Students discussing college scholarship opportunities

Apply for the Venus Morris Griffin Scholarship

For students ready to turn a hard beginning into a hopeful new chapter.

Applications close May 7th, 2026.

To qualify for the Venus Morris Griffin Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following:

  • You must be a current high school senior attending school in the United States.

  • You have at least one biological parent who is currently incarcerated

  • You must be accepted into an accredited college, university, or trades/technical program to be attended within one year of your high school graduation.

  • You must show proof of acceptance to attend college in the next one year and also provide an invoice issued by the institution

student outside high school with binder and notebook

Faqs

  • No. You just need to be a high school senior in the United States.

  • You are still eligible as long as you have a biological parent who is currently incarcerated and you meet all other requirements.

  • No. At this time, scholarship funds must be used for tuition only and are paid directly to your school.

  • Yes. You must show proof of acceptance and provide an invoice or statement from your college, university, or trades/technical program.

  • Only one letter per student/household will be reviewed, so make it as clear and honest as possible.

  • Funds must be used within your first or second year after you graduate from high school.

  • If you are selected, you will be notified by email, and your name will be posted on this website once recipients are publicly announced.

Scholarship Application

To apply, please submit a personal letter to Venus and her children, sharing:

  • What led to your parent’s incarceration

  • How it has impacted your life

  • How you are choosing to rise above the adversity

  • How a $10,000 scholarship would help shape your future

  • How you plan to use your experience to positively impact others