40 to 60 percent of a person’s risk of addiction comes down to genetics. Research indicates that a parent’s drug use combined with a chaotic home environment and poor academic achievement also contributes to substance abuse.
Oregon high school seniors who have been impacted by addiction in their home lives can apply for an extra boost to break the cycle of addiction and seek higher education.
Volunteers of America Oregon established the Al Forthan Scholarship in 2006. It honors Al, a Portland man who overcame his struggles with addiction and poverty. Forthan completed treatment and even became a Certified Drug and Addiction Counselor.
The scholarship supports promising and resilient young Oregonians who have encountered addiction and poverty yet managed to succeed academically and find time for volunteerism.
In 2021, the scholarship awarded $60,000 to 29 Oregon seniors.
Al Forthan Scholarship Details
- Targeted Group: Oregon high school seniors touched by an alcohol or drug addiction
- Award Amounts: Up to $10,000
- One $10,000 award for a high school senior who submits a letter of support
- Several awards of lesser amounts are also available
- Application Requirements:
- Demographic questions
- Family’s annual income
- Written essays
- Chart of volunteer and extracurricular activities
- Optional letter of recommendation or support
- 2022 Application Deadline: February 7, 2022
About Volunteers of America Oregon
Volunteers of America has worked to help get services to low-income people for 125 years.
Its Oregon chapter runs outpatient and residential treatment services for people struggling with addiction in their families. They also operate hotline services for victims of domestic violence and those suffering from gambling addiction.
The nonprofit also has taken a stand on racial justice in acknowledgment of the Black Lives Matter movement. Social justice is a value it has integrated into the Al Forthan Scholarship.
Get Connected to Great Scholarship Opportunities
If you’re a student feeling overwhelmed at the thought of making college more affordable, then Scholar’s App is the tool you need to get started effortlessly.
College is already expensive enough, so you won’t need to spend a dime. The Scholar’s App is the all-in-one service for connecting, applying for, and winning verified scholarships.
And counselors, it’s normal for your students to struggle with wrapping their heads around the challenge of a scholarship search. Our scholarship application management service can set them down a road that will make higher education more achievable.
If you are the administrator of a scholarship, make sure your donation dollars make as big of a difference as possible. Our scholarship application management software will streamline your entire process from start to finish.
Put your scholarship front and center for your target candidates to see and make sure they are qualified. You can even review applications, confer with your review committee and notify your selections all from the same place.
Sign up to create a free account just as application season opens up, and see the results. Scholar’s App will connect you with suitable candidates so your money can go towards doing more good.
