New Hampshire Hope Starts Here Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by New Hampshire Coalition to End Homelessness

The NH Coalition to End Homelessness’ Hope Starts Here Scholarship awards multiple financial scholarships to New Hampshire residents who have experienced homelessness during their school years, demonstrated academic achievement, and plan to continue their education after high school. Since 2009, this program has supported students pursuing college or post-secondary vocational training.

Eligibility
To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be under 21 years of age as of the scholarship deadline.
- Be living in New Hampshire when applying.
- Be actively pursuing post-secondary education (college, community college, or vocational training).
- Have experienced homelessness at some point during their school career, using the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act’s definition.

Federal guidance in the McKinney-Vento Act defines a person as homeless if they “lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” This definition covers individuals staying in shelters, cars, motels/hotels, campgrounds, places not intended for human habitation, and children or youth temporarily living with friends or relatives (doubled-up) because they do not have permanent housing.

Use of Funds
If awarded, you will be asked to provide a letter from the post-secondary institution you plan to attend confirming your enrollment. Scholarship funds may be applied toward costs related to college or a post-secondary vocational program (tuition, fees, and other education-related expenses).

How to Apply
1. Download and carefully follow the application instructions available online.
2. Submit a completed application by email to info@nhceh.org or by mail to:
NH Coalition to End Homelessness
Attn: Scholarship
66 Hanover Street, Suite 200
Manchester, NH 03101

Because supporting documents can be difficult to gather all at once, applicants may send materials separately. Schools and references may forward letters or verification directly to NHCEH. If you are having trouble obtaining any required materials, contact info@nhceh.org for assistance.

Help Get the Word Out
You can assist in notifying eligible students by:
- Posting our 8.5" x 11" flyer in visible locations (offices, schools, community centers). We can print and mail flyers—email your request and details to info@nhceh.org.
- Making the Hope Starts Here application available to students or clients.
- Sharing the flyer and scholarship information on social media.

For questions or support, email info@nhceh.org.