In a Time of Great Uncertainty for Nonprofits & Federal Changes to Higher Education Funding, ScholarCHIPS Presses On with Welcoming 14th Cohort of National Scholars

ScholarCHIPS' 14^th Annual Awards Ceremony
Keynote Speaker, Yasmine Arrington Brooks
ScholarCHIPS' Founder & Executive Director
Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 1-4 PM
Catholic University of America, Hannon Hall
Auditorium 108

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ScholarCHIPS, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting college-bound children of incarcerated parents, will host its 14th Annual Awards Ceremony on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at The Catholic University of America in Northeast Washington, DC at Hannon Hall, Auditorium 108.

This year, eight outstanding students from Washington, DC, Maryland, and states across the country will be welcomed into the ScholarCHIPS community as members of the 14th cohort. Each scholar will be recognized with a certificate of achievement and presented with a brand-new laptop to help them succeed in their academic journey. The event will also celebrate the continued resilience and accomplishments of continuing scholars and alumni. The Awards Ceremony will highlight ScholarCHIPS' ongoing commitment to empowering youth from underserved communities through educational access, mental health & wellness support, mentorship, professional development training, and community-building.

Founded in 2010 by Yasmine Arrington Brooks, a DC native and former student with an incarcerated parent, ScholarCHIPS has awarded over $600,000 in college scholarships to more than 100 scholars, with 54 college graduates to date. The organization's mission is to break the cycle of incarceration and poverty by investing in the potential of young people affected by parental incarceration.

Arrington Brooks shares, "The future is gravely uncertain in the current climate with significant cuts to nonprofit funding, greater tax liabilities for universities on endowments, and new constraints on federal financial support for college-bound young adults; however, I wholeheartedly believe in the mission of ScholarCHIPS, and I have seen it change lives firsthand. Organizations like ScholarCHIPS are needed now more than ever to support youth from disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing their college education –a population that will become an integral part of our American workforce across all industries.  Welcoming a new cohort at this time is a risk, but it is a leap of faith I am willing to stand behind."  

Local media are warmly invited to attend and cover this inspiring community celebration. Interviews with scholars, families, and leadership will be available before and after the event.

For media inquiries or to RSVP, please contact [email protected].

Website: www.scholarchipsfund.org

SOURCE ScholarCHIPS, Inc.