Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program

About this scholarship

Cleveland State University’s Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program combines substantial financial aid with year-round support for Ohio students who are preparing to age out of foster care. The university describes a package that can cover tuition, books, fees, instructional resources, year-round housing, and an approved meal plan. Scholars also receive academic coaching, peer assistance, professional mentoring, career guidance, and help navigating independent living. Applicants must be Ohio residents eligible for in-state tuition, be high-school seniors in foster care, be at least 17 but younger than 20, and expect to age out of care before beginning college. A student must first apply to and gain admission to Cleveland State University; program applications are then accepted on a rolling basis. The official program page contains the live electronic application, so students can submit directly rather than relying on an aggregator. Candidates upload a personal statement of up to 1,000 words addressing their high-school experience, challenges, future goals, character, leadership, and reasons for seeking the program. Two written recommendations are also required: one from a teacher or agency representative and another from a responsible adult chosen by the applicant. Selection is competitive and includes a personal interview. Applicants should complete every field and upload both recommendations because the university states that incomplete submissions will not be considered.

Eligibility

• Be a high-school senior currently in foster care
• Be at least 17 years old and younger than 20 when applying
• Expect to age out of foster care by the time college enrollment begins
• Be a legal Ohio resident eligible for in-state tuition
• Apply to and be admitted to Cleveland State University before scholarship selection
• Submit the official rolling application with a personal statement of up to 1,000 words
• Provide two written recommendations, including one from a teacher or agency representative
• Participate in the competitive personal-interview process if invited