1. HOW TO APPLY AND NEXT STEPS

ABOUT FORWARD STEPS
The Forward Steps Guardian Scholars program supports Tennessee current and former foster youth as they pursue a postsecondary education. Our program provides financial, social and enhanced skill-building support to foster youth who are currently enrolled, or will be enrolled, in an associate, bachelor, trade or certificate program.

Guardian Scholars will receive financial support each academic year including up to $6,000 in scholarship funds for the academic year, split between two academic semesters. All financial support goes directly to the scholar and scholars have the opportunity to work with their mentor for personal budget support, if needed.

Equally important to the mission of Forward Steps, in addition to financial assistance, Guardian Scholars receive one-on-one mentoring with a professional 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. Mentor support is customized to scholar individual needs regarding resource navigation, academic and career coaching, opportunities for personal and professional development, access to tutoring, community building, and community support.

HOW TO APPLY
Complete the questions in this application as the first step in consideration for the Guardian Scholarship Application. Your application is considered incomplete until all requested documentation items in this online application are 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 in the scholarship selection process.

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.
  • Court documentation of verifiable experience in the foster care system or letter from caseworker with dates in foster care on County letterhead. Please contact us if you have questions about how to obtain this documentation.
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, trade school, or 4-year university).
  • Scholars must have a high school diploma or a GED before beginning their first semester of college.
  • Applicants must meet financial aid requirements and 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:

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* 2. Last Name:

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* 3. Any other name you go by:

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* 4. Phone Number:

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* 5. E-mail Address: 

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* 6. Best way to contact you:

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* 7. Current Address

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* 8. Apartment number:

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* 9. City:

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* 10. State:

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* 11. Zip Code: 

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* 12. Date of Birth:

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* 13. Dates in Foster Care:

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* 14. Who referred you to the Guardian Scholars Program?

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* 15. Do you have an Independent Living Specialist?

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* 16. Name of Independent Living Specialist:

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* 17. Independent Living Specialist Phone Number:

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* 18. Independent Living Specialist Email:

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* 19. Which semester are you applying for?

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* 20. College or postsecondary opportunity you plan to attend (if you are unsure list your top three choices):

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* 21. Please upload a copy of your high school transcripts (or GED) and, if applicable, transcripts from any previously attended college.

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* 22. 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.

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* 23. Please upload either a (1) copy of court documentation of verifiable experience in the foster care system or a (2) letter from an Independent Living Specialist with dates in foster care on County letterhead.

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* 24. 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. 

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