AFFCF Foster Care Scholarship Program Opening Soon
Offered by Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation (AFFCF)
About This Scholarship
The Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation is a nonprofit with offices in Phoenix and Tucson that supports children and youth in Arizona's foster care system. Its post-secondary scholarship program pays tuition and fees for young people who age out of Arizona foster care, at universities, community colleges, and other post-secondary programs.
Students at four-year schools can receive up to $5,000 per calendar year, paid as up to $2,500 per semester. Community college students can receive up to $2,000 per year, or $1,000 per semester. Scholars renew each semester by sending in their latest grades and next term's class schedule, so the support can continue through a degree as long as the student stays enrolled and under the age limit.
AFFCF accepts new applications twice a year, with a one-month window before each semester. The window for spring 2027 runs November 1 to 30, 2026. Healthcare students who meet a higher GPA bar can also be considered for AFFCF's Barbara Polk Healthcare Scholarship through the same application.
Eligibility
- Reached, or will reach, age 18 in foster care as a ward of the state of Arizona
- Under 25 years old
- Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, or proof of passing the GED
- Enrolled in at least six credit hours for the upcoming semester
How To Apply
- Gather your most recent transcript or GED certificate, your FAFSA Submission Summary, and your class schedule for spring 2027 showing at least six credit hours
- Request one letter of recommendation (an academic reference is preferred)
- Write three short personal essays of at least 250 words each about your goals for post-secondary education
- Submit the first-time application through the AFFCF scholarships page between November 1 and November 30, 2026
- Renew each semester afterward during the renewal window (December 1 to 30, 2026, for spring 2027 renewals)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I receive?
Students at four-year schools can get up to $5,000 per calendar year ($2,500 per semester), and community college students can get up to $2,000 per year ($1,000 per semester).
I missed the November window. When can I apply next?
AFFCF opens a first-time application window before each semester. For fall 2026 it ran April 1 to 30, so expect the fall 2027 window in April 2027.
Do I have to be enrolled full-time?
No. The general scholarship requires at least six credit hours per semester. The Barbara Polk Healthcare Scholarship requires full-time enrollment and a 3.0 GPA.