New Hampshire Hope Starts Here Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by New Hampshire Coalition to End Homelessness

Overview
The NH Coalition to End Homelessness offers the Hope Starts Here Scholarship, a program awarding multiple monetary scholarships to New Hampshire students who have experienced homelessness during their school years, demonstrate academic accomplishment, and wish to pursue education beyond high school. The scholarship program has supported formerly homeless students in reaching post-secondary goals since 2009.

Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- Be younger than 21 years old on the scholarship due date.
- Be living in New Hampshire at the time the application is submitted.
- Be actively planning to attend or already pursuing post-secondary education (college or vocational training).
- Currently be experiencing homelessness or have experienced homelessness at some point while attending school, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act (definition below).

Definition of homelessness (McKinney-Vento)
Under the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act, a person is considered homeless if they “lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” This category includes individuals staying in shelters, cars, motels or hotels, campgrounds, or other places not designed for regular habitation. It also covers children and youth who are temporarily doubled-up — living with friends or relatives because they do not have a permanent home.

Use of Award
If selected for a scholarship, you will be required to submit an enrollment verification letter from the post-secondary institution you plan to attend (or are attending). Scholarship funds are intended to help cover costs related to college or accredited post-secondary vocational training programs.

How to Apply
- Download and complete the application from the NHCEH website.
- Read all instructions carefully and assemble the requested materials.
- Submit the completed application by email to info@nhceh.org or via mail to:
NH Coalition to End Homelessness, Attn: Scholarship, 66 Hanover Street, Suite 200, Manchester, NH 03101
Because gathering supporting documents can be difficult, you may send application materials separately (for example, you can submit your portion and ask schools or references to send letters directly to NHCEH). All materials must be received or postmarked by May 15. If you are having trouble obtaining any required documents, contact info@nhceh.org for assistance.

Help Us Spread the Word
You can help reach eligible students by:
- Posting our printable flyer (8.5" x 11") in schools, offices, or other visible locations. If you need printed copies, NHCEH can mail them—email details of what you need to info@nhceh.org.
- Making the Hope Starts Here application available to your students or clients.
- Sharing the flyer and information on social media.

Contact
For questions or assistance: info@nhceh.org.