APPLY

– to be a scholar –

Each year we select 2-3 scholars and provide them with four consecutive years of unwavering support that goes beyond just a scholarship. Learn more here.

The application window for the 2025-2026 school year has closed.

The scholarship window is open early January-March 1st each year. Award notifications are given in early April.

Please read below for information on eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that are not answered below, feel free to reach out.

Eligibility Requirements

There is no GPA requirement to apply for Winston Rhea. We are focused on your future, and understand your high school or college GPA does not reflect your potential.

Applicants must:

Be under 23 years of age during the application year. [Applicants aged seventeen (17) years old can apply with a guardian's signature.]
Have lived in foster care while living in the United States for at least one semester of high school [even if they are no longer in foster care and/or have since been adopted].

How to Apply

Complete the online application during the application window

[early January-March 1]

STEP 1

Provide digital documents to verify your eligibility status

[see FAQ below]

STEP 2

Complete the

interview process

[in March after all applications are in]

STEP 3

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required to verify eligibility?

The following documents are required on or before the application deadline:

High School Transcript
College Transcript (if applicable)
Proof of Foster Care Status
Application Essay (Personal Statement)
Professional Headshot Photograph
Two (2) Letters of Recommendation

Additional information about the required documents will be emailed to each applicant after they complete the application.

How will I know my application has been received?

Winston Rhea will communicate with all applicants via email that their application was received and communicate next steps in the application process. If applicants have any questions, they can email info@winstonrhea.org

When will I know if I was awarded a scholarship? When will funding begin?

After the application window closes, all scholars who finished their application will be contacted to schedule a zoom or phone interview. Scholars will be notified of award offers in April and will be announced and celebrated in May. Support will start in May with the awards being paid in August and January of every year.

What can this scholarship be used towards?

Winston Rhea Scholars funds can be used towards college tuition, professional development, housing, transportation, or as deemed appropriate by Winston Rhea Staff. Each scholar will meet with WR staff every semester for a goal setting meeting, where funding and support will be discussed and agreed upon.

What are the requirements to remain eligible for Winston Rhea?

We at Winston Rhea understand that there will be bumps along the way to helping you accomplish your goals. There is no GPA requirement for Winston Rhea and that is intentional. Each scholar is required to have bi-weekly check-ins with Winston Rhea Staff as well as semesterly goal setting meetings, and be enrolled in post secondary education, a trade program, professional certification, or working at least 20 hours per week.