Bruin Scholars - Foster Care or TALS

Welcome to the Bruin Scholars Program. We are so excited that you found us! If you have experienced foster care at any point in your life and in any state, you qualify for a tuition waiver that will pay for your tuition, leaving you responsible only for the fees. By joining the Bruin Scholars Program, you not only receive a tuition waiver; you are joining a community where you have consistent support and resources ready to be there for you through graduation. You can join at any point in your Salt Lake Community College journey.

If you experienced Foster Care in the State of UT anytime starting at the age of 16, you may be eligible for the Olene Walker Transitioning to Adult Living Scholarship! Which you can use with the Foster Care Tuition Waiver.

Foster Care Tuition Waiver

Applying

• Fill out this form
• Your coordinator will contact you within 2 business days
• Initial meeting with your coordinator

Tuition Waiver Duration and Credit Progression

• Once you apply for the waiver, it will continue until you graduate or your GPA drops below 2.0.

Your first-year as a Bruin Scholar

• Register for a minimum of 6 credits in fall, spring, and summer OR a minimum of 9 credits in fall and spring semesters for a total of 18 credits in an academic year
• Meet with your Coordinator at the beginning of the semester and during midterms.
• Attend two (2) Bruin Scholar sponsored events.

Your second year through to Graduation at Salt Lake Community College

• Register for a minimum of 6 credits in fall, spring, and summer OR a minimum of 9 credits in fall and spring semesters for a total of 18 credits in an academic year
• Meet with your Coordinator as directed by your Coordinator
• Begin attending the Career Series
• Begin attending the Transfer Series
• Attend two (2) Bruin Scholars sponsored events

Semester before Graduation

• Apply for graduation
• Meet with your Coordinator
• Attend the Career Series
• Attend the Transfer Series
• Inform your Coordinator you are graduating and your plans after
• Attend the end of year Bruin Scholars Graduation Celebration

Olene Walker Transitioning into Adult Living Scholarship

Application Deadlines

• April 15: Academic year application/reapplication deadline
• October 15: Spring semester funding only deadline

Applying

• To be eligible for the SLCC tuition wavier along with the TALS program please fill out this form.
  • Students who are accepted for the Olean Walker TALS scholarship will also be required to complete the Bruin Scholars requirements listed in the Tuition Waiver section along with the TALS requirements (really it’s an extra 3 meetings with your coordinator each semester).

How Students Are Selected

• Scholarships are awarded based on:
  • Commitment to completing a college or career training program
  • Potential for academic success
  • Financial need

Renewal

• The scholarship may be renewed each year if:
  • You meet scholarship requirements
  • You make satisfactory academic progress
  • Funding is available
• Students must submit a new application each year to be considered for renewal.

How Scholarship Funds Can Be Used

• TAL Scholarship funds can be used for:
  • Tuition and fees
  • Required books and supplies
  • Equipment and other class-related expenses

Scholarship Restrictions

• The scholarship does not cover:
  • Study abroad or exchange programs.
  • Double majors
  • Online classes without prior approval from the TAL Scholarship administrator.

Eligibility Requirements

• To be considered for the TAL Scholarship, students must:
  • Provide documentation from the Utah Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) or the Utah Refugee Minor Program verifying eligibility.
  • Be under age 26 when first applying.
  • Be admitted to a Utah System of Higher Education institution, including Applied Technology Colleges and Skill Centers.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident and a Utah resident.
  • Complete the FAFSA and qualify for a Pell Grant. In some cases, the scholarship committee may waive the Pell Grant requirement.
  • Submit a completed TAL Scholarship application.

Documents Needed for New Applications

• Before starting your application, have the following ready:
  • Verification of eligibility from DCFS or the Utah Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program.
  • A 1-2 page, double-spaced personal statement that describes:
    • Your strengths, interests, work ethic, and goal-setting skills
    • Your educational background and any challenges you have overcome
    • Your educational and career goals
• At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, caseworker, employer, foster parent, or another adult who knows you well (not a friend).
• High school transcript and, if applicable, college transcript.
• Your course plan, if available.

Documents Needed for Renewal Applications

• Before starting your renewal application, have the following ready:
  • A 1-2 page, double-spaced personal statement that discusses:
    • Your strengths, interests, and goals
    • Educational challenges and how you are addressing them
    • Your experience as a TAL Scholar and working with your mentor
    • Your involvement in employment, service, or extracurricular activities
    • Challenges you faced during the school year
    • Why your scholarship should be renewed and what you have learned from the experience
  • Your most recent high school or college transcript showing completed courses, credits, and GPA.

Students who have been selected for the TALS Scholarship

• Students who receive the TAL Scholarship must:
  • Be enrolled at least part-time:
    • 9 credits per semester (minimum)
  • Maintain a minimum GPA:
    • 2.0 GPA for students with fewer than 60 completed credit hours
    • 2.5 GPA for students with 60 or more completed credit hours
  • Successfully complete at least 70% of attempted credits.
  • Participate in at least 5 hours per week of activities such as employment, student leadership, community service, or another mentor-approved activity.
  • Meet with their assigned Bruin Scholars Coordinator at least once each month. Scholarship funds are released monthly after the Coordinator meeting.

For questions please contact Erin Stirling, Director of Student Success Programs at erin.stirling@slcc.edu or 801-957-5144