Hope Through Learning Award - Homeless Children's Education Fund

The Hope Through Learning Award is a $2,500 award available to youth age 24 and under residing in Allegheny County who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness during their school attendance years, and who are going on to a higher education or career training program for the first time. Homelessness is defined as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence, and includes students living in a shelter, car, motel, doubled-up situation, or places not meant for human habitation. Recipients can use their award for tuition, school-related expenses such as books or a computer, or living expenses, such as transportation, child care, or housing. The application is now open. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2023.

high school graduates received the Hope Through Learning Award in 2022

students received a second year Hope Through Learning Award in 2022

How To Apply:

1

Review the eligibility criteria

Experiencing or has experienced homelessness during school attendance years. Homelessness is defined as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate night time residence, and includes students living in a shelter, car, motel, doubled-up situation, or places not meant for human habitation, or lacking permanent housing.
Currently residing in Allegheny County
24 years of age or younger
Accepted into a post secondary education or career program (e.g. college, university, community college, business school, technical school, vocational school, career training, internship, apprenticeship) for the first time, and are scheduled to begin classes/training before the end of 2021.
High school graduate, GED recipient, or due to complete secondary education at the end of the 2020-21 school year

2

Complete the application

Follow this link.
Click the “Begin” button.
Create an account and complete your application.
All questions and attachments must be submitted for your application to be complete.
Deadline to apply is May 31, 2023.

Questions about the application? Email Patience Baker at pbaker@homelessfund.org

Submitted your application? Click here to see what’s next.

What Awardees Are Saying:

"I am very thankful and excited about this opportunity to help further my education and brighten my future, so then I can one day be in the position to help others."

"The award was one of the best things that ever happened to me."

"Most of my peers were already planning on attending college, but I was trying to figure out what to do next as far as having a roof over my head."

"I have the passion to make a difference and guide children as they grow. I want them to know that they can do it and never give up."

More assistance

Looking for more resources and tips? Check out our resource page for higher education and career resources.

For more information, email info@homelessfund.org.