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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Tanager Place’s ‘Bridge to the Future’ scholarship application now open
$70,000 available this year to students who have benefited from Tanager services to pursue their future education goals
Mar. 19, 2024 6:30 am, Updated: Mar. 19, 2024 12:26 pm
CEDAR RAPIDS — Tanager Place is accepting applications for the 2024 Bridge to the Future scholarship program, which can help kids who benefited from Tanager services pursue their future education goals.
This year, $70,000 will be granted to students who have benefited from Tanager Place services, marking an increase of more than $8,000 compared to the previous year. The program is designed to meet students’ needs, with awards distributed for traditional college courses, attending trade school or furthering academic goals at a community college.
“It’s an honor for Tanager to be able to help these young individuals achieve their educational goals,” Tanager Place CEO Okpara Rice said in a news release. “Seeing their passion and enthusiasm for the next phase of their education fills us with pride knowing that our organization is able to invest in their future success. Through the combination of Tanager’s services and these scholarships, we are making a tangible difference in the lives of these students, and that realization is truly fulfilling.”
Tanager Place is a nonprofit in Cedar Rapids that provides services to children and families challenged by social, behavioral and psychological needs. It works with more than 4,000 children a year in Linn and Johnson counties and in southeast Iowa.
The scholarship was borne out of an anonymous $1 million gift to Tanager Place in 2019. It is unique in the fact that previous scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for additional funding if they are continuing to pursue their educational goals.
The scholarships also can be used to pay for books, tools and equipment and other course material, a certification or licensure fee and room and board costs.
Scholarships awards are based on financial need, tuition costs and the scholarship committee’s conclusions as to the applicant’s ability or potential to articulate and accomplish their academic plans and goals.
Scholarship recipients are eligible to reapply for additional funding as they pursue their educational goals.
How to apply
To be eligible for a Bridge to the Future Scholarship, a student must:
- Have been a Tanager Place client for a minimum of six months within the last two calendar years.
- Meet criteria of Free Application for Federal Student Aid and provide the score on application.
- Demonstrate financial need.
The application deadline is 4 p.m. April 19. A selection committee will announce the recipients of the awards in late May.
The application includes answering questions about involvement in extracurricular activities, non-school activities, accomplishments, work experience, career interest, goals and how Tanager Place has made a difference in the applicants life.
Scholarship applications are available online at tanagerplace.org/news_article/scholarships.
Comments: (319) 398-8411; grace.king@thegazette.com
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