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.
About 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.
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.
Ask the financial-aid office for a written term-by-term estimate separating tuition, fees, housing, books, and other costs. Keep the award letter, records, and any service agreement. If your studies, residence, or course load change, contact the administrator before that decision affects your aid.
College scholarship and financial-aid program