SCHOLARSHIP

The Venus Morris Griffin Scholarship Fund is helping children who have an incarcerated parent get an opportunity to go to college for free.

Recipients of this scholarship are chosen by Venus and her children. This scholarship is funded entirely by proceeds from Venus’ speaking engagements, and by donations from generous supporters.

I see every day through the eyes of my children how hard and stigmatizing it can be to have a parent who is incarcerated. I also know how empowering it feels to be educated. I am combining both of these feelings to help give these kids a shot at a better life. A life that does not have to be defined by the poor choices of their parents.

According to the latest statistics provided by Rutgers University:

  • More than 2.7 million children in the U.S. have an incarcerated parent. That is 1 in 28 children.
  • Approximately 10 million children have experienced parental incarceration at some point in their lives.
  • Approximately half of children with incarcerated parents are under ten years old.

This is a $10,000 scholarship awarded to a student who currently has an incarcerated parent. It is not academic-based, because I know how hard it is to maintain good grades when your home life isn’t stable. However, they must demonstrate they have been accepted into either an institution of higher learning or a trades program.

How to apply:

To apply for the scholarship, please fill out the form below and send a cover letter with your story of overcoming adversity to scholarship@venusmorrisgriffin.com.