For students whose journeys look different, but whose potential is just as great.
The Sinha Foundation supports educational opportunities for students whose journeys may look different, but whose potential is just as great. The Second Chance Scholarship Program is a multi-year funding program that recognizes students at continuation and alternative high schools who are making meaningful academic progress, and helps them take their next step toward college, vocational training, military service, or the workforce.
We are looking for more continuation and alternative high schools for 2026–2027. Here is how a partnership comes together.
Participating schools verify school eligibility using the applicable academic and program criteria.
The Sinha Foundation works with an eligible nonprofit organization that meets its 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) requirements, together with the school or district, to establish the scholarship framework.
The school or district, the nonprofit partner, and the Foundation agree on eligibility criteria, award amounts, and timing.
School administration or a designated committee identifies scholarship recipients. Educators who know the students are central to the selection.
The Foundation grants funds to the nonprofit partner, which administers scholarship support under the approved program structure. The Foundation does not make grants directly to individual students.
Schools and the Foundation recognize student achievement through announcements, ceremonies, graduation events, or other appropriate recognition.
Tell us about your schoolStep 1 closes October 31, 2026.
2025–2026 recipients
Scholarships and merit-based awards went to 36 students across four schools. These students have shown extraordinary perseverance in continuing their education despite personal hardships and setbacks.
Read their storyFor past recipients
Support can extend beyond a single award. Under the current program framework, the Foundation may, at its discretion, consider additional educational assistance for past recipients who are enrolled in a community college, university, or vocational training program and demonstrate financial need.
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Join the communityThe program recognizes and supports students attending continuation and alternative high schools who demonstrate academic progress and commitment to completing their education. The goal is to celebrate progress and help students move successfully into their next stage of education, training, service, or employment.
Eligibility is determined under the scholarship criteria agreed upon with each participating school or district. Under the current program, criteria include grade level, completed credits, GPA, and, for certain awards, California’s reduced graduation requirements for foster youth, homeless youth, and certain other students.
No. The program recognizes several post-secondary pathways, including community college, university, trade or vocational training, military service, and workforce entry.
Each participating school may award up to eight scholarships annually. Larger participating continuation and alternative high schools with more than 150 enrolled students may qualify for four additional $500 merit scholarships.
Individual scholarship awards are generally $500 or $1,000, depending on the award category.
Recipients are selected by the participating school’s administration or a designated committee using the agreed eligibility criteria.
No. The Sinha Foundation makes grants to eligible nonprofit organizations that meet the Foundation’s 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) requirements. The Foundation does not make grants directly to individual students.
The program supported a total of 36 students across four participating East Side Union High School District continuation and alternative high schools.
Our goal is to provide scholarships benefiting 100 students during the 2026–2027 academic year.
Yes. The Sinha Foundation is interested in speaking with continuation and alternative high schools, school districts, and eligible nonprofit organizations about future partnerships. Tell us about your school.
Potentially. The Sinha Foundation may, at its sole discretion, consider additional educational assistance for past scholarship recipients who continue in community college, university, or vocational training and demonstrate financial need. Additional support is evaluated case by case, is not guaranteed, and any Foundation funding must be made through an eligible nonprofit organization.
We work with continuation and alternative high schools, school districts, and eligible nonprofit organizations.