Ford Opportunity

Overview

The Ford Opportunity Scholars Program is an undergraduate scholarship for parents of any age or adult learners over 25 who face significant barriers to higher education. Up to 90 renewable scholarships are awarded each year to students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.

Award

Scholarships include a renewable financial award of up to $40,000 per year, calculated based on financial need, Cost of Attendance, and additional scholarships received. The program covers tuition, living expenses, books, required fees, and may include child care expenses for students with dependent children.

Eligibility Requirements

• Resident of Oregon or Siskiyou County, California
• Parents of any age or adult learners over 25 as of March 1 of the application year
• Goal of earning an associate or bachelor's degree (and has not previously earned a bachelor's degree)
• At least one full year remaining in program as of fall of the application year
• Prepared to enroll fall of application year, attending full-time, at a federally financial aid-eligible public or private (nonprofit) college in Oregon or California
• Face significant barriers—financial and otherwise—to attending college
• Completed financial aid application with Student Aid Index (SAI) of no more than 10,000

What We Look For

The selection process recognizes the potential of all students, especially rural students, with no minimum GPA requirement. Applicants should demonstrate academic potential, community engagement and service to others, work ethic, and motivation and mindset—believing success comes from hard work and growth, rising to challenges, and persisting despite obstacles.

Program Support

In addition to financial support, Ford Opportunity Scholars receive personal and professional support, lifetime connection with the Ford Family alumni community, academic guidance, and leadership development.

Note

Residents of Siskiyou County may attend Oregon Institute of Technology, Southern Oregon University, or Klamath Community College if they qualify for in-state tuition.