FAITH—Fostering Access & Inspiring True Hope—is Mississippi’s scholarship for current and former foster youth. It may cover up to the full cost of attendance at an approved in-state institution for as many as five calendar years. That ceiling does not mean everyone receives the same amount: the award depends on the student’s budget, other aid, and college charges. Its purpose is to remove barriers to continuing education, not provide automatic cash.
Applicants must have been Mississippi residents for a year, be younger than 25 on October 1 of the aid year—with a possible military-service extension—and document that since age 13 they were in Department of Child Protection Services custody, lived at an approved residential home, or were adopted from those circumstances. Students must pursue an undergraduate credential at an approved institution and enroll at least part time, with a minimum of six credits.
The state application is MAAPP, and FAITH has no separate fixed deadline, but Mississippi’s aid application is available only from October 1 through September 15. FAFSA is also required. The state advises eligible applicants to seek the federal Educational and Training Voucher through CPS; the awards may be coordinated, so students should work with both the college and state office on their files.
Renewal requires maintaining residency, filing MAAPP and FAFSA each year, making satisfactory academic progress with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA and no academic suspension, and remaining enrolled in at least six credits. The college verifies foster-care history with CPS or the approved home. Ask which letters and records to provide and when the package is finalized; meeting legal criteria does not guarantee every living expense will be covered.
Before applying, confirm the current cycle, priority date, participating institution, enrollment load, and any missing records. Keep a copy of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, and submission confirmation. Ask about renewal, covered expenses, and coordination with other aid. Do not budget money until you receive an official award.
Compare net cost and distinguish scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans; they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Verify current-cycle dates and requirements directly with the administrator.
Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
FAITH Scholarship — Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid.
Foster Youth Resources — ETV and FAITH — Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services.
FAITH Scholarship rules and policies — Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Aid, funding, and deadlines can change by cycle. Confirm eligibility with the program administrator and your college financial-aid office before relying on an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on the aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
FAITH Scholarship — Fostering Access & Inspiring True Hope
FAITH—Fostering Access & Inspiring True Hope—is Mississippi’s scholarship for current and former foster youth. It may cover up to the full cost of attendance at an approved in-state institution for as many as five calendar years. That ceiling does not mean everyone receives the same amount: the award depends on the student’s budget, other aid, and college charges. Its purpose is to remove barriers to continuing education, not provide automatic cash.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of FAITH Scholarship — Fostering Access & Inspiring True Hope ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of FAITH Scholarship — Fostering Access & Inspiring True Hope ↗
Primary source
Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.