UMPS CARE Charities All-Star College Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by UMPS CARE

Description

The All-Star Scholarship provides targeted college support for young people adopted or placed in permanent guardianship at a later age, helping remove financial barriers to higher education. The program selects one recipient each year and focuses on aiding academic advancement through financial awards and long-term support. The scholarship is administered by UMPS CARE and is intended for students pursuing accredited postsecondary study in the United States.

- Who it serves: Students adopted or in permanent guardianship at or after age 13.
- Selection frequency: One scholarship recipient is chosen annually.
- Administered by: UMPS CARE for students attending accredited U.S. colleges.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet specific legal, age, and financial criteria to be considered for the scholarship. Eligibility centers on the timing of adoption/guardianship, demonstrated financial need via FAFSA, and current or incoming college status with an age limit at application. Enrollment must be at an accredited U.S. college or university.

- Adoption/guardianship: Adopted or exited foster care to permanent guardianship at or after age 13.
- Financial need: Demonstrated through the FAFSA Student Aid Report.
- Student status and age: Incoming or current college students, age 21 or younger at time of application, attending an accredited U.S. institution.

Award Value

The award provides semester-based grants to cover tuition, books, and other college-related costs, with awards calibrated to demonstrated need. The scholarship may be issued in one or more grants per semester; total annual and multi-year caps apply. UMPS CARE determines grant amounts based on the applicant’s FAFSA and any supplemental financial information.

- Per-semester structure: Grants may be issued each semester.
- Annual maximum: Scholarship funding can total up to the program’s yearly cap (see program materials for exact amounts).
- Multi-year cap: Funding availability may extend across multiple years of study, subject to continued eligibility and program limits.

Application Requirements

Applications must include academic records, personal essays, financial documentation, proof of legal status, and three letters of recommendation. One recommendation must come from a teacher or administrator, another from a personal reference (social worker, coach, mentor, etc.), and a third from a parent detailing growth since adoption. Applicants must also submit a completed application with four short-answer essays and meet the minimum GPA requirement.

- Essays: Four short-answer/essay responses written by the student.
- Recommendations: Three letters — teacher/administrator, personal reference, and parent.
- Documentation: High school transcript (and first-semester grades), FAFSA Student Aid Report, adoption/legal guardianship paperwork, and ACT/SAT scores if required by the college.
- Minimum GPA: Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.

Application Timeline

Specific deadlines are set by UMPS CARE and the FAFSA process; applicants should verify current dates before applying. FAFSA deadlines vary by year and state, so submit the FAFSA early to ensure accurate financial documentation. Start preparing application materials well in advance to allow time for recommendation letters and transcription requests.

- Confirm deadlines: Check the UMPS CARE program site for the scholarship application deadline.
- FAFSA timing: File FAFSA as soon as possible and retain the Student Aid Report.
- Preparation checklist: Request transcripts and recommendations early; complete essays and gather legal paperwork ahead of the deadline.

Selection and Award Determination

UMPS CARE reviews complete applications and selects recipients based on the application package, financial need, and program criteria. The organization exercises sole discretion in determining award amounts and may consider supplemental financial information in addition to the FAFSA. Selection decisions include review of academic records, recommendations, and demonstrated need.

- Review criteria: Academic performance, recommendations, and financial need are evaluated.
- Discretionary determination: UMPS CARE decides award amounts based on documented need.
- Notification: Applicants will be informed of selection outcomes per program procedures.

Mentorship and Support

Beyond financial aid, UMPS CARE pairs each recipient with an MLB umpire family who provides mentorship through college. Mentors offer guidance via regular contact, care packages, and curated experiences such as on-field visits to major league ballparks. This mentorship component is intended to reinforce academic success, personal development, and community engagement.

- Mentor pairing: Each recipient is matched with an MLB umpire and family.
- Ongoing contact: Phone calls, care packages, and in-person experiences supplement financial support.
- Developmental focus: Mentorship emphasizes work ethic, resilience, and giving back.

Requirements to Maintain Scholarship

Continued receipt of grants depends on meeting academic, behavioral, and reporting standards aligned with federal grant expectations. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, submit semester grades and proof of registration, remain in regular communication with UMPS CARE and their mentor, and provide any requested supplemental financial information. Falling below the GPA threshold triggers a review process by the scholarship committee.

- Academic standard: Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA; GPA below 2.5 places the award under review.
- Reporting requirements: Submit grades and registration proof at the end of each semester.
- Conduct and communication: Uphold ethical standards and stay in regular contact with UMPS CARE/mentor.
- Financial updates: Provide additional financial documentation if requested.