The Pratt Center

Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program Details

Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Opportunity Program

Program Overview

The program is customized to address the complicated needs for economic security, academic coaching and emothional support required for youth aging out of foster care with a comprehensive system of support. Participation in the CSU Sullivan-Deckard Scholarship Program offers the benefit of an excellent education with greater economic stability, personal and professional development, and skills that contribute to academic success and degree completion.

Eligibility to apply for the program and scholarship

Participation in the Sullivan - Deckard Scholarship Program is voluntary.

  • A student in foster care who is a high school senior, at least 17 years old and younger than 20 years old
  • A student who will age out of foster care by the time they begin their college enrollment
  • A student must already be admitted to CSU to qualify. The deadline to apply is March 30, 2024. You will be notified of interview date.
  • Must be a legal resident of Ohio and eligible for in-state tuition rates

Peer Assistance

The recipient of the CSU Sullivan - Deckard Scholarship will be matched with CSU students who will serve as peer assistants, offering encouragement and support for a smooth transition and academic success. In addition, a small group of volunteer Professional Mentors will support the student as they transition to university life and persist to degree completion.

Program Oversight

The CSU Office of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement – Division of University Engagement, administers the Sullivan - Deckard Scholarship Program under the coordination of Jarrett Pratt, Director of Student Success.

Program and Scholarship selection is a competitive process that requires completed application, personal statement, and personal interview. Call 216-687-9388 or email j.g.pratt@csuohio.edu.

Completed applications must include two written recommendations as support for your participation. One recommendation should be from a schoolteacher or agency representative. The second recommendation should be completed by another responsible adult of your choice. Incomplete applications will not be considered. You must click here and use our recommendation form. 

Program Application

Number, street, apartment
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Scholarship Choices:

Please attach a personal essay that addresses all of the questions and statements below in a total of up to 1000 words. 1. High School Experience: Briefly describe your recent educational experience including involvement in school. What were your most difficult challenges? How did you address these challenges? List specific school activities you were involved in, sports, and organizations. Describe your motivation for participation in these. 2. Future Goals: Describe your future goals including college, career aspirations, and other things you hope to achieve in the next 3-5 years. Explain how you think a college education and a degree will help you achieve these goals. Maturity and Character: Explain why you are a good candidate to participate in the Sullivan - Deckard Scholarship. 3. Program. What do you consider to be your strengths? What personal values, talents and gifts do you feel you have that will help you to succeed? 4. Leadership and Citizenship: Describe ways you have demonstrated good citizenship and leadership in your school and community? 5. Additional Comments: Include anything else you would like the selection committee to know about you for this application. I understand that if, at any time, any of the information provided is found to be false, any scholarship funds I have received based on this information will be rescinded possibly creating a balance due to Cleveland State University that I will be responsible for paying. In addition, I do hereby consent to the release of information concerning my academic and financial status to Cleveland State University Foundation, scholarship donors and the Sullivan - Deckard Scholarship Program Selection Committee.
One file only.
2 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf, doc, docx.
Completed applications must include two written recommendations as support for your participation. One recommendation should be from a schoolteacher or agency representative. The second recommendation should be completed by another responsible adult of your choice. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
One file only.
2 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf, doc, docx.
Completed applications must include two written recommendations as support for your participation. One recommendation should be from a schoolteacher or agency representative. The second recommendation should be completed by another responsible adult of your choice. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
One file only.
2 MB limit.
Allowed types: pdf, doc, docx.