SVCF Brochure, YES

We Aspire

Youth Education Scholarship Where can I find more information?

More information about scholarship eligibility and guidelines can be found on the 2007-2008 YES™ applications. Applications can be downloaded from the SVCF website at www.svcf.org. For more information about the YES™ Program, please contact Lany Or at (408) 558-5439 or lany.or@svcf.org.

How do I apply?

About Silicon Valley Children’s Fund

To apply to the YES™ Program, applicants are required to

The Silicon Valley Children’s Fund is a public benefit

submit a complete application package consisting of:

organization based in San Jose, California. Formed

• SVCF YES ™ Application Form for new scholars or Re-Application Form for current scholars • SVCF student budget worksheet • A typed personal statement (approximately 2-3 pages, double-spaced) • Two letters of recommendation • Mentor Commitment Agreement • Proof of dependency letter from the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) of Santa Clara County • Official academic transcripts from each institution attended SVCF may contact applicants for a personal interview as part of the selection process.

Please contact SVCF today for more information about the application process, or visit us online at www.svcf.org!

in 1987 as a public-private partnership with Santa Clara County’s Board of Supervisors, SVCF has been dedicated to improving life outcomes for foster youth for the past twenty years. Our work is made possible through broad support from the community’s most respected philanthropic, business, civic and education leaders.

For more information about the Silicon Valley Children’s Fund, please contact us at: 4525 Union Avenue San Jose, CA 95124 (408) 558-5430 www.svcf.org

What is the Youth Education Scholarship (YES ™ )?

The Youth Education Scholarship (YES ) Program was ™

created by the Silicon Valley Children’s Fund (SVCF) to provide educational opportunities for former foster youth and to equip them with the tools and support to remain in school and succeed. YES™ goes beyond the basic scholarship program by connecting scholars to a comprehensive support network that includes mentorship and academic, financial, and

How are scholarships awarded?

Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, life skills training, educational and vocational plans, and desire to serve as a positive role model to other youth in the foster care system. While our primary focus is to serve foster youth from Santa Clara County, we do have a limited number of scholarships available to youth who emancipated from outside Santa Clara County and meet certain eligibility requirements.

life-skills coaching services.

Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?

We are looking for youth who meet the following minimum guidelines: • Youth placed in foster or kinship care for at least one year after age 13 who: emancipated from Santa Clara County OR are attending Santa Clara County schools • Achieved a minimum 2.3 cumulative high school GPA or 2.0 cumulative college GPA • Highly motivated and able to successfully meet their educational and career goals • Accepted to or attending an accredited college, university, or vocational educational institution for the 2007-2008 academic year.

How much money does a YES ™ scholarship provide?

Each year as a YES™ scholar, you will get up to $2,500 for community college, up to $6,000 for state universities (CSU), and up to $7,000 for UC and

What can YES ™ funding be used for?

Take this quick survey to see if you are a good

private schools. Scholarship amounts are based on

candidate for the YES™ Scholarship!

unmet financial need as defined by the school. The

Check all that apply:

funding is intended to supplement, but not replace, other available scholarship and financial aid funding, hence the varying amounts.

I believe that going to college will help me achieve my dreams.

I am/was a youth in foster or kinship care in Santa Clara County OR am attending a

How many times can I get the YES ™ scholarship?

school in Santa Clara County.

Students accepted into the YES ™ Program can

I need money to pay for school.

reapply for annual scholarship support for up to 5

I have a 2.3 cumulative high school GPA

years if they continue to make satisfactory academic

or a 2.0 cumulative college GPA.

progress and fulfill the YES ™ requirements.

I have been accepted to or am attending a

I was in care for at least one year after my 13th birthday.

community college, university, or accredited

• Applied for financial aid (must have completed the FAFSA)

Should I apply for the YES ™ Scholarship?

When do I apply?

vocation school for the 2007/2008 academic year.

Each year, there are two opportunities to apply to the

I would like to work with a mentor to help me

YES Program, The deadline for the regular application

achieve my goals.

cycle is May 15, and the deadline for the mid-year

I want to be a role model for younger

application cycle is October 31. Applications will be

foster youth.

The scholarship may be used for tuition, books,

made available online at least two months prior to

If you checked all of the boxes, then you are an

school supplies, housing, transportation, clothing,

the application deadlines.

excellent candidate for the YES ™ Scholarship.

food and other education-related expenses.