Supporting students who are currently or formerly incarcerated in reaching their higher education goals
Know of any students who are currently or formerly incarcerated seeking to complete their educational journey?
The Institute on Public Safety and Social Justice (IPSSJ) at Adler University are seeking applicants for its Quintana Last Mile Scholarship, which offers financial support to students who have experienced incarceration — especially those within two semesters or in the last year of coursework.
Scholarship funds — up to $10,000 — are only made payable to educational institutions or loan servicers to cover the cost of course credits, student fees, or other school-related fees.
“This scholarship extends beyond financial support. It honors the resilience and unwavering commitment of individuals who have overcome great obstacles to change their lives through education,” said IPSSJ Executive Director Elena Quintana, Ph.D. “When we invest in their academic pursuits, we’re also helping build stronger communities.”
To apply, please complete the online application. If you are currently incarcerated or otherwise unable to complete the online application, submit a printed application by mail. Deadlines are rolling with annual review of potential recipients occurring in February and September.
The scholarship was established by two family members of Dr. Quintana’s who share the dedication to supporting education for individuals who have experienced incarceration.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be currently or formerly incarcerated.
- Be enrolled in an accredited degree or certification program and/or have past school or loan debt preventing program completion.
- Demonstrate financial need and lack of access to other funding sources.
- Priority is given to those who are within two semesters or within the final year of coursework.
Last year, three formerly incarcerated students received the scholarship. They were Jessica Anna Summers, who is completing her bachelor’s degree in sociology at Southern New Hampshire University; Joseph Mapp, who is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at University of Chicago; and Orlando Mayorga, who used the scholarship to help pay for outstanding costs related to his master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago.
To learn more about the Quintana Last Mile Scholarship, email IPSSJ.