The BUILD Scholarship Program is generously supported by the Abbey Scholarship Program and the Heilman Scholarship Fund to benefit BUILD participants in their educational pursuits.

The Abbey Family envisioned a fund to allow youth to pursue their dreams of postsecondary education and to bring the “mainstream dream” of college and career within reach of BUILD participants. The Abbey Scholarship Program increases accessibility to upward mobility through education and careers traditionally unavailable to underserved student populations in BUILD's target communities.

Scholarships are awarded for $2,500 - $10,000.

 

The Heilman Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Eleanor and John Heilman by their children, grandchildren, and other generous donors, to give youth at BUILD an opportunity to pursue their dreams of education and career training. As a Juvenile Court Justice in Dutchess County, New York, Judge Heilman ensured that all youth were treated fairly and allowed to succeed. As an ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps during World War II, and later a volunteer in community youth organizations, Mrs. Heilman worked to enhance the quality of life for people of all ages. For 60 years, Eleanor and John Heilman committed their lives to improving the lives of others. The Heilman Fund is awarded to provide the final dollars needed for recipients to enroll and participate in accredited secondary schools, academic enrichment programs, and colleges.

 

Scholarships are awarded for $1.00 - $2,500.

 

The Promise Scholar Program is a scholarship program designed to support promising first‐generation college students to achieve post-secondary educational endeavors. Scholars are equipped with the tools and the skills to graduate from college and develop essential career-readiness skills for gainful employment and graduate school opportunities post-graduation.

 

Each cohort of Promise Scholars is awarded scholarship funds in the total amount of up to $26,667 per scholar, but not to exceed $10,000 per academic year, for up to six years of undergraduate studies. 

BUILD offers several scholarship opportunities. Review all of the requirements and determine your eligibility.

ALL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS  

Be in good standing with the law (e.g., if on probation or parole, comply with requirements, not commit another infraction, and not return to detention or incarceration).

 

Have participated in BUILD youth programs within the past six months, or be an alum of BUILD and have been in contact with BUILD staff.

 

Be recommended by a BUILD staff (must be the CAP Coordinator for BUILD Caerus Promise Scholar applicants).

 

Have worked with BUILD staff and, or some other resource, applied for FAFSA and external scholarships.

 

Proof of financial need.

 

 

Be a high school senior during the 2022 - 2023 academic year or already have a high school diploma or GED. 

 

Have maintained a minimum 2.0 out of 4.0 GPA or a "C" average in the preceding and current years of education.

 

 

 

Current high school senior in BUILD's College Access and Persistence Academy (CAPA).

 

Maintained a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale 

 

Have an 80% CAPA participation rate by the application deadline.

 

Respond to the questions for new applicants or previous applicants. Responses should be grammatically correct, clear, and concise, with a minimum of 200 words for each question. Failure to respond to all three questions will result in automatic disqualification. 

 

What difference will this scholarship make in your life?

 

How will you afford the remaining balance if you receive a BUILD scholarship that does not cover all of the costs shown on your account statement?

 

Identify the tools and support you will seek to help you successfully navigate through your academic career.

 

How has the scholarship helped you achieve your educational goals?

 

How will you afford the remaining balance if you receive a BUILD scholarship that does not cover all costs shown on your account statement?

 

Applicants must exhibit their commitment to continuing their education by maintaining high academic and personal achievement. Consider the personal statements an opportunity to tell us about yourself and explain why you should be selected for an award. Your written statements should demonstrate experiences or accomplishments in the areas listed below. 

 

Uploaded personal statements should be written in the form of an essay and must include the following:

      The applicant's first and last name

      1 - 2 paragraphs per selected topic (a paragraph is 5 -7 sentences in length).

      Grammatically correct, authentic, and compelling statements. 

 

Leadership and Service: Articulate how you have demonstrated your leadership ability, in and out of school. Examples may include but are not limited to community service involvement, leadership roles, or unique responsibilities at home, school or church, etc.

 

Overcoming Barriers: Describe how you have achieved a goal despite struggles or obstacles that may have hindered you. Be specific. Examples may include but are not limited to rising above a traumatic life experience, improving grades after an academic setback, or withstanding significant pressure(s) that may have otherwise deterred your achievements, etc.

 

Influences: Discuss a situation or person that has been a major influence in your life. Explain why and how it has shaped you as an individual. Examples may include but are not limited to how your background has affected your view of the world, a book, movie, or song that has affected you deeply.  Be sure to include why. 

Your application is not considered complete if a BUILD staff and a school representative recommendation forms are not submitted by 11:59 pm CDT, Sunday, June 25, 2023. Allow enough time for them to receive and submit the form.

If awarded a BUILD scholarship, I understand I am expected to make at least two contacts per semester/quarter/trimester to the College Access and Persistence Coordinator to discuss my academic progress and any challenges encountered during my academic endeavors. I will also provide my mid-term and final grades for review for each semester/quarter/trimester. Additionally, I agree to join BUILD's College Network and participate in BUILD activities when possible.