Tanager Place accepting scholarship applications for Bridge to the Future

CEDAR RAPIDS -- Tanager Place is accepting applications for the 2023 Bridge to the Future scholarship program, which can help kids who benefited from Tanager services pursue their future education goals.

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 is an incredible privilege to be able to help kids who have benefited from Tanager services pursue their future education goals,” Tanager Place CEO Okpara Rice said in a news release. “To see a young person excited for that next phase of education is a true joy. Reviewing the applications and reading the optimism for the future is a truly a highlight of my year.”

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:

The application deadline is April 14 by 4 p.m.

This year more than $60,000 will be awarded to children who have benefited from Tanager services, an increase of more than $4,000 over the amount distributed in 2021.

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.

Tanager Place is taking donations to contribute to the scholarship fund. Donations can be made online at tanagerplace.org/donate or by mailing a check to Tanager Place, 2309 C St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, Attention Advancement Services.

Scholarship applications are available online at tanagerplace.org/outreach/scholarships.

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