Invest in Our Youth

a little investment could make a big difference

WHY SHOULD YOU BECOME A MENTOR?

because someone needs you. You could be the factor in their life that puts them on a better path. Who knows? They may invent something revolutionary or break a world record or just be a productive citizen with a normal life. As a steady presence in their lives, you made that difference. You don’t have to have all the answers, just be there to hear the questions. Be that steady sounding board that cares. And it’s not always a problem, you share the accomplishments and joy as well. It’s all about real hope today for big dreams tomorrow, because they all STAND A CHANCE.

“Diamonds in the rough, a Star is born. Never underestimate a survivor.”

Terika King • Tampa Bay, Florida • High School Music

Portrait of a smiling man with blonde hair wearing a gray plaid suit, white shirt, and red patterned tie, against a blue background.

“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

Long-time teacher that is willing to be published withholding her comments on STAND A CHANCE, their mission to support kids with a parent in prison. From personal observation, she comments on some of the challenges that she has seen over the years.

“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

A woman with long blonde hair smiling, wearing a black top and a leopard-print scarf, posed against a blue background.
A middle-aged man with short, light-colored hair and a beard wearing a black suit, white shirt, and a red striped tie, smiling against a plain gray background.
A man in a dark pinstripe suit, white shirt, and beige tie, smiling outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

“Absolutely! They ALL stand a chance at success. I’m just glad to them getting a break.”

Manny Vasquez • San Antonio ISD • Counselor & Advisor

Portrait of a woman in a business suit with a white blouse and pearl earrings, smiling against a plain light background.
A woman smiling with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a black top and large hoop earrings, against a plain gray background.

Why should you support STAND A CHANCE?

  • 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.

    ✽

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • 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.

    ✽

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • 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

    ✽

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • 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.

    ✽

    It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • 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

A woman with blonde hair, wearing a black top and hoop earrings, smiling against a gray background.

“Diamonds in the rough, a Star is born. Never underestimate a survivor.”

Terika King • Tampa Bay, Florida • High School Music

Long-time teacher that is willing to be published withholding her comments on STAND A CHANCE, their mission to support kids with a parent in prison. From personal observation, she comments on some of the challenges that she has seen over the years.

“Absolutely! They ALL stand a chance at success. I’m just glad to them getting a break.”

Manny Vasquez • San Antonio ISD • Counselor

A man in a dark pinstripe suit and light-colored tie smiling outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

F A Q s

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Recipients receive $5,000 per semester, and the money goes through your school similar to student loans. The admissions office will take tuition and fees, then the balance is deposited into your debit account. This money will be available by the 3rd week of the term.

  • No need to apply every year. Your initial acceptance letter means STAND A CHANCE will support you with the same award until graduation, as long as you maintain a 3.0 GPA. Extenuating circumstances are considered in every situation, so losing funding is unlikely, if you are doing your best to maintain.

  • 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 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 available every school year. Depending on your major and interests, scholarships and other grants are available. Our team will guide you through the process. You should have plenty of funds to cover tuition and living expenses, but student loans are available as a last resort. Easy approval, and payments do not begin until 6 months after you graduate or stop your program. However, you can take a break from classes as long as you resume before 6 months to restart your loans. As long as you are attending school, even part-time, no payments are due.