are currently experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, or are in extreme poverty.

Video Submission

What types of files can I submit?

Videos must be in English. Videos must be submitted through a link (YouTube, Google Drive, etc.) If you have any challenges with this, please contact us directly: scholarships@eequal.org

I completed an application, but I want to change my video. Can I resubmit?

No, you will not be able to delete or edit your video after submitting your application. All video submissions are considered final.

Are there rules about what cannot go in my video?

You may not include any obscenity, crude language, violence, derogatory language of any ethnic, racial, gender, religious, professional or age group, or anything of an inappropriate or illegal nature.

Can I show other people in my video?

You can have other people in your video if you have their specific permission.

Can I use music in my video?

You may not use music that is copyrighted and owned by a third party without permission. All music must be your original work or in the public domain. 

Use of Scholarship Funds

What are allowable uses of funds for this scholarship?

The funds from the EEqual Scholarship are to be used for qualified education expenses including:  tuition, required fees, books, and course-specific supplies. Funds will be dispersed to your institution, not the individual.

What year can the scholarship money be used for? I graduate in 2021

Scholarship funds will be disbursed in the fall of 2021. However, we understand that everyone's educational journey is different and are willing to work with selected scholars if this timeline will not work.

For Minors and High School Students

I am not a senior in high school, but I am 16 years old. Can I still apply?

No, the EEqual Scholarship is intended for students who are high school seniors (or are otherwise in their last year) or have already graduated.

What year can the scholarship money be used for? I graduate in 2021

Scholarship funds will be disbursed in the fall of 2021. However, we understand that everyone's educational journey is different and are willing to work with selected scholars if this timeline will not work.

Application Support

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