American Industries Vet Tech Scholarship

Can I apply if I was never in foster care?

No, this scholarship is solely reserved for individuals who experienced foster care in the United States. No exceptions will be made.

What verification paperwork is required to complete the application?

Foster Love must receive all of the following documents to complete an application:

• Copy of High School Transcripts or Copy of College/Trade School Transcript (if applicable)
• Proof of Foster Care Status
• Business-Ready Selfie or Headshot Photograph
• Acceptance Letter to Trade/Vocational Program

Paperwork must be received no later than the application deadline. Documents not received within the application window will not be reviewed.

What is Proof of Foster Care and where can I get that?

Documentation may include copies of the ward of the court letter, guardianship documentation, verification letter from a social worker or advocate, or court documentation clearly stating the applicants experience in foster care. If the applicant is having difficulty securing this information they should begin by locating their state's child welfare agency or ombudsman office. No exceptions will be made for individuals who were never in foster care or for individuals who cannot secure proof of foster care status. Individuals who were adopted from foster care are not eligible for this scholarship. Please reach out to Foster Love if additional clarification is required.

Do I need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before applying for this scholarship?

No, but it is highly recommended that all applicants apply for Federal Student Aid. Please visit https://studentaid.gov for more information about the application and deadlines for financial aid. It is also recommended that all current and former foster youth identify the state financial benefits offered for transitioning foster youth.

What address should I use on my application?

If you do not have a mailing address, please contact Foster Love for additional assistance. Otherwise, use your current mailing address on your application. If you will be moving please keep us informed of your new address.

I am in a trade program with only a few months remaining before completing my certification, and I meet the qualification criteria. Can I still apply?

Yes, the scholarship can assist in getting you to the finish line! Know that funding is only available while you complete your certification program and is not intended to pay down or pay back any student loans you may have withdrawn. Funds will not extend to any other education or trade programs after completion.

Is there an educational requirement for GPA or academic performance?

No, this scholarship does not have academic requirements to apply, however, the scholarship selection committee will consider students who have performed exceptionally well during their high school and post-secondary years. If academic performance suffered during that time, the applicant should address their challenges and how they plan to overcome them in the future.

I am having difficulty securing my high school or college transcript. What should I do?

The applicant should start by contacting their school administrator's office and requesting a copy of their academic transcripts. Applicants should be patient but persistent in their requests. The applicant can contact Foster Love through email for additional guidance on how to secure the necessary documents.

How are students selected for this scholarship?

A selection committee is tasked with identifying the most qualified candidates for the scholarship. The committee will analyze and score applicants based on extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership in community service and volunteer work, academic merit, career ambitions, and the application essay. The committee will select the top finalists to participate in a series of scored interviews and the highest scoring applicants will be selected. All applicants agree to accept the decisions as final.

How long does the scholarship selection process take & when will scholarship recipients be notified?

Foster Love will review each application and identify the finalist. Students not selected to continue in the interview process will be informed 3 months after their application was submitted. Scholarship selections will be made before the start of the upcoming school semester.

What can the funds be used for?

These funds are to be used strictly for education-related expenses which can include tuition; administration fees; room & board including off-campus housing; academic supplies including academic technology and tools; textbooks & access codes; tutoring; wellness services; professional & leadership development; relocation costs; travel to academic, employment, or program events; and other academic-related expenses tied to the students' trade program.

If I graduate before the 2 years or have not used my entire scholarship, do I have access to those funds?

No, funding is intended to only support trade students during the completion of their vocational certification for up to two consecutive years. Recipients are not entitled to receive the full scholarship amount. Recipients will not be allowed to spend down funding. Annual funding will not transfer over from year to year.

What are the benefits of becoming a Scholar?

In addition to the monetary award, recipients receive one-on-one support to navigate through their trade program in preparation for the professional workforce. Recipients are given the opportunity to participate in Foster Love national events and apply for internships with partnering companies. Recipients will participate in annual leadership development events, peer-to-peer retreats, career-building workshops, and much more!

When and how will I be notified of the scholarship selection?

All notifications will be emailed to the applicants soon after the deadline, no later than three months after the initial application has been submitted. All scholarship selections will be final.