Dare to Dream Scholarship Program

Enhancing the academic journey for foster youth

Each year the Dare-to-Dream Scholarship Program provides higher education funding opportunities for a number of current or former foster high school graduates and GED recipients in VOA’s service areas. Scholarships are given to former foster youth who are motivated to attend college in order to build emotional, financial and social security.

VOA launched the “Dare to Dream" Scholarship Program in 2006 and thanks to our sponsors, we have awarded over $510,000 in academic scholarships to 243 youth. Past scholars have been able to attend a wide variety of educational institutions including San Francisco State University, Syracuse University-College of Law, Las Positas College, California Polytechnic State University, William Jessup University, University of California Berkeley, Chabot College, Humboldt State University, and more.

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"Thank you for investing in my future and empowering me to fulfill my dreams"

  • Sponsor a scholarship

    • Interested supporters can make a charitable donation to grant a dream of college for an at risk youth.
    • For the 2023 scholarship, every gift made will be matched dollar for dollar up to $10,000.
    • The Dare to Dream Review Committee reads all the applications and scores based on the areas of focus. Top scored applicants are awarded a scholarship.

      • become a sponsor

  • Application Process

    • Dare to Dream scholarships are being collected from March 1st through April 14th, 2023.
    • Submit completed application packets electronically to Lauren Anderson at (voascholarships@gmail.com) with ALL required documents (separate attachments) listed below in ONE email.
    • See page one of the application for all eligibility criteria and page two for required documentation.
    • Email Lauren Anderson at (voascholarships@gmail.com) to learn more about the Scholarship Program or to receive assistance with your application.
    • Scholarships are awarded by the first week of June 2023.

      • view the application