Turnaround Scholarship
The Turnaround Scholarship offers homeless or formerly homeless teens the opportunity attend their first year at a community college or university. The scholarship provides assistance with tuition and/or living expenses, books or childcare.
Crosswalk teachers encourage high school seniors or teens completing their GED to apply by answering the following questions:
- What made you “turn around” or what was your motivation to want a better future or your inspiration to change your life (complete your GED, go back to school, etc.)?
- Who influenced you to change your life?
- Where are you headed and what do you expect for your future?
The scholarship committee (founded by Crosswalk supporters Barb Brock, Vern Brock, Jeff Butler and Cindy Phillips) reviews the essays and meets individually with applicants to review their financial needs and other risk factors before determining gift amounts.
Checks are made out to the educational institution of the recipient’s choice. If tuition at an educational institution is already paid, the amount is divided into appropriate portions for books, living expenses or childcare. The gift amount must be used within one year.
The average gift is $500 and students are required to submit transcripts and progress reports each quarter. Since 1998, more than 30 homeless teens have attended college thanks to the Turnaround Scholarship program.