New Hope For Kids Scholarship

Supporting the Educational Dreams of New Hope

The New Hope for Kids Scholarship was created to support young people in our grief support and wish programs who have faced loss and hardship but remain determined to pursue their dreams. This scholarship offers financial assistance to college-bound students who have participated in New Hope for Kids’ grief or wish program.

New Hope for Kids offers an annual scholarship, which provides financial support to students who have attended our Grief or Wish programs.

Overview/Description:

Each year, the New Hope for Kids Scholarship awards financial support to Central Florida students who have shown resilience in the face of adversity. Scholarships are granted based on a combination of:

  • High school academic achievement

  • Personal character

  • Financial hardship or demonstrated need

Eligible applicants must have participated in New Hope for Kids’ Grief or Wish programs.

New Hope for Kids scholarship recipients smiling and celebrating their achievement

How to Apply for the New Hope for Kids Scholarship

Application Process:

  1. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the scholarship application form with your personal and educational information.
  2. Submit Supporting Documents: Provide proof of enrollment or acceptance to a post-secondary institution, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement detailing your experience at New Hope for Kids.
  3. Review and Selection: Applications will be reviewed by the scholarship committee, and recipients will be selected based on eligibility and need.  Finalist will be interviewed via a zoom session.

To submit by mail, please download the application below and mail with all additional documents to:

New Hope for Kids
New Hope For Kids Scholarship Application
544 Mayo Ave.
Maitland, FL 32751

Student Applications now open 

General Eligibility:

For the purpose of simplification, the word “college” will represent “university, college and/or technical school.”

Students applying for this scholarship:

  • Must have attended the Center for Grieving Children or granted a wish from the Wishes for Kids Program.
  • Must be accepted as a full-time, degree-seeking student at an accredited, nonprofit 2-year  or 4-year college or technical school
  • Must be between the ages of 17 and 22.
  • Must provide a copy of your most recent high-school transcript, showing proof of good standing with a 3.0 GPA or better. If you have received a GED, please provide a copy of your GED as well as your most recent high-school transcript. If you are a home-schooled student, please provide either 1) a transcript from your nontraditional private school or 2) a parent-generated transcript with a notarized affidavit that you have completed a high-school education.

Scholarship Terms:

  • Applications are open by April 6, 2026.
  • Applications are due by June 15, 2026.
  • The scholarship recipient will be selected by August 3, 2026.
  • Applicants currently enrolled in college or technical school who are changing schools must submit changes to us by August 10, 2026.
  • Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the college or technical school financial aid office.
  • We require the Student ID and college financial aid office address for payment to be submitted.
  • If at the time of submission a student is currently a high school senior and NOT yet enrolled in college, the student ID and college address will be due by August 10, 2026.
  • Students may reapply for the scholarship annually; however, there is no guarantee the same student will be selected each year.

Past Recipients

We are honored to introduce you to the 2025 recipients:

Destiny’s Journey of Leadership and Resilience

New Hope for Kids is proud to recognize Destiny as one of our 2025 Scholarship recipients. Destiny first came to New Hope around 2014–2015 after the sudden passing of her stepfather, which also meant losing contact with her stepsister. Through the support of staff, volunteers, and other grieving children, she found courage and comfort, particularly from a volunteer named Rosemary whose words left a lasting impact. Group discussions helped Destiny realize she wasn’t alone in her grief and gave her strength to flourish.

Destiny now looks ahead to her future at Florida State University, where she will study civil engineering while participating in the Service Scholars program, requiring more than 100 volunteer hours each year. A proven leader in high school—as a student ambassador, student government secretary, and dual enrollment vice president—Destiny defines leadership as helping others reach their goals rather than being first. She hopes to use her education to work on global infrastructure projects, including study abroad opportunities in India. Destiny’s resilience and determination embody the spirit of New Hope, and we are honored to support her journey.

Camron’s Path of Perseverance and Purpose

New Hope for Kids is honored to award Camron as a 2025 Scholarship recipient. Camron first attended New Hope at just five years old after the tragic loss of his father in a car accident. He recalls how the program gave him the tools to open up emotionally and connect with other children who shared similar losses, helping him begin to process his grief at such a young age.

Determined to honor his parents’ sacrifices, Camron has excelled in his academic journey. He proudly earned admission to the University of Central Florida with a Bright Futures scholarship, ensuring his education would not burden his mother, who continues to support his siblings as well. Passionate about computer engineering, Camron hopes to pursue coding and software development while giving back to the community, as he once did by helping build a playground for children in need.

Despite facing multiple ACL injuries and four surgeries, Camron’s perseverance has never wavered. He remains focused on recovery and is determined to return to the activities he loves. His resilience and drive to succeed shine through, making him an inspiring role model and a deserving recipient of this scholarship.

Nicole’s Journey of Hope and Growth

New Hope for Kids proudly celebrates Nicole as a 2025 Scholarship recipient. Nicole first joined New Hope after the loss of her father, finding healing through the love and support of her family and the organization. Some of her fondest memories include coloring in the art room and playing with other children—simple moments that brought comfort during difficult times and helped her embrace hope.

Now a student at the University of Central Florida, Nicole is pursuing a degree in advertising and public relations, having discovered a passion for blending creativity with service. She has been active in volunteering and nonprofit internships, including at Limitless Solutions and New Hope for Kids, with the goal of working in nonprofit marketing to raise awareness for mission-driven organizations.

Nicole also reflects on her journey of personal growth, from overcoming imposter syndrome as a high school dance team captain to embracing her emotions as part of healing. She is proud of the self-discovery she has gained in college and looks forward to using her skills to uplift others. Nicole’s compassion, creativity, and resilience embody the mission of New Hope, and we are honored to support her bright future.