It's For The Kids!
EIN: 30-0712494

Empower Scholarship

The FYF Empower Scholarship Program, created by the Freedom Youth Foundation (FYF), supports foster, kinship, and adopted youth from the Idaho Foster Care system ages 8–23 in achieving their educational and extracurricular goals. The program offers:

  • Educational & Trade Scholarships for college or trade school.
  • Tutoring Scholarships to support academic success for 1–12 youth.
  • Sports/Engagement Scholarships to encourage participation in structured activities.

Empower Scholarship General F.A.Q.

The FYF Empower Scholarship Program is designed to support foster, kinship, and adopted youth from the Idaho Foster Care system by removing barriers to education, academic success, and positive extracurricular engagement. Scholarships are offered in three areas: College & Trade, Tutoring, and Sports/Engagement. 

Eligibility varies by scholarship type, but all applicants must be: 

  • Foster, kinship, or adopted youth from the Idaho foster care system 
  • Currently living in Idaho or connected to FYF programming 

Each scholarship category has specific age and participation requirements outlined below. 

FYF offers three scholarship pathways: 

  • College & Trade Scholarships (college or trade school) 
  • Tutoring Scholarships (grades 1–12) 
  • Sports & Engagement Scholarships (ages 8 – 18, sports or structured extracurricular activities) 

Applicants may only apply for the scholarship(s) for which they are eligible. 

College & Trade School Scholarships

  • High school juniors and seniors 
  • Aged-out foster youth up to age 23 

Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and meet all program requirements. 

Individual awards are up to $10,000. Award amounts may vary based on need, availability of funds, and the Scholarship Committee’s review. 

Funds may be used for: 

  • Tuition, fees, books & other school supplies 
  • Tools, uniforms, safety gear or equipment required for trade programs 
  • Laptop and software if required for the program 

Yes. Here is a highlight of what Applicants must do: 

  • Complete 8 hours of FYF Foundations for Your Future training 
  • Provide proof of 10 hours of community service 
  • Submit an essay and transcript 
  • Participate in an interview 
  • Agree to meet with a school counselor to map an educational and career plan 

FYF understands that challenges and unexpected circumstances can arise. If you fail a quarter, semester, or program, you must notify FYF as soon as possible. Each situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to understand what happened and determine next steps. In some cases, you may be asked to repay the portion of the scholarship funds that were used for the unsuccessful course or program. Our goal is to support your success while also being responsible stewards of the funds entrusted to us.

Tutoring Scholarships

  • Youth in grades 1–12 
  • Foster, kinship, or adopted from the Idaho Foster Care System  

Tutoring Scholarships provide up to $1,000 per student per school year, based on demonstrated academic needs. 

Applicants must: 

  • Demonstrate academic need through a recommendation from a caregiver and a teacher or caseworker
  • Provide a brief student goal statement 
  • Commit to consistent tutoring sessions 
  • Participate in an interview with the FYF Director of Operations 

Sports & Engagement Scholarships

  • Youth ages 8–18 
  • Foster, kinship, or adopted youth from the Idaho Foster Care System 
  • Youth who are actively engaged in FYF programs and structured activities 

Awards are up to $1,000 per youth, depending on engagement, need, and available funding.

Funds may be used for: 

  • Sports registration fees 
  • Equipment or uniforms 
  • Structured extracurricular activities (arts, clubs, programs) 

Selection is based on: 

  • FYF engagement points 
  • Academic effort (minimum 2.0 GPA or passing grades) 
  • Community service 
  • Essay submission 
  • Interview performance 

Currently, the scholarship program is focused on youth who are able to participate in in-person engagement in the Treasure Valley. This allows us to build meaningful relationships and provide the level of support we believe is most impactful. If we do not receive enough applications from youth in the Treasure Valley, we may explore alternative options in the future. Any changes would be shared publicly.

Application & Selection Process

Youth may apply for multiple scholarships only if they meet eligibility requirements, but funding decisions are made to ensure equitable distribution and impact. 

Scholarship & Trade School Deadlines 

  • May 15 – Application deadline 
  • June 7–20 – Scholarship interviews 
  • July 1 – Recipients notified 
  • July 15 – Scholarship awards presented 

Tutoring and Sports/Engagement Scholarships 

  • Rolling admissions 

College and Trade School Applications are reviewed and approved by the FYF Scholarship Committee, which includes FYF leadership, donors, and community volunteers passionate about youth success. 

Tutoring and Sports/Engagement Applications are reviewed by FYF leadership and approved by FYF’s Director of Operations. 

Funds are distributed directly to approved institutions, service providers, or vendors whenever possible to ensure scholarships are used for their intended purpose. If direct payment is not possible, reimbursement will be made after receipts are provided.   

Recipients are encouraged to communicate with FYF immediately. Scholarships are designed to support youth success, and adjustments may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Scholarships are awarded to the individual youth, not to a foster, kinship, or adoptive family. If a youth experiences a placement change or returns to their biological family while receiving scholarship support, Freedom Youth Foundation must be notified. This ensures the new caregiver understands the scholarship guidelines, expectations, and how funds are to be used in support of the youth.

The FYF Empower Scholarship Program is part of FYF’s broader commitment to providing opportunity, dignity, and hope through education, life skills, experiences, and consistent support. 

For questions or assistance, contact Freedom Youth Foundation or mary@freedom-youth.org, or visit our website for application resources and updates. 

Currently, the scholarship program is focused on youth who can participate in in-person engagement in the Treasure Valley. This allows us to build meaningful relationships and provide the level of support we believe is most impactful. If we do not receive enough applications from youth in the Treasure Valley, we may explore alternative options in the future. Any changes would be shared publicly. 

At this time, the Foundations for Your Future training is in-person only.

For any questions regarding the Empower Scholarships, please contact Mary Irby: mary@freedom-youth.org