Photo Credit: Megan Cooper

Education Care Package Scholarship Program

The Education Care Package scholarship program provides graduating high school seniors transitioning to college, trade/vocational school, a gap year program, or an entrepreneurial journey with a FREE care package and career education course.

Through this program we provide 2 types of care packages:

FULL FREEDOM PACK: This care package is for students who will live on campus or in an apartment. This package includes over $900 in bedding, school supplies and equipment and personal care items.

SUCCESS PACK: This care package is for students who commute to their education program of choice. This package includes over $250 in school supplies and equipment and personal care items.

50 students who are from or will study in the Capital Region of New York will be selected to join the scholarship program. Students who currently live in the Capital Region DO NOT have to study in the Capital Region. If you DO NOT currently live in the Capital Region of New York, you must be committed to studying in the Capital Region. 

The selection of students is based on the quality of their essay. In addition to the care package, recipients participate in a FREE in person 8-hour career education course over 2 days. The course is designed to prepare care package recipients for the transition into the business world and advanced learning environments. The course is led by financial advisors, career coaches, influential business leaders, financial aid counselors and more.

Benefits of the Program 

• Selected students receive a FREE care package
• Selected students gain access to influential leaders and equip themselves with marketable skills and knowledge through the career education series
• Selected students join a the C.A.R.E. Initiative community which gives access to ongoing support such as opportunities to receive additional equipment such as laptops, gift cards for groceries, etc.,  access to exclusive programs and mentorship to assist you with identifying internships and other local and national scholarships

2023 Application

Application Deadline Extended: 11:59 pm June 2, 2023

Student Notification: Students will be notified if they are selected by June 5, 2023

Please note the application will require you to provide us with a copy of your acceptance letter or schedule if you will attend college, trade school or a gap year program. If you will transition to an entrepreneurial journey we need to receive a copy of an action plan that shows the action steps you will take from the end of August 2023 – May 2024 that will help you launch a new business or grow an existing business or business concept.

The online application form does not allow you to save answer and return. If you would like to take time to think about your answers then return to the application, click the button below  to see the PDF of the application. The application MUST be submitted through the online application. We will not accept paper copies of the application.

PRO TIP: Create a Google doc or word document with all the questions, place your answers in that document then copy and paste into the application. This will allow you to take your time answering the questions and allow you to share with a trusted proofreader who can make edits if needed before you transfer your answers to the application.

Impact of the Education Care Package Scholarship Program

Since 2015, we have given over 200 care packages to students transitioning to college, trade school or a gap year program. Eight of every ten students who applied came from households with incomes of less than $60,000. In addition to receiving the care packages student recipients participate in a 2-day Career Education Series that truly helps students prepare for the transition into new learning and living environments, the workforce and young adulthood.

Through the series students gain access to peers actively engaged in higher education programs, financial advisors, career coaches, financial aid counselors and more. Engagement with these professionals allow the students to their new life more informed and with a network of people who are invested in their happiness and success. 98% of the students who received a care package are enrolled in college.

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITY

If you are passionate about economic justice and dedicated to helping rising young professionals gain access to information about financial aid opportunities, this is a great sponsorship opportunity for you or your company.

The Education Care Package Scholarship program is a part of our Career + Readiness Essentials Initiative programs. This department also includes the Virtual Scholarship Information Series which provides rising young professionals and adult supports FREE access to information about various national and local (Capital Region NY) scholarships, grants and fellowships waiting to fund college, trade/vocational school, gap year or entrepreneurial journeys.

As a sponsor you help sustain both programs. You ensure students and adult supports looking for financial, education and tangible resources to decrease the economic burden that comes along advanced education, entrepreneurship and overall transition into the workforce.

Have questions, contact Coach Carmen at cduncan[at]matransitionservices.org or click here to sign up as a sponsor today.