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Hope Through Learning Award 2025

Description

The Hope Through Learning Award is a $2,500 award available to youth aged 24 and under who have attended school in Southwestern PA or have plans to attend a post-secondary program at an institution of higher learning in Southwestern PA. Eligible applicants are either experiencing or have experienced housing instability during their school attendance years. Housing instability 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.

Selection Process

  • Experiencing or has experienced housing instability during school attendance years

  • Attended K-12 in Southwestern PA or 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 2025

  • High school graduate, GED recipient, or due to complete secondary education at the end of the 2024-2025 school year

  • Completed application will all required materials included:

  1. Essay

  2. Academic Transcript

  3. Post-secondary program Acceptance Letter

  4. References

Additional credit will be granted to students who actively participate in designated extracurricular activities, specifically Teen Nights, enrollment in College Club, and involvement in the Teen CEO alumni program. These activities are recognized as opportunities for students to engage in leadership development, community involvement, and academic enrichment. Participation in these programs is deemed beneficial for fostering personal growth and enhancing the overall educational experience, thus justifying the allocation of additional credit as an incentive for such engagement.

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Hope Through Learning Award 2025

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The mission of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund (HCEF) is to advance the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness in Southwestern PA, guiding them to be productive, empowered citizens. The Homeless Children's Education Fund (HCEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1999 to support the educational needs of children experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County. Over the years, HCEF's role in the community has developed and expanded to meet these needs. HCEF relies on support from community foundations, corporations, and individuals and receives no governmental funding.