Invest in Our Youth
a little investment could make a big difference
to a kid that’s been programmed to count on nothing
“Diamonds in the rough, a Star is born. Never underestimate a survivor.”
Terika King • Tampa Bay, Florida • High School Music
“I throughly enjoyed having Lyle in our school these past few years. We are going to miss him, but thrilled that he’s got such an opportunity to succeed..
Roy Blair • Baton Rouge, Louisiana • High School Principal
“Absolutely! They not only STAND AA CHANCE, but they got one coming. They are due. I’m just glad to see them all on their way to happy days.”
Melinda Graham • ssISD • Counselor & Advisor
“These kids have endured so much. They appreciate everything so much, which quite refreshing. They take nothing for granted.”
Karen Marshall • Jackson, Mississippi • High School English & American Literature
“Absolutely! They ALL stand a chance at success. I’m just glad to them getting a break.”
Manny Vasquez • San Antonio ISD • Counselor & Advisor
Why should you support STAND A CHANCE?
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![STAND A CHANCE visits a Charter School in Louisiana where many of the students are dealing with a parent in prison and struggle on a daily basis with the stigma. They are not alone, in fact we have enough in school to start a group therapy meeting.]()
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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![STAND A CHANCE visits a Charter School in Louisiana where many of the students are dealing with a parent in prison and struggle on a daily basis with the stigma. They are not alone, in fact we have enough in school to start a group therapy meeting.]()
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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![Professor at one of the many colleges in New Orleans, but he feels this organization is a long time coming to assist these displaced kids so they can achieve academic success as well as personal well-being through efforts of Stand a Chance]()
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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![STAND A CHANCE visits a Charter School in Louisiana where many of the students are dealing with a parent in prison and struggle on a daily basis with the stigma. They are not alone, in fact we have enough in school to start a group therapy meeting.]()
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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![STAND A CHANCE visits a Charter School in Louisiana where many of the students are dealing with a parent in prison and struggle on a daily basis with the stigma. They are not alone, in fact we have enough in school to start a group therapy meeting.]()
Reggie McGraff
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
“These kids have endured so much. They appreciate everything so much, which quite refreshing. They take nothing for granted.”
Karen Marshall • Jackson, Mississippi • High School English
“Diamonds in the rough, a Star is born. Never underestimate a survivor.”
Terika King • Tampa Bay, Florida • High School Music
“Absolutely! They ALL stand a chance at success. I’m just glad to them getting a break.”
Manny Vasquez • San Antonio ISD • Counselor
F A Q s
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Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so there is no deadline. Students may submit applications beginning as early as their sophomore year of high school, and eligibility remains in effect through graduation. Ideally, submit sometime before January of the year in which you graduate.
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Applicants must have at least one parent either currently incarcerated or incarcerated during their lifetime. This includes step-parents, especially if they were part of your household. All of these details will be addressed in the application.
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In most cases, the student must attend a nationally accredited university or trade school. The FAFSA application is a good indicator of the school qualifications, so check that list online. If you have a program of study or career path in mind that is not listed, just ask. Many trades have emerged in recent years, and exceptions can be made. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Do not ever be discouraged by negative answers. Make it happen!
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Recipients receive $5,000 per semester, and the money goes through your school similar to student loans. They take out tuition and fees, then the rest goes on your debit card. It’s a lot to process, until you have done it, but it works out just fine. All money goes onto your card by the 3rd week of the term.
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No need to apply again. Your acceptance means STAND A CHANCE will support you with the same award until graduation, as long as you maintain a 3.0 GPA. Extenuating circunstances are considered in every instance, so losing funding is unlikely if you are doing your best to maintain.
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Absolutely, an unbelievable amount of opportunities are available to students, undergraduate as well as furthering your education beyond your current academic plan. Our 24/7 AI Assistant is being set up now, but in the meantime, our staff is always available to assist in navigating through the paperwork. For starters, the Pell Grant is available to most any undergraduate student. For 2026-27 school year, it is $7395.00. This does not have to be paid back, and it is aavailable each school year. Depending on your major and interests, scholaaarships and other grants are available. Our staff will guide you through the process. You should have plenty to fund you through the school year, but student loans are available as a last resort. Payments do not begin until 6 months after graduation, but they can be restarted. As long as you are attending school, even part-time, no payments are due.
Fund a Future
Be a Mentor. Be a Sponsor. Make a donation to fund a future. Who knows? They may invent something or run for President—-or make a difference in the world. And you helped make that happen. Plus, your new friend really appreciates the heartfelt generosity, and so do we. It’s all about real hope today for big dreams tomorrow, because they all STAND A CHANCE.