UMPS CARE Charities All-Star College Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by UMPS CARE

Description

The All-Star Scholarship supports students who were adopted at age 13 or older or who exited foster care to permanent guardianship, with the goal of increasing access to advanced education. The program selects one student each year to receive renewable financial support for college-related expenses. UMPS CARE administers the award and coordinates ongoing support during the recipient’s college years. The scholarship emphasizes both financial assistance and mentorship to promote long-term success.

- One recipient selected annually.
- Open to adoptees aged 13+ at time of adoption or those who exited foster care to permanent guardianship.
- Combines financial aid with mentorship and ongoing support.
- Administered by UMPS CARE.

Eligibility

The scholarship has three core eligibility requirements: timing of adoption or guardianship, demonstration of financial need, and student status/age. Applicants must have been adopted or moved to permanent guardianship at or after their 13th birthday. They must show financial need via the FAFSA and be incoming or current students at an accredited U.S. college or university, age 21 or younger when they submit the application.

- Adoption or guardianship occurred at age 13 or older.
- Financial need must be documented through the FAFSA.
- Applicant must be an incoming or current college student, ≤21 at application.
- Institution must be accredited and located in the United States.

Award Value

The program provides semester-based grants that can add up to significant support over a degree program. UMPS CARE may award up to $5,000 per semester (maximum $10,000 per academic year) and up to $40,000 total for four continuous years of enrollment. Award amounts are determined by UMPS CARE at its discretion and are calibrated to the applicant’s demonstrated financial need.

- Up to $5,000 per semester; up to $10,000 per school year.
- Maximum of $40,000 over four years of continuous enrollment.
- Final award amounts set by UMPS CARE based on documented need.
- Funds intended for education-related costs (see Permitted Uses).

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete packet of forms, essays, recommendations, and supporting documents to be considered. The application includes four short-answer essays written by the student and three letters of recommendation: one from a teacher/administrator, one from a personal reference (e.g., social worker, coach, mentor), and one from a parent describing the student’s growth since adoption. Required documents also include the most recent high school transcript plus first-semester grades (if applicable), the FAFSA Student Aid Report, adoption or guardianship paperwork, and ACT/SAT scores if those are required by the student’s college.

- Completed application with four student essays.
- Three letters of recommendation: teacher/administrator, personal reference, and parent.
- Most recent transcript and first-semester grades; cumulative GPA requirement (see Maintaining the Scholarship).
- FAFSA Student Aid Report and adoption/guardianship documentation.
- ACT/SAT score report when required by the admitting institution.

Maintaining the Scholarship

Continuing eligibility requires academic performance, regular reporting, and ongoing communication with UMPS CARE. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; falling below 2.5 places the award under review by the scholarship committee. Students must submit semester grades and proof of registration each term, uphold an ethical code of conduct, remain in contact with UMPS CARE staff or their assigned mentor, and provide supplemental financial information when requested.

- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 required to remain in good standing.
- Semester-end submission of grades and registration proof required.
- Scholarship may be reviewed or paused if GPA falls below standard.
- Must maintain regular communication and provide requested financial documentation.
- Expected to uphold personal, academic, and professional ethical standards.

Mentoring and Support

UMPS CARE pairs each scholarship recipient with an MLB umpire and their family to provide mentorship throughout college. Mentors offer regular contact, care packages, and unique experiences—such as on-field visits to Major League ballparks—to broaden the student’s perspective and reinforce lessons about work ethic, sacrifice, and community service. This structured mentoring complements the financial award and is an integral component of the program’s support model.

- Recipient paired with an MLB umpire and family mentor.
- Ongoing mentor contact, including calls and care packages.
- Opportunities for on-field experiences at Major League ballparks.
- Mentorship focuses on personal development, responsibility, and giving back.

Application Timeline

The scholarship is awarded on an annual cycle; applicants should confirm current deadlines and procedures with UMPS CARE. Because financial eligibility is assessed through the FAFSA, applicants should complete the FAFSA early and include their Student Aid Report with the scholarship application. Selection is based on the complete application package and documented need; UMPS CARE posts current application windows and submission instructions on its website.

- Annual application cycle with one recipient selected each year.
- Complete the FAFSA early and include the Student Aid Report.
- Check UMPS CARE’s website for current deadlines and application instructions.
- Selection follows review of the full application and financial documentation.

Program History and Purpose

UMPS CARE established the All-Star Scholarship to expand higher-education access for youth who experienced late adoption or foster-care transitions and to provide holistic support during college. The program’s dual focus—financial grants and mentor relationships—reflects a long-term commitment to recipient success beyond tuition assistance. UMPS CARE continues to steward recipients through college to help ensure positive academic and personal outcomes.

- Created to support adoptees and youth who exited foster care at older ages.
- Combines financial aid with long-term mentorship and engagement.
- Designed to promote academic persistence and personal development.
- UMPS CARE maintains ongoing involvement with scholarship recipients.