Our Fall 2025 Application is OPEN!
About the Scholarship
The UnLocked Project Scholarship was created to support University of Maryland students who have experienced or are currently experiencing familial incarceration. We believe that financial stress should never stand in the way of education, growth, and opportunity.
Each semester, four students will receive a $200 award, funded through the Do Good Foundation Grant. The scholarship is offered every Fall and Spring semester as part of our ongoing commitment to empower students impacted by the justice system and provide them with the resources to succeed.
Why It Matters
Behind every student impacted by familial incarceration is a story of strength, resilience, and perseverance. These students often carry responsibilities and challenges that go unseen, yet they continue to rise, to learn, and to lead.
At the UnLocked Project, we believe their journeys deserve recognition and support. The UnLocked Project Scholarship is not just financial assistance. It is a celebration of students who embody resilience, leadership, and the power to create change.
By investing in these students, we are investing in future educators, innovators, advocates, and leaders who will transform their communities and the world. This scholarship reminds them, and all of us, that their dreams are valid, their voices matter, and their potential is limitless.
Eligibility Requirements
For the UnLocked Book Project Scholarship, applicants must be:
- Currently enrolled at the University of Maryland (College Park) for the 2025-2026 academic school year.
- Have been impacted by familial incarceration
- Demonstrate financial need to pursue their college degree
The UnLocked Project Scholar Selection Process
1.
Stage 1 | Online Application
The online application opens August 25, 2025 and is due September 25, 2025. This first phase is open to currently enrolled University of Maryland students who have experienced or are currently experiencing familial incarceration and meet the eligibility criteria.
2.
Stage 2 | Scholarship Committee Review
After applications close, the UnLocked Project Scholarship Committee will review submissions, deliberate, and select the recipients. Decisions will be made within 2 weeks after the application’s closing, and winners will be notified shortly thereafter.
3.
Stage 3 | Scholarship Recipients
Four recipients will each receive $200 for the semester and be recognized by the UnLocked Project community. While sharing personal stories is optional, recipients are expected to engage with us so we can highlight their achievements, celebrate their success, and showcase our scholars’ accomplishments to the broader community. This helps us continue promoting the scholarship and inspiring future applicants.
Support the Scholarship
While the UnLocked Project currently has funding for this scholarship through the Do Good Foundation Grant, additional donations play a crucial role in ensuring its longevity. Contributions help us sustain the program, increase the award amount for each student, and potentially expand the number of recipients each semester. Supporting this scholarship is a direct way to uplift children of incarcerated parents, empowering them to pursue their education, reach their potential, and break cycles of disadvantage. Every gift makes a meaningful difference in helping these students thrive and be celebrated for their achievements.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about the scholarship or the application process, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or send us a message on Instagram. We’re happy to help and look forward to hearing from you!