Only 62% of foster youth graduate high school, and just 2–3% go on to college. Without help removing barriers to education, many become unemployed, homeless, or even incarcerated. Since 2016, the Biddy Mason Charitable Foundation has offered scholarships to help current and former foster youth pursue their dreams. Thanks to our supportive donors, we’ve awarded nearly $400,000 in scholarships to an incredible array of talented, ambitious individuals across Los Angeles.
BMCF SCHOLARHIPS ARE UNIQUE
✓ We impose no age limit for applicants
✓ Scholarships are renewable and range from $450 to $3,000
✓ Funding can be used for any accredited high school, undergraduate, postgraduate, or vocational institution
eligibility and how to apply
We’re proud to have helped more than 800 current and foster youth on their personal and professional journeys! Applications open annually each year in February and close in May. We encourage you to apply or share this opportunity with those who have experienced foster care in Los Angeles County.
Our 2024 application period is now closed.
To be considered for a future BMCF scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
• Must have been or currently be a dependent (foster child) in the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
• Must be registered for study with an accredited educational institution: secondary school, vocational school,
community college, four-year college, or university
• Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5
How to Apply
• Complete the application form (available in February 2025)
• Include your most recent transcript from your current institution
• Include documentation on any student debt, if applicable
• Share a 500-word personal statement
when are scholarships announced?
We announce awardees each August. If you don’t receive a scholarship, please continue to submit during the next application period. We review each application on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact BMCF board member Dr. Cynthia Hudley at [email protected] with questions.