Clone of General Scholarship Application Form

2026 Cathy Coleman Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

Scholarship Application

The Cathy Coleman scholarship is offered to graduating high school seniors who have resided in foster care and who plan to continue their education after graduation. The scholarship is created by the ZNO Community Service Fund, Inc. (ZNO CSF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in partnership with the Zeta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^®.

In 2017, Zeta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^® began awarding the scholarship through the Youth Aging Out of Foster Care Program. In 2020, the scholarship was named in honor of chapter member Ms. Cathy Coleman, in recognition of her advocacy, dedication and service to current and former foster care youth.

Application Requirements

Completed applications must include the following information and documentation. The completed application must be emailed to znoscholarship@znoaka.org by the deadline of Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- Applicant must be a current or former foster care youth who resides or is being educated in Westchester County, New York.
- Application must be typed. Click here for the Writable PDF document.
- Applicant must complete a 200 – 300 word essay answering one of the essay prompts listed in the application.
- Applicant must plan to attend a post secondary educational program.
  Post Secondary Educational Program includes the following: Trade School; Certificate/Apprenticeship Program; Community College or 4-year College/University.
- Applicant must indicate which post secondary program the applicant will pursue.
- If invited, applicant must attend and participate in an interview session with the ZNO Scholarship Committee.
Important Information Concerning the Scholarship Interview Process

Upon application review, a qualified applicant will receive a letter by email notifying them of the date and time of their interview with the ZNO Scholarship Committee. The interview dates are May 20 through May 22 in the evening.

Applicant’s Information
Date

MonthDayYear
Date
Name*

First NameM.I.Last Name
Address*

Street Address

Apartment/Unit #

CityState

Zip Code
Mobile Phone Number*
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Home Phone Number
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email*
Enter E-mail Here

Post – Secondary Education Information
Please provide information for the programs or institutions you will be applying to and major study area

Academic Record
High School*
High School Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
School Counselor’s Name*

First NameLast Name
School Counselor’s Email Address*
example@example.com
School Counselor’s Telephone Number
Please enter a valid phone numberFormat: (000) 000-0000.
Extracurricular Activities
Sports and Athletics
Honors Received

Employment/ Volunteer Information
Company
Company Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Company Address:

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Supervisor:
Length of Employment/ Volunteer Service:
Position Held:
Number of Hours Per Week:

Family Information

Please complete this section as thoroughly as possible.
Parent/Guardian*

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Relationship*
Parent/Guardian

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian Relationship
Parent/Guardian Contact Information (Phone or Email)*

Essay Questions
Please select one of the listed prompts and complete a 200 – 300 word essay

Essay Prompt #1

Write a personal essay introducing yourself to our scholarship committee. Please discuss your strengths including your most admirable trait and one you feel that still needs improvement.

Essay Prompt #2

You have been hired to work at a foster care organization, based on your experience in foster care, what are the three main issues/concerns you would work to resolve.
Upload Essay (MS Word or PDF format)

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Disclaimer and Signature
Applicant Disclaimer Signature*

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Date
Privacy Release Form

I, parent(s)/guardian(s) name* parent(s) and/or guardian(s) of applicant's name* fields hereby give permission for ZNO Community Service Fund, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Zeta Nu Omega Chapter and any affiliates to take photo(s) in connection with all activities associated with the promotion, advertisement, and display of the “ZNO Scholarship Program” a community service event.

I understand that the photo(s)/video(s) will only be used in an appropriate manner by the ZNO Community Service Fund, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Zeta Nu Omega Chapter and any affiliates, and will reflect positively upon my child’s person, character, and reputation as well as the reputation of this prestigious organization.

I release and hold harmless ZNO Community Service Fund, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Zeta Nu Omega Chapter and any affiliates for all actions of others not associated or connected to the ZNO Community Service Fund, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, Zeta Nu Omega Chapter and any affiliates, who may use, or attempt to use my child’s photo.

My signature as the parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and my child, are affixed to this release and the date is evidence that we have read and understand this privacy release form.

Applicant's Signature*     Date*

Parent/Guardian’s Signature   Date

Parent/Guardian’s Signature   Date
Student ID#
Name of Nominating Institution
Current Cumulative GPA
What scholastic honors or distinctions have you received?
Description of Financial Need

0/600
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Should be Empty:

Applicant’s Information

Post – Secondary Education Information

Academic Record

Employment/ Volunteer Information

Family Information

Essay Questions

Disclaimer and Signature