Ford Philanthropy Scholarships: Requirements and Opportunities
The Ford Philanthropy Scholarship program offers financial assistance to students pursuing higher education in STEM fields related to the automotive and mobility industries. This initiative supports both two-year and four-year college students, as well as those participating in apprenticeship programs within these sectors. The scholarships aim to alleviate the financial burden of college, covering various costs associated with attendance.
Comprehensive Coverage of Costs
The Ford Philanthropy Scholarship covers a range of expenses related to the cost of attendance (COA), including:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board
- Textbooks
- Supplies
- Equipment
This comprehensive coverage ensures that students can focus on their studies and career development without the stress of financial constraints.
Impact on Students
The Ford Driving Dreams Scholarship, a related initiative, has had a significant impact on the lives of many students. Recipients have shared their experiences, highlighting the positive effects of the scholarship on their academic and personal growth.
One graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology stated that their graduation "would not have been possible if it weren’t for the help of the Ford Driving Dreams Scholarship."
Read also: The Kyle Ford Transfer Story
Another student at the University of Texas at Arlington shared, “When I was granted the Ford Driving Dreams scholarship, it helped relieve my financial stress during my first year… I was able to focus more on myself and my studies, and because of that I have been able to become the better version of myself without having to worry about any financial burdens."
Furthermore, a student who started Mediaverse, a multimedia production company, noted, “The Ford Driving Dreams Scholarship has provided me with more than just financial assistance towards my college education, it has also been a source of inspiration and motivation to succeed in my college career… Since 2015, I have had several opportunities to gain real-world experience… Last year, I produced some advertising content for a sports marketing company that is a sponsor for Team USA at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics."
A rising senior majoring in Biomedical Engineering emphasized the broader impact of the scholarship: “Finding ease in the ability to afford college gave me the motivation to not only put forth my focus and effort towards my coursework but also participate in leadership, research, and team-led projects outside of my classes that would allow me to further my knowledge and understanding of my field and uplift others along the way."
Ford Family Foundation Scholarships
The Ford Family Foundation offers scholarship programs targeting dedicated students who have demonstrated financial and social barriers and are residents of Oregon or Siskiyou County, California. These programs include:
- Ford Scholars: For graduating high school seniors seeking a bachelor’s degree.
- Ford Transfer: For community college students ready to transfer as a junior to a four-year college in the fall.
- Ford Opportunity: For parents of any age, especially those parenting alone, and adult learners who are not parents but are over the age of 25.
Scholarships for these 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.
Read also: Explore Henry Ford College
Selection Criteria
The Ford Family Foundation looks for resilient students who believe success is the result of hard work and the ability to learn, and in making the most of the opportunities available where they live. The selection process considers the whole student, seeking those with a combination of special attributes:
- Academic potential: Show an academic ability to be successful in college; curious and motivated to learn
- 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: Demonstrate responsibility and initiative in skill-building and learning through experiences such as paid or unpaid work
- 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
There is no minimum GPA requirement to apply, emphasizing the potential of all students, especially rural students.
Community and Support
The Ford Family Foundation supports a community of approximately 1,000 students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, California. This support extends beyond financial assistance, creating a network of peers and alumni.
Application Process
To apply for The Ford Family Foundation scholarships, interested individuals should complete the application by the specified deadline. For example, the deadline for a past application cycle was March 2, 2026.
Scholarship Calendar
The Ford Family Foundation provides a scholarship calendar that includes events, key scholarship dates, and deadlines. This calendar also includes events hosted by college access and financial aid partners, offering resources and support related to scholarships and college access in Oregon and Siskiyou County, California.
Read also: Requirements for Ford Tough Scholarship
The Ford Family: A Lasting Community
Ford Family scholarship recipients are known in their schools and communities for their compassion and integrity as much as they are for their minds and strong work ethic. As Ford Family scholarship recipients, students build a community that sustains well beyond graduation. Scholarship alumni stay connected through volunteer leadership opportunities, community events and a vibrant online community. With thousands of Ford Family alumni across the region - and around the globe - the reach of our Ford Family grows every year.
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