Application Process

Application Process

If Given A Chance identifies Napa County high school students who have been faced with extraordinary social, medical, and economic challenges, and provides them with mentoring and financial assistance to support their efforts in completing a college degree or vocational training program.

Napa County High School Juniors

Apply for If Given A Chance Program Award

Mentoring and Funding Available to Qualified Applicants

Deadline of Application is on February 16, 2024

The If Given A Chance Program Award recognizes Napa County youth who have demonstrated exceptional courage in facing extraordinary personal challenges and provides mentoring and financial assistance throughout the student’s remaining high school semesters. The program continues throughout the student’s undergraduate college or technical certificate program years so they may achieve their educational potential and launch their career. If Given A Chance is partnered with Students Rising Above SOAR program to support college students.

AWARD CRITERIA

  • The student applicant must be facing/have faced adversity and dealt with challenging life circumstances.
  • The student applicant must demonstrate potential and a desire to complete college or technical school and document financial need.
  • The applicant must be a junior with a 2.0 or better GPA and be on course to graduate from a Napa County high school (or be a resident of Napa County and graduating from an out of area school) in June 2025.
  • The applicant must have plans to enroll full-time (12 Units) in the Fall semester 2025 at a post-secondary school: community college, four-year university, or technical certificate program.

The If Given A Chance Award application for Napa County high school juniors is now online. The deadline for applications is February 16th.

Please feel free to contact IGAC at 707.260.5656 or 707.217.2798 or email kelli@ifgivenachance.org.

Support

If Given A Chance is looking to support Napa County high school juniors who have experienced profound, personal challenges and demonstrate a commitment to continuing their education after high school. Students should also be in need of financial support to apply for and attend post-secondary education programs.

Skills

The If Given A Chance program provides life-skills mentoring and financial reimbursement for college tests, applications, and entry fees through senior year and continuing financial support through college or vocational certificate programs. The goal is to provide in-depth support for students to ensure they will have long term success.

Resources

If Given A Chance will establish a relationship with each student to assist in guiding their path through college or vocational certificate application process. We will provide many resources, mentors, and coaching to help them complete their post-secondary education. We will continue to support them from high school graduation through college or vocational training and on to a selected career.

If Given a Chance provided me not only financial support, but also allowed me to share my story through a safe space, which has helped me overcome my own fears of being open about it. My connections were not limited to my peers, because I was also introduced to adults in my field of study. I also appreciated the quarterly check-ins because I felt like someone cared about how I was doing. The If Given a Chance Award is like no other award, because I always feel connected to a family and to people who care about my education and success for the future.

Emily C., Majoring in law, UC Davis