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Guardian Scholars Tennessee Application

3.HOW TO APPLY AND NEXT STEPS

ABOUT FORWARD STEPS
The Forward Steps Guardian Scholars program supports Tennessee youth with foster care experience as they pursue a postsecondary education. The program provides financial support, 1:1 mentoring, resource navigation on housing and food security, healthcare and mental health supports, transportation, and childcare as scholars pursue a certificate, technical, or 2 or 4-year degree.

Guardian Scholars receive up to $6000 per scholar/per academic year. All financial support goes directly to the scholar and scholars have the opportunity to work with their mentor for budget and financial management support, if needed.

Guardian Scholars also receive one-on-one mentoring with a professional Forward Steps staff mentor. Forward Steps recognizes no two paths are the same, which is why we prioritize getting to know our scholars in an authentic mentor relationship, centered on scholar life experience and individualized support needs.

HOW TO APPLY
Complete the questions in this application for consideration for the Guardian Scholars program. Your application is considered incomplete until all requested documentation is received. We accept applications on a rolling basis.

If you have any questions regarding this application, documentation, or your eligibility, please feel free to reach out to Program Manager, Nicole Jones directly at (720)-793-0020 or nicole@forwardsteps.org. The Program Manager will reach out to you once your application is submitted for next steps.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR COMPLETE APPLICATION
  • A copy of your high school transcripts (or GED) and, if applicable, transcripts from any previously attended college.
  • FAFSA summary page generated by completing a FAFSA Application.
  • Ward of the Court Letter
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
  • Applicants must have verifiable experience in the foster care system.
  • First time applicants must apply before their 26th birthday.
  • Applicants must be residents of Tennessee and plan to attend, or are currently attending a public Tennessee postsecondary institution (i.e. a community college, technical school, or 4-year university). Other schools will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Scholars must have a high school diploma or a GED before beginning their first semester of college.
  • Applicants must demonstrate unmet financial need.
If you need any additional assistance or accommodations in completing this application, please contact nicole@forwardsteps.org.
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1.First Name:(Required.)
2.Last Name:(Required.)
3.Any other name you go by:(Required.)
4.Phone Number:(Required.)
5.E-mail Address: (Required.)
6.Best way to contact you:(Required.)
7.Current Address(Required.)
8.Apartment number:
9.City:(Required.)
10.State:(Required.)
11.Zip Code: (Required.)
12.Date of Birth:(Required.)
13.Dates in Foster Care:(Required.)
14.Who referred you to the Guardian Scholars Program?(Required.)
15.Are you participating in the Bright Futures Program?(Required.)
16.Do you have an Independent Living Specialist?(Required.)
17.Name of Independent Living Specialist:(Required.)
18.Which semester are you applying for?(Required.)
19.College or postsecondary opportunity you plan to attend (if you are unsure list your top three choices):(Required.)
20.Please upload a copy of your high school transcripts (or GED) and, if applicable, transcripts from any previously attended college.
No file chosen
21.Please upload a copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary page generated by a completed FAFSA application. Your application is incomplete without the submission of this document.
No file chosen
22.Please upload the Ward of the Court Letter
No file chosen
23.APPLICANT SIGNATURE Please read the following statement carefully before signing. By signing below I certify that I understand this information, and I certify that all of the information on this application is accurate. I understand that my application cannot be reviewed for admission until all supporting documentation has been received, once this form has been submitted. (Required.)