Are you heading to community college or trade school? Studying for a Bachelor’s degree?
We offer scholarships to help cover tuition, fees, supplies, and living expenses for young people who were previously dependents of Orange County or who are currently participating in our programs.
*Applications will open January 15, 2026, for Spring 2026 applications.
Fund Your Future with a Scholarship
Orangewood’s Undergraduate Scholarship offers up to $3,300 per year for community college students and up to $3,300 total for trade school programs. If you’re earning a bachelor’s degree, you may qualify for up to $5,900 per year throughout your college career.
Scholarship funds go directly to you! To qualify, you must be a former Orange County dependent or enrolled in an Orangewood program and be attending an accredited college or trade school.
TUITION SUPPORT
Pay for community college, trade school, or university
SCHOOL ESSENTIALS
Cover books, supplies, and other academic expenses
LIVING EXPENSES
Use funds for rent, bills, and daily necessities.
GROCERIES & FOOD
Get support for meals and everyday essentials
Ready to Get Started? Contact Us Today!
Reach out to us by email or begin your application today—we’re excited to support you on your journey! You’ll need a foster verification letter, proof of financial aid application, and proof of term enrollment or a course schedule.
The application period is now CLOSED for Spring 2025. The Fall 2025 scholarship application will open August 1, 2025.
This Is Rising Tide
What Will You Receive from Rising Tide?
If your application is approved, we’ll help you move into a safe, affordable apartment owned by Orangewood Foundation. We’ll also help you cover bills while you look for a job.
If your application is approved, we’ll help you move into a safe, affordable apartment owned by Orangewood Foundation. We’ll also help you cover bills while you look for a job.
Safe Apartments from Orangewood Partners
We offer shared living spaces in two apartment complexes: Flanders Pointe and Orange Tree.
Move-In Costs & Basic Furnishings Covered
We can help cover a month of utility bills and get you set up with pots, pans, and basic furnishings.
One-on-One Employment Support
We’ll work with you to help build your interview skills so you can find a job and start earning income.
Continued Support from Orangewood Programs
We’ll connect you with other programs from the Orangewood Foundation so you’ll get all the support you need.
Rising Tide Program Partners
Our partners believe in investing in the future, one young person at a time. Through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and workplace opportunities, they help prepare youth for the road ahead. We’re proud to work alongside companies who share our commitment to community and possibility.
Learn More about Rising Tide Program Support
Here’s How We Supported Young People
$681k
in total scholarships awarded to support young people in their education
$530k
awarded in undergraduate scholarships to help students achieve their academic goals
174
young people received undergraduate scholarships this year
$31k
awarded specifically to foster youth pursuing their education
Rising Tide Program Gallery
Want to Help? Become a Partner.
We need support from community leaders who are passionate about helping young people start their path to independence. Lead a workshop, provide apartment space, or help cover a utility bill — however you can support, we’re excited to work with you!
Read Their Stories & Inspire a Better Future
“
I had to drop out to take care of my sick grandma, and after she passed away, I wanted to carry on my education because she inspired me to help people. My goal is to get a job in a lab and help find cures for certain diseases. This program gives people like me a second chance to finish their education.
E.N. | Undergraduate Scholarship
“
During my educational journey, I faced many obstacles, mainly homelessness, housing insecurities, and food insecurities. This scholarship has helped me purchase books for my major and make payments on my credit card that I use for groceries, which helped me focus on my studies and earn a 3.9 GPA last quarter.
R.S. | Undergraduate Scholarship
See More Orangewood Programs
ORANGEWOOD RESOURCE CENTER
Drop In for Daily Resources & One-on-One Support
BASIC NEEDS & SUPPORT
ADVANCED SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Funding for a master's degree, doctorate, or specialized training
EDUCATION
GRANTS
Funding to help pay for extracurricular activities, transportation, and more
BASIC NEEDS & SUPPORT
Support Our Mission
Donate today to help a young person start building their future.
Resources For Young People
Need support? See which of our programs may be right for you.
