Our Scholarship Mission

Help Me Sprout, Inc. believes that difficult circumstances do not have to define a young person’s future. Our scholarship program exists to recognize and support young people who have demonstrated resilience, compassion, resourcefulness, and a desire to continue growing despite life’s challenges.

Our goal is to provide scholarships to young people who have persevered through life’s challenges, demonstrated resilience and compassion, and continue to sprout by making a positive difference in their schools, families, and communities.

Through these scholarships, we seek to reduce financial barriers and expand access to educational, developmental, and enrichment opportunities that empower young people to reach their full potential while strengthening the communities around them.

All scholarships are awarded based on available funding. Submission of an application does not guarantee that a scholarship will be awarded.

At Help Me Sprout, we believe every young person deserves someone who believes in them. By investing in resilient, compassionate, and resourceful young people, we hope to nurture the next generation of individuals who will continue to sprout, inspire others, and create lasting positive change in their communities.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Meet the eligibility requirements established for the specific scholarship opportunity.

• Submit a complete application by the published deadline.

• Demonstrate resilience, perseverance, and a commitment to personal growth.

• Demonstrate compassion toward others.

• Express a desire to make a positive contribution within their school, family, or community.

• Meet any additional eligibility requirements published for the scholarship.

Eligibility requirements may vary depending on the scholarship program or funding source.

Selection Process

Scholarship decisions will always be made by an independent Scholarship Review Committee using fair, objective, and consistently applied selection criteria.

Applications may be evaluated using factors such as:

• Demonstrated resilience

• Perseverance through life’s challenges

• Commitment to compassion and serving others

• Resourcefulness

• Financial need, when applicable

• Community involvement

• Educational aspirations

• Personal goals

• Personal essay or statement

• Alignment with the mission and values of Help Me Sprout, Inc.

• A demonstrated desire to continue to sprout while making a positive impact within their community

Applicants will never be required to disclose traumatic or deeply personal experiences beyond what is reasonably necessary to evaluate their application.

Any Scholarship Review Committee member with an actual or potential conflict of interest must disclose the conflict and recuse themselves from reviewing or voting on the application.

All scholarship decisions made by the Scholarship Review Committee are final.

Scholarship Awards

Scholarships may be awarded for approved educational or developmental expenses, including but not limited to:

• Tuition

• Registration fees

• Books

• School supplies

• Educational materials

• Tutoring

• Workshops

• Certification or examination fees

• Approved enrichment programs

• Other educational expenses approved by Help Me Sprout, Inc.

The amount and number of scholarships awarded each year will depend upon available funding and the number of qualified applicants.

Scholarship awards are intended solely for educational purposes and may not be transferred to another individual.

Distribution of Scholarship Funds

Whenever possible, scholarship funds will be paid directly to the school, educational institution, training program, or approved service provider on behalf of the scholarship recipient.

Scholarship funds generally will not be distributed directly to recipients or their families.

Prior to payment, Help Me Sprout, Inc. may request documentation such as:

• Proof of enrollment or acceptance

• Tuition invoice

• Program registration

• Payment instructions from the educational institution

• Documentation supporting approved educational expenses

If direct payment is not feasible, Help Me Sprout, Inc. may approve an alternative method of payment. Documentation demonstrating that the scholarship funds were used solely for approved educational purposes may be required.

Help Me Sprout, Inc. reserves the right to withhold or cancel payment if required documentation is not provided.

Recipient Responsibilities

Scholarship recipients are expected to:

• Use scholarship funds only for approved educational purposes.

• Provide accurate and truthful information throughout the application process.

• Maintain communication with Help Me Sprout, Inc. regarding any significant changes affecting the scholarship.

• Notify Help Me Sprout, Inc. if they withdraw from, defer, or are unable to participate in the approved educational program.

• Provide enrollment verification or other documentation upon request.

Knowingly providing false information may result in the withdrawal of a scholarship award and may affect eligibility for future scholarships.

Withdrawal or Cancellation

If a recipient withdraws from the approved educational program before participation begins, any unpaid scholarship funds may be canceled.

If funds have already been paid to the educational institution, Help Me Sprout, Inc. may request that any refundable balance be returned to the organization.

Unused scholarship funds may not be transferred to another individual or educational program without prior written approval from Help Me Sprout, Inc.

Conflict of Interest

Help Me Sprout, Inc. is committed to administering all scholarships with fairness, integrity, and impartiality.

Scholarship Review Committee members, directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and any individual involved in the scholarship selection process must disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest.

Individuals with a conflict of interest may not:

• Review an affected application

• Participate in discussions regarding the applicant

• Influence the committee’s decision

• Vote on the scholarship award

Equal Opportunity

Help Me Sprout, Inc. is committed to providing equal opportunity in all scholarship programs.

Scholarships are awarded without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Certain scholarships may include lawful eligibility requirements established by the donor or funding source.

Applicant Privacy

Information submitted during the scholarship application process will be used solely for scholarship administration, applicant evaluation, organizational recordkeeping, donor reporting, and legal compliance.

Applicant information will never be sold.

Information may be shared only with:

• Members of the Scholarship Review Committee

• Authorized representatives of Help Me Sprout, Inc.

• Educational institutions for payment processing

• Donors or grantors in anonymous or summarized form

• Government agencies when required by law

Help Me Sprout, Inc. will not publish an applicant’s personal story, photograph, or identifying information without appropriate permission.

For applicants under the age of 18, parental or legal guardian consent will be obtained when required.

Scholarship Availability

Scholarship awards are contingent upon available funding.

Help Me Sprout, Inc. reserves the right to:

• Modify scholarship amounts

• Change application deadlines

• Revise eligibility requirements

• Reduce or increase the number of scholarships awarded

• Suspend or discontinue a scholarship program when necessary

Notification

Applicants will be notified using the contact information provided on their scholarship application.

Incomplete or late applications may not be considered.

Because of the number of applications received, Help Me Sprout, Inc. may not be able to provide individualized feedback regarding scholarship decisions.

Questions

Questions regarding scholarship opportunities or application requirements may be directed to Help Me Sprout, Inc. through the contact information provided on our website.

Our Promise

Every young person deserves someone who believes in them.

The Help Me Sprout Scholarship Program exists to recognize young people who continue to grow despite adversity and who choose compassion, resilience, and resourcefulness as they move forward in life.

We believe that resilience can be nurtured, compassion can change communities, and opportunity can transform lives. By investing in young people today, we hope to cultivate a future generation of individuals who will continue to sprout and help others do the same.