FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the application deadline?

April 1st by midnight.
No late applications will be accepted.
If you do not have your sponsor letter, please submit your application anyway and we will help you get it from them.

What is the application deadline?

April 1st by midnight.
No late applications will be accepted.
If you do not have your sponsor letter, please submit your application anyway and we will help you get it from them.

Can I submit my application by mail?

All applications must be submitted using our online portal.
If you need help navigating the application, we will walk you through it.
Sponsors can mail their letters to us, but we prefer them to be emailed or texted.

I’m not starting school until Spring 2024. Can I still apply?

Yes. You can use your scholarship funds anytime during the academic year.
Scholarships are awarded in May, and can be used beginning in June. You have one year to use your funds. They do not roll over from year to year.

How long do I need to be sober/clean/in recovery to apply?

You must have ONE YEAR by the application deadline of April 1.
This has to be 12 consecutive months.
If you do not have 12 months right now but will have the time by April 1, you are eligible to apply and can submit your application now.

I’m in Smart Recovery/Celebrate Recovery/ACA/other programs. Do I qualify?

Your primary recovery program must be a 12-step recovery program: AA, NA, HA, CA, etc.
You can participate in other programs, but they cannot be your primary recovery program.
You must have a sponsor from a 12-step recovery program.

I’m unemployed. Do I qualify?

You must have at least a part-time job to qualify for the scholarship.
If you work for yourself (cleaning houses, babysitting, etc.), you can still apply as long as we can verify you do this work.
If you are unemployed but will have a job by April 1, you can still apply as long as you can provide proof of employment.
If you do work-study as part of your academic program, that qualifies as employment.

I’m on disability. Do I qualify?

If you can provide proof of disability you can apply.
Proof of disability is the benefit verification letter from the Social Security Administration.

I think there are other people that need the money more than me. Should I apply?

We have funds available and want to help!
Financial need is only one factor of many that we consider when awarding scholarships.

I live in the St. Louis area but want to go to school in a different state. Can I do that?

As long as St. Louis is your permanent residence and you can volunteer for the organization in some capacity, you can go to school in a different state.
We serve the following counties in the St. Louis metropolitan bi-state region: St. Louis (city and county), St. Charles, Lincoln, Warren, Franklin, and Jefferson counties in Missouri, and St. Clair, Madison, Clinton, Monroe, and Calhoun counties in Illinois.

Can I do an online program?

Yes, as long as it is accredited.
Many scholarship recipients attend classes online.

Can I use the scholarship to get a professional certification?

Yes! As long as it is a legitimate certification program, we will provide funding.

How much is the scholarship for?

Scholarships range in amount based on need, the strength of your recovery program, and the cost of your educational program.
The average scholarship amount in 2022 was $2,800.
The maximum amount for undergraduate, technical, vocational, and certificate programs is $5,000, and for graduate programs it is $3,000.
Typically, first-time awardees will not receive the maximum amount.

If I get a scholarship, when are the funds available?

Scholarships are awarded in May.
You have between June 1 – May 31 of the following year to use your funds.
Funds do not roll over from year to year.
You can use all of your funds during one semester or split it up between multiple semesters.

Can I use the scholarship for a laptop?

Funds can only be used for tuition, books, and supplies for technical programs.
The scholarship does not cover laptops.
Funds are sent directly to your educational institution and/or bookstore.

Can I get the funds as cash for living expenses?

Funds can only be used for tuition, books, and supplies for technical programs.
The scholarship does not cover living expenses.
Funds are sent directly to your educational institution and/or bookstore.
You cannot receive a refund of leftover scholarship funds as cash.

Why do I have to volunteer for the organization?

In the spirit of 12-step recovery programs, we believe that service work is very important.
Giving back to the organization also helps us keep our expenses down to fund more scholarships.
It gives our recipients a chance to connect with other students and individuals in the community in their chosen careers.
Our Scholarship Celebration is fun!

If I tell others about this scholarship, will it mean less funding is available for me?

No, please spread the word. We want to fund as many people as possible.
Each scholarship is awarded on an individual basis, not by the number of people who apply.

I submitted my application, what happens now?

We will review your application to make sure you qualify. If you’re missing any information, we will ask you to provide that by April 1^st.
You will get an email confirming your eligibility to move to the interview stage of the application.
In April, you will participate in a 20-minute Zoom interview with two board members.
If awarded a scholarship, you will be informed in May.

Who do I contact with questions?

Beth Robinson is the scholarship administrator.
You can text or call (text preferred) at 314-719-2880 or email at [email protected].
Our office hours are from 9 am – 2 pm, Monday – Friday. If you contact us outside of business hours, we’ll reply as soon as we’re in the office.
If you need urgent help, call the main line at 314-719-2880, and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.