The Opportunity Rising Foundation offers four types of scholarships for people who live in DHA supported housing.

Each scholarship supports a specific stage of one’s educational path. Whether you are preparing to enter college, are a returning college student, or are working to secure your GED, there is a scholarship for you. If you meet the criteria of one of the scholarships below, we hope that you will apply!

Applications for the Opportunity Rising, Ascend, and Summit Scholarships will open on March 30, 2026 and close on April 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.



Opportunity Rising Scholarship

The Opportunity Rising Scholarship is for current high school and General Education Development (GED) program students who are under 19 years of age and are enrolling in an institution of higher learning for the fall semester of the upcoming school year. Once awarded, the scholarship can be used for the upcoming fall semester and for the semesters that follow. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

  • Read Requirements

    Eligibility requirements are:

    • Student must reside in DHA supported housing
    • Become a graduate with a high school diploma or GED of the current year
    • Enroll in an institution of higher learning for the Fall Semester of the upcoming school year
    • Must complete this application in its entirety

     

    To apply for this scholarship, students submit the following:

    • Completed scholarship packet
    • One recommendation letter (letters can be from an employer, community representative, or school official)
    • Copy of SAT/ACT scores and GPA, or transcript
    • A photograph (headshot only)
    • Completed “Let’s Talk About You” section
    • Typed 500-word typed essay (not to exceed 550 words) on the assigned topic

     

    Each essay will be judged on:

    • Quality of content
    • Ability to captivate the reader
    • Originality
    • Correct grammar usage (punctuation and spelling)
    • Overall presentation

     

    Applications Open: Friday, March 30, 2026
    Applications Close: Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Application

The Ascend Scholarship

The Ascend Scholarship is for a returning college student preparing to enter their second, third, or fourth year in an institution of higher learning, with no lapses in semester, to help offset some of the cost of the student’s education. Once awarded, the scholarship can be used for the upcoming fall semester and for the semesters that follow. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

  • Read Requirements

    Ascend eligibility requirements are:

    • Student must reside in DHA-supported housing
    • Must be preparing to enter his/her second, third or fourth consecutive year in an institution of higher learning
    • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75
    • Complete eight (8) hours of Community Service with an agency of applicant’s choice
    • Enroll in an institution of higher learning for the Fall Semester of the upcoming school year
    • Must complete this application in its entirety

     

    To apply for this scholarship, students submit the following:

    • Completed scholarship packet
    • Proof of registration
    • An official transcript
    • Proof of community service (documented on agency letterhead with contact name and number)
    • Address & telephone number of the institution of higher learning
    • Address & telephone number of the department that the scholarship will be disbursed
    • Student’s address & telephone number on campus
    • Two letters of recommendation from an employer, community representative, clergy, or school representative
    • Typed 500-word essay (no longer than 550 words) on the assigned topic


      Each Essay will be judged on:

      • Quality of content
      • Ability to captivate the reader
      • Originality
      • Correct grammar usage (punctuation and spelling)
      • Overall presentation

       

      Applications Open: Friday, March 30, 2026
      Applications Close: Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

    Application

    The Summit Scholarship

    The Summit Scholarship Award is for college students who are returning to school after a separation of at least two years, to help off-set some of the cost of the student’s education. Once awarded, the scholarship can be used for the upcoming fall semester and for the semesters that follow. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

    • Read Requirements

      Summit eligibility requirements are:

      • Student must reside in DHA-supported housing
      • Student must apply for financial aid
      • Student must show proof of paid application/registration fee
      • Enrolling in an institution of higher learning for the Fall Semester of the upcoming school year
      • Must complete this application in its entirety

       

      To apply for this scholarship, students submit the following:

      • Proof of registration (i.e. class schedule, fee receipt or letter from institution)
      • Address & telephone number of the institution of higher learning
      • Student’s address & telephone number on campus
      • Two (2) letters of recommendation from an employer, community representative, clergy, or school representative
      • Typed 300-word essay on the assigned topic (no longer than 350 words)


      Each Essay will be judged on:

      • Quality of content
      • Ability to captivate the reader
      • Originality
      • Correct grammar usage (punctuation and spelling)
      • Overall presentation

       

      Applications Open: Friday, March 30, 2026
      Applications Close: Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

    Application

    The Aspire Scholarship

    The Aspire Scholarship is for students who are enrolled in a General Education Development (GED) program and need support to successfully complete the test to secure their GED. The application window for the Aspire Scholarship is open year round.

    • Read Requirements

      Aspire eligibility requirements are:

      • Student must reside in DHA-supported housing
      • Has successfully attended a GED preparation class
      • Is certified by their GED course teacher that they are ready for the test
      • Must complete this application

       

      To apply for this scholarship, students submit the following:

      • Proof of school registration (i.e., class schedule, fee receipts)
      • GED class teacher contact information
      • Three (3) letters of recommendation from someone in their community, school or family
      • Typed 300-word essay (no longer than 350 words) on “How Earning My GED Will Make a Positive Impact on My Life”

       

      Each Essay will be judged on:

      • Quality of content
      • Ability to captivate the reader
      • Originality
      • Correct grammar usage (punctuation and spelling)
      • Overall presentation

       

      Applications for the Aspire Scholarship are accepted throughout the year. 

    Application