The Only Pipeline Scholarship
The Only Pipeline focuses on disrupting systems that funnel youth from schools into the criminal justice system. Our scholarship fund is designed to support justice-impacted youth who are ready to rise, rebuild, and reach their full potential:
Promotes Academic Achievement: Encouraging justice-impacted youth to pursue and complete higher education.
Provides Supportive Services: Offering mentorship and resources to navigate academic and personal challenges.
Fosters Community Engagement: Building a network of support that includes educators, community leaders, and peers.
Justice-impacted youth face significant barriers to educational success:
High School Graduation Rates: Incarceration before age 17 reduces the likelihood of high school graduation by 26% .
College Enrollment: Black males aged 12–16 who are arrested have a near-zero chance of enrolling in college.
Basic Needs Insecurity: Among justice-involved students, 64% experience food insecurity, 81% face housing insecurity, and 40% report homelessness.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted support to improve educational outcomes for justice-impacted youth in Delaware County.
Our Expected Outcomes
Increased Graduation Rates: Support systems aim to improve high school and college graduation rates among participants.
Enhanced Employment Opportunities: Career development components prepare scholars for the workforce.
Reduced Recidivism: Educational attainment is linked to lower rates of reoffending.
Components
Financial Assistance
The scholarship fund will assist with covering tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
Career Development
The scholarship fund will assist with internship opportunities in addition to resume building and interview preparation workshops.
Mentorship
Youth will be paired with restorative mentors who have navigated similar challenges while facilitating regular check-ins and support sessions.
Community Building
Social development is critical for our young people. The scholarship fund will support networking events with peers, alumni, and professionals and community service projects to foster civic engagement.
Academic Support
It is essential to connect participants to tutoring services and workshops on study skills, time management, and test preparation.
Eligibility Criteria & Application Process
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To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be between the ages of 16–24
- Reside in Delaware County, PA
- Have experienced direct or indirect contact with the criminal justice system (e.g., personal involvement, family impact, school disciplinary actions)
- Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a high school completion program, trade school, community college, university, or certified workforce training program
- Demonstrate a commitment to personal growth, leadership, and community impact -
Applying is simple and sweet.
1. Complete the Online Application Form – Provide basic information, academic goals, and a personal statement.
2. Submit Supporting Documents – Including proof of enrollment or acceptance, a recommendation letter, and optional creative expressions (poetry, visual art, short video, etc.).
3. Review & Interview – Selected applicants may be invited for a virtual or in-person interview to share more about their journey.
4. Decision Notification – Awards are announced within 4–6 weeks of the application deadline.
Applications will open soon!
Help us fuel the future of young people who deserve to higher their education and a fresh start. Your donation directly supports tuition, textbooks, transportation, housing, and other essentials that remove barriers to educational success.
Ways to Give:
Contribute one-time or monthly donations.
Sponsor a scholar – Make a direct impact by funding one or more students' full scholarships.
Become a scholarship partner – Contact us at dyamond@theonlypipeline.org to become a community partner.