Eligible applicants are women who are at least 20 years old, are Delaware residents or have worked in Delaware for at least the past 12 months, hold a high school diploma or GED, and have been admitted to an accredited Delaware college in a 2- or 4-year undergraduate degree program. Applicants must also have had at least a 2-year break in education after high school or during college, have at least a C average if currently enrolled, be recommended by a social service agency or college representative, and be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

The listed application deadline for the Fresh Start Scholarship is 5/15/2026. Students should prepare materials early to make sure all required information and recommendations are submitted on time.

To apply, students should confirm they meet the eligibility requirements, secure admission to an accredited Delaware college, and obtain a recommendation from a social service agency or a college representative if no agency is available. Applicants should be ready to provide academic information and details about personal challenges and financial need, since selection is based on those factors.

Recipients are selected based on academic qualifications, personal challenges, and financial need. Meeting the minimum eligibility rules does not guarantee an award, and the scholarship amount varies.