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For over 30 years, The Ford Family Foundation has supported access to education for high-potential and yet high-need students through scholarships. While debates about the value of education beyond high school continue to take place, research is clear that it adds value both for individuals and the communities they live in.
By working with thousands of first-generation rural students, student parents, transfer students and returning adult learners over the years, we have learned so much. Money for school is important, but they have taught us that supporting students’ individual needs, creating a sense of belonging, and building community are the true keys to academic success and social and economic mobility.
As we launch our next scholarship selection season, we are reminded of the importance of creating accessible and supported pathways for students, especially rural students who go on to education beyond high school at much lower rates than their urban counterparts. Every year, we receive thousands of impressive applications and we wish we could award them all. But we are committed to learning and working to influence changes to policy and systems – with the goal of making the opportunity of education available to those who want it.
If you know of a strong scholarship candidate, please encourage them to apply by March 2, 2026. We’re always here to help with questions and look forward to welcoming our next Scholar class to this incredible community.
Respectfully,
Denise Callahan,
Director of Postsecondary Success
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