Venus Morris Griffin Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Venus Morris Griffin Foundation
Introduction and origin
Venus Morris Griffin turned her own experience of hardship into an opportunity for others. After navigating years of struggle, she established a scholarship to support young people facing similar challenges—specifically high school students with an incarcerated parent. That initial $10,000-per-year scholarship expanded as demand grew, and ultimately led to the creation of the Venus Morris Griffin Foundation.
Purpose and funding
The scholarship is intended to remove financial barriers so recipients can pursue higher education or trade training and reach their full potential. Award decisions are made personally by Venus and her children. The program is financed entirely by proceeds from Venus’s speaking engagements and by contributions from individual supporters and donors.
Eligibility and requirements
- You must be a United States high school senior.
- You must have a biological parent who is currently incarcerated.
- Young people who were adopted or are in foster care and who meet the listed requirements are encouraged to apply.
- You must be accepted into an accredited institution of higher learning or an approved trades program.
- Acceptance must be for a start date within one year; you must submit proof of acceptance and an invoice or billing statement from the school.
- Only one entry letter is permitted per applicant or household. That letter should explain how having an incarcerated parent has affected your life.
- Awarded funds must be used exclusively for tuition and must be applied within the first or second year following high school graduation.
Selection and use of funds
Winners are selected by Venus and her children. Scholarship proceeds are restricted to tuition expenses and must be allocated during the timeframe specified above.
If you meet these conditions and wish to apply, prepare the required acceptance documentation and your single entry letter detailing the impact of parental incarceration on your life.