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For some of the youth and young adults we serve here at Orangewood Foundation, the financial barriers to pursuing an education often go beyond tuition. Without a secure support system, many students struggle to afford essentials like food, books, and transportation. Our Scholarship Program and Advanced Studies initiatives bridge these gaps by providing the financial support and resources necessary for youth to stay enrolled and focused on their education and career goals.
During the 2024–2025 academic year, Orangewood distributed $711,011 in grant and scholarship support to 273 students. This funding helps young people complete programs ranging from trade certificates to master’s and doctoral degrees. The distribution of these funds included:
- 4-Year University: $342,090 awarded to 86 students
- Community College & Trade School: $251,921 distributed to 167 students
- Advanced Graduate Education: $117,000 awarded to 20 graduate students
- Students in Foster Care: $31,650 distributed to 228 students for extracurricular activities and basic needs
“So many times, the housing, resources, and financial aid assistance has kept me from being hungry or becoming unhoused.”
— Orangewood Foundation Program Participant
Because scholarship funds are designed to be flexible, students can address multiple financial barriers simultaneously. Last year, students utilized their support across several essential categories:
- Tuition & Course Materials: 32%
- Basic Needs: 21%
- Housing: 18%
- Transportation: 15%
- Savings: 8%
- Family Assistance: 5%
- Other: 1%
Now while financial aid is a key piece to these programs, it is paired with mentorship and individualized case management to help students navigate academic hurdles and prepare for long-term success. This support works alongside the resilience of our students as they face external challenges and by combining flexible funding with consistent guidance, we ensure youth have the tools they need to not only enroll in college, but to graduate and thrive.
