Greater St. Louis Area · Class of 2027

The Rooted in
Promise Scholarship.

Five $2,000 scholarships for graduating seniors in the Greater St. Louis area, ready to take the next step toward college — sent directly to their school. This is your invitation to apply.

Start Your Application See If You Qualify
$2,000 Per Scholar
5 Awards Given
Feb 28 2027 Deadline
$0 Cost to Apply
How It Works

From Application
to Award.

Four dates to know, from the day applications open to the night we celebrate you.

Oct 1, 2026
Applications Open
The application goes live and stays open through the winter.
Feb 28, 2027
Deadline
All materials — essay, transcript, and recommendation letters — are due.
By Apr 1, 2027
Notification
Every applicant hears from us — scholars are called personally first.
Apr 25, 2027
The Banquet
Scholars are publicly honored at the Rooted in Promise Banquet.
Who Can Apply

Built for Students
Like You.

The Rooted in Promise Scholarship was created for students who have worked hard against real obstacles — financial, academic, or personal — and are ready for the next chapter. We look at the whole student, not just a transcript.

A note on location: this scholarship is currently open only to students in the Greater St. Louis area — the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County in Missouri, as well as Metro East Illinois (St. Clair and Madison Counties). We hope to expand to other regions in future years, but for now, applicants must reside within this area.
A note on financial need: priority goes to households at or below roughly 225% of the Federal Poverty Level (about $54,200 for a family of four), but we also consider documented hardship and extenuating circumstances beyond income alone. If you're not sure whether you qualify, apply anyway — we'll review your application and make that determination.
  • ✓ Resides in the Greater St. Louis area — City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, or Metro East Illinois (St. Clair or Madison County)
  • ✓ Graduating high school senior planning to enroll in college for Fall 2027
  • ✓ From a household with demonstrated financial need
  • ✓ First-generation college students are especially encouraged to apply
  • ✓ Academic record considered in context — we know GPA doesn't tell the whole story
  • ✓ Involved in community, family, work, or service in some meaningful way
  • ✓ Willing to share your story — the essay matters as much as any transcript
Before You Start

What You'll
Need.

Gather these before you sit down to apply — it will make the process much smoother.

✍️
Personal Statement
Tell us your story — your goals, what you've overcome, and why higher education matters to you. Authenticity matters more than polish.
📄
Transcript
A current academic transcript from your high school. We consider your full record and the context behind it.
💛
Two Recommendation Letters
From a teacher, counselor, employer, pastor, or community leader who knows you well — specific letters stand out most.
🏠
Household Information
Basic household size and income information to help us understand your financial need.
🤝
Activities & Service
A short list of community involvement, work experience, or family responsibilities — all count.
🎓
College Plans
The name of the college or university you plan to attend in Fall 2027, if known — this is where funds will be sent.
The Award

$2,000. Sent
Straight to Your School.

Five scholars will each receive $2,000, disbursed directly to their college or university in May 2027 upon confirmation of enrollment. Scholars are announced and celebrated — before any public announcement — at our inaugural Rooted in Promise Scholarship Banquet on April 25, 2027.

Ready When
You Are.

The application takes about 20–30 minutes. You can save your progress and come back to finish it. We're rooting for you before you even hit submit.

Apply Now Ask a Question

Applications open October 1, 2026. Questions? Email LizHarris@CynthysKidsInc.org.

Cynthy's Kids, Inc.
Contact Elizabeth Harris
Email LizHarris@CynthysKidsInc.org
Phone (314) 624-0548
Location St. Louis, Missouri