Today is:
The Tam Tran Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for undocumented or DACAmented students enrolled in a high school in Rhode Island, who are seeking to attend a college or university. They may choose a school in another state, as long as they maintain their address in Rhode Island.
We offer need-based Grants to undocumented students enrolled in a college of higher education in Rhode Island to cover an immediate need for financial assistance to continue their education. Students must show that they are enrolled in a Rhode Island college or university.
We offer need-based Grants to undocumented students enrolled in a college of higher education in Rhode Island to cover an immediate need for financial assistance to continue their education. Students must show that they are enrolled in a Rhode Island college or university.
DEADLINE: February 21, 2025
Click on each question below to read Frequently Asked Questions
Scholarships for High School Seniors
- ➤ What is the eligibility criteria for the Tam Tran Scholarship?
- Tam Tran Scholarships are available to undocumented Rhode Island graduating high school seniors planning to enroll in higher education.
- ➤ Do I need to provide a social security number?
- No, the Tam Tran Scholarship does not require a Social Security Number or proof of legal immigration status to apply for scholarships or grants.
- ➤ I am a DACA student, can I apply?
- Yes. For the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year, we will continue to accept requests from any DACA applicants, regardless of age, as long as you can prove you graduated from a Rhode Island high school and have been accepted into an accredited college or university anywhere in the U.S. or Puerto Rico.
- ➤ Is the Tam Tran Scholarship open to students outside of Rhode Island?
- No. At this time, the scholarship is open only to Rhode Island students. However, if a student who graduated from a Rhode Island high school is accepted to a college or university outside of Rhode Island, he or she may be considered.
- ➤ How many scholarships will be awarded?
- Up to five (5) scholarships will be awarded to students graduating from an accredited high school in Rhode Island and who will enroll for the first time as a freshman during the 2025-2026 academic year. Award amounts vary based on available funds and the applicant’s financial need. Recipients will be notified of the specific amount if selected.
- ➤ What is the deadline for the Tam Tran Scholarship?
- Applications from graduating high school students must be received in our office no later than Friday, February 21, 2025. Due to the competitive nature of this scholarship award, no exceptions will be made.
- ➤ What documents do I need to submit my scholarship application?
- You will need:
- Proof of Rhode Island residency.
- Proof of high school enrollment and anticipated graduation date.
- A personal statement or essay.
- At least one letter of recommendation.
- Proof of intent to enroll in a higher education institution, such as an acceptance letter.
- ➤ When will the recipients be notified?
- Depending on the number of applications we receive, it is our intention to make a decision on recipients and notify them all by March 15.
- ➤ How will I know if I have been awarded a scholarship?
- Recipients will be notified via E-Mail. Once the recipient has been notified and confirmed, we will post an announcement on our home page of this notification.
Grants for College Students
- ➤ What kinds of financial assistance do you offer to college students?
- We do not offer the Tam Tran Scholarship to current college students. Instead, we offer Pathways to Completion Grants.
- ➤ Eligibility / Requirements
- Students who can demonstrate need and are facing a current, unexpected emergency may apply for this grant. Applicants must:
- Be enrolled at either CCRI, RIC or URI for the current semester at the time of application. We may consider applicants from other colleges or universities located in the State of Rhode Island (PC, RWU, JWU, etc). Please E-Mail us to inquire.
- Grants may cover Undergraduate or Graduate studies.
- Be enrolled for the semester in which the student is applying.
- Have a GPA minimum of 2.00 for undergraduates or 3.00 for graduate students.
- Have a record of good conduct and class attendance while in college.
- You will be asked to provide proof of enrollment (e.g., course schedule or tuition bill).
- ➤ Pathways to Completion Grants are for Urgent Financial Need
- Applicants must demonstrate an immediate need for financial assistance that directly affects their ability to continue their education (e.g., tuition shortfall, unexpected expenses that affect your academic status, cost of books, college registration fees). We do not cover past debt. We do not cover transportation to and from school, rent, gas, food, etc)
- A description of the emergency circumstances is required.
- Urgent Financial Need amount is defined as a minimum of $500 or more.
- ➤ What kind of documentation is needed?
- While documentation requirements are flexible, applicants may need to provide evidence of financial hardship in order to complete the semester, such as:
- A letter or bill from the bursar's office showing the a mount that you owe, and/or
- A list of books, itemize the amounts (if applicable), and/or
- A list of any fees owed that will keep you from receiving full credit for a course or from graduating, if you are a Senior.
- ➤ What is the Application Process and Timeline?
- Pathways to Completion Grants applications are accepted on an as-needed basis during the current school semester that the student is enrolled. We do not cover past debt. Send us an E-Mail to inquire.
You may be asked:- To submit a personal statement explaining the need and intended use of funds.
- To submit a letter of support from a faculty member, advisor, or community organization, if available.
- ➤ How quickly will my Pathways to Completion Grants application be reviewed?
- CASO reviews Pathways to Completion Grants applications promptly to address urgent financial needs. Processing times may vary depending on the documentation provided.
★ Grant awards are not guaranteed and are dependent on available funds; applications are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. We strongly recommend that you reach out by E-Mail if there is pressing deadline that keeps you from enrolling in school or will set you behind your studies. We do not cover rent, transportation, or other personal costs.
- ➤ What is the maximum amount awarded for the Pathways to Completion Grant?
- Award amounts vary based on available funds and the applicant’s financial need. Recipients will be notified of the specific amount if approved. Please see above for definition of "Urgent Need."
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
- Applicants are encouraged to contact CASO for personalized guidance on documentation requirements to ensure accessibility for all eligible students.
- Bilingual support is available for Spanish-speaking applicants.
- Scholarship and grant awards are limited and distributed based on need, eligibility, and availability of funds.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for the Pathways to Completion Grant we encourage you to contact the Tam Tran Scholarship / CASO team to discuss your situation and determine what documentation may be appropriate for you.
- ★ How can I make a donation for this scholarship?
- Make a donation online by visiting our donation page or make a check or money order payable to Tam Tran Scholarship Fund and mail to: Tam Tran Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 25118, Providence, RI 02905.
The Tam Tran Scholarship is is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
- ★ How else can I help?
- We welcome your support by coordinating a fundraiser. Ideas include: car wash, cupcake or cookie sale, a dance, dinner event, raffle, etc. If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser for the Tam Tran Scholarship, please contact us at: tamtranscholarship@casori.net