Fill the Gap Scholarship

Funding to help youth focus on school

While youth in foster care may have their tuition covered, costs outside of tuition like housing, transportation and books can be a financial barrier to success.

The Fill the Gap Scholarship is here to support youth with foster care experience in reaching their educational goals.

Two smiling students walking on campus, carrying books and notebooks. Brick building in the background.

About the Program

The Fill the Gap Scholarship provides flexible funding to cover a student's basic needs expenses for continuing education after high school.

Funding can be used beyond tuition to include housing, transportation, technology, books, or other necessary items to pursue education. The scholarship is intended to reduce stressors and barriers so students can focus on their educational goals.

Scholarship recipients receive up to $4,000 a year, renewable for up to four years, contingent upon continued eligibility.

The application will open each year in February and the deadline to apply is March 1st. Awards will be announced in April, just in time to celebrate Foster Care Awareness Month in May!

Eligibility

  • Under the age of 24.

  • Have experienced foster care after the age of 14 in the state of Oregon.

  • Graduated from high school (minimum 2.5 GPA), or earned their GED.

  • Enrolled (or plan to enroll) in 12 or more credits per term.

  • Application Process

    The application is currently closed and will open from February 1-March 1, 2026. To apply, complete the application form using the link below. In addition to completing the application form, you will be asked to attach a 350-500 word essay in PDF format (see application for details) and provide your most recent high school or college transcript. You will also be required to submit a letter of recommendation from a trusted adult who knows you well (e.g. teacher, case worker, ILP coach, professor, supervisor, mentor, etc).

    Application opens Feb 1, 2026!

Scholarship FAQs

Can’t find answers to your questions? We’re here to help. Contact Rebecca Gundle at rebecca@projectlemonadepdx.org

  • Students must be under the age of 24, have graduated from high school with a 2.5 GPA or earned their GED, have experienced foster care after the age of 14 in the state of Oregon, and enroll in 12 or more undergraduate credits per term. Undergraduate students can use their awards for any accredited college, university or trade school regardless of geographic location. This scholarship is not applicable to graduate students at this time.

  • Yes, as long as you experienced foster care after the age of 14 and are still under the age of 24, you are eligible for this scholarship.

  • 4 scholarships will be awarded annually each spring. The application deadline is March 1st, and recipients will be notified in April.

  • Funding can be used for tuition, housing, transportation, technology, textbooks, food assistance/meal plans, or other necessary items to pursue your education.

  • Yes, you will be asked to submit a 350-500 word essay responding to one of three prompts. The prompts to choose from are:

    1) Describe a skill or strength you have, or something unique about yourself, and why it is part of who you are.

    2) Describe an issue that matters to you, and why.

    3) Describe a challenge you have overcome in your life.

    You will need to save your essay as a PDF so it can be uploaded during the application process. Please make sure to indicate which prompt you are addressing in your essay heading and stick to the required word count.

  • Yes, you will be required to submit one letter of recommendation to supplement your application. This is helpful to the selection committee to get a fuller picture of you and your strengths. Your letter of recommendation can be from any of the following adults in your life: teacher, professor, supervisor at work, mentor, ILP coach, case worker, etc. Please do not submit a letter written by a relative or foster parent.

  • Yes, you will be asked to upload a copy of your most recent school transcript (high school or college, whichever you currently attend); preferably in PDF format, but JPEG is also acceptable.

  • Yes, you can view a PDF of all application questions so you know what you will be asked. You should be prepared to complete your full application in one sitting, so having your essay, transcript and letter of recommendation ready to upload is critical.