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Ford Scholars

We see your potential

Our Ford Scholars Program is an undergraduate scholarship available to promising high school seniors or recent high school graduates who work hard, have significant financial need and face barriers to higher education. Up to 130 renewable scholarships are awarded each year to students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.

Ford Scholars by the numbers

first generation college students icon

78% are first-generation college students

ford scholars from rural communities

67% are from rural communities

Scholarships for our programs include a renewable financial award of up to $40,000 per year.

The actual award amount is calculated based on several factors, including the student's financial need, the Cost of Attendance at their college of choice and additional scholarships received.

Ford Scholars are more than their GPA

Our selection process recognizes the potential of all students, especially rural students. There is no minimum GPA requirement to apply. We look for resilient students who believe success is the result of hard work and exemplify exceptional qualities such as:
Academic Potential
Academic potential

Show an academic ability to be successful in college; curious and motivated to learn

Community engagement and service to others
Community engagement and service to others

Contribute to school, family and/or community; think and care about how they impact the world around them and take action to get involved

Work Ethic
Work ethic

Demonstrate responsibility and initiative in skill-building and learning through experiences such as paid or unpaid work

Motivation and Mindset
Motivation and mindset

Believe success comes from one’s ability to grow and learn; rise to challenges and persist despite obstacles; willing to ask for help and utilize resources

The Ford Scholars experience

For students seeking a college degree in their home state of Oregon or California, the Ford Scholars Program covers expenses such as tuition, living expenses, books and required fees. Specifically, the Ford Scholars Program includes:

Financial support

How to Apply

Personal and professional support

Ford Family Foundation Scholar Icon

Lifetime connection with the Ford Family alumni community

How to Apply

Academic guidance

How to Apply

Leadership development

How to Apply
Ford Scholars

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Resident of Oregon or Siskiyou County, California
  • Graduating high school senior, recent graduate, or equivalent, and never enrolled full time in a two- or four-year college program
  • Goal to earn a bachelor’s degree
  • Fall enrollment of application year, attending full time, on campus at a federally financial aid-eligible public or private (nonprofit) college, based in their home state of Oregon or California*
  • Face significant barriers – financial and otherwise – to attending college
  • A completed financial aid application

*Residents of Siskiyou County may attend Oregon Institute of Technology, Southern Oregon University or Klamath Community College if they qualify for in-state tuition. Online college education programs do not qualify.

How to Apply
HOW TO APPLY
FAQ's
FAQS
Resources
RESOURCES

Who are Ford Scholars?

We look for resilient students who believe success is the result of hard work and the ability to learn, making the most of the opportunities available where they live.
Ford Scholar Avery from Weed High School

Avery

High School: Weed High School
Major: Environmental/environmental health engineering
College: Humboldt State University

“I am the first generation in my family to ever apply and be accepted into college. This achievement took every ounce of leadership, perseverance and self-determination I could muster, and although the struggle is far from over, I am confident that I can overcome any challenge in my future.”

Tiffany

High School: North Salem High School
Major: Chemical engineering
College: Oregon State University

“In high school, I was in charge of grocery errands, picking up my brother and often looking after my younger cousins for my aunt. Thanks to that experience, I have mastered the skills of time management and communication which have helped me transition to college.”

Welcome to the family
Ford Scholar Marco from Marshfield High School

Marco

High School: Marshfield Senior High School
Major: Economics
College: Linfield University

“During high school I acquired a job so that I could help my family by providing additional funds. I also helped my community by being the director and overseer of a project for my school that involves fixing front lawns. These experiences helped me understand the importance of helping others.”

Connect with us

Want to receive the latest scholarship news and information? Do you have questions about our scholarship programs? We're here for you. Please feel free to get in touch through the form below and our team will get back to you.

Scholarships contact form

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