ISF New Student Application 2026-2027

Application Requirements:

• Fill out the application attached and complete your essay as described.

• Obtain your most recent transcript and proof of FAFSA submission

• Take a decent quality digital photo of yourself

• Obtain documentation or a letter confirming your status in foster care or as a ward of the state prior to 18 years of age.

• Obtain your Student Financial Award letter from your school. (if not currently available this can be provided later)

• Ask a teacher or another adult to provide a recommendation letter
  

Applications accepted throughout the year. Please submit by April 30th for consideration for the following school year.

We will evaluate your application and let you know your status, via e-mail, by June 1. Financial Awards are paid to a third party (academic institutions to cover tuition or to pay for other approved living expenses deemed necessary for students).

Payments are distributed as follows:

- Half of annual award is available in August. Fall schedule indicating full time status is required for disbursement.

- Second half of annual award is available in January, provided academic transcripts from fall show student in good full time standing and maintaining 2.5 overall GPA, and student shows Spring schedule indicating a full time course load and a positive report from his or her mentor.

Please e-mail Gina with any questions or concerns at any time during this process: [email protected].

Is this program right for you?

ISF Student Applicants:

• Can demonstrate that they were orphaned or in foster care and are not currently adopted or supported by a parent or legal guardian.

• Are of strong moral character and are willing to learn.

• Are planning or applying to be a full time undergraduate student for the next school year.

• Have and are able to maintain a GPA of 2.5 or greater.

• Are 23 years of age or less on April 30th of the year of application.

• Have submitted the FAFSA application (if eligible)

• Are willing to commit to a mentoring program of twice monthly phone conversations with assigned ISF mentor.

• Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and leadership development. ISF selects students each year to attend a Leadership and Life Skills retreat and/or participate in a mission trip.