Mission
ScholarCHIPS’ mission is to provide college scholarships, mentoring, mental health supports, and a peer support network to college-bound young adults who have incarcerated parents, inspiring them to complete their college education.
Vision
ScholarCHIPS envisions a world where children, adolescents, and young adults with incarcerated parents are no longer marginalized and stigmatized by society and are afforded equal opportunity and access to higher education.
Value Proposition
In the United States alone, more than five million children have had a parent in prison at some point in their lives. ScholarCHIPS is the only organization uniquely positioned to provide ongoing tailored supports and resources to young adults who have experienced parental incarceration and are matriculating through college.
Our Story
As a junior in high school, Yasmine Arrington became a 2010 Fellow in the LearnServe International Program in Washington, DC. LearnServe challenged her to help solve a need within the community. At the time, Yasmine and her grandmother were searching for scholarships to help cover her future college tuition, but could not find one for teens like her with incarcerated parents. Realizing that millions of other youth like her have an incarcerated parent and would benefit from a college scholarship and mentorship program tailored to their experience, Yasmine decided to create one herself.
With the support of trusted mentors who Yasmine asked then to be the founding board members, Yasmine established ScholarCHIPS, Inc. (For Children of Incarcerated Parents) in 2010. In October 2010, Yasmine hosted a Kick-Off event in the DC community, where she officially announced the launch of ScholarCHIPS. This ScholarCHIPS Kick-Off event was Yasmine’s Girl Scout Gold Award project. Yasmine serves as the organization’s executive director.
ScholarCHIPS’ 2024 College Scholarship Application cycle is now closed.
Please check back in November 2024 for the 2025 scholarship application.
Over 2,500 hours of mentorship
Number of scholars to date
Different universities, including HBCUs
%
Have graduated/are on track to graduate in the next 4-5 years
Scholars have graduated to date
Our Programs
Scholarship Program
Mentorship & College Completion Program
Advocacy Program
Mental Health & Wellness Program
Scholar Emergency Fund
In May 2023, ScholarCHIPS’ Founder, Yasmine Arrington Brooks, was named a 2023 CNN Hero! Yasmine made the CNN Heroes Top 10 and was featured on CNN Heroes – An All Star Tribute on nationally and internationally syndicated television on Sunday, December 10, 2023.
As of July 1, 2023, ScholarCHIPS is officially a United Way National Capital Area Partner and listed on the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). ScholarCHIPS’ United Way NCA donor designation number is 9738. ScholarCHIPS’ CFC code is 81760.
ScholarCHIPS has been recognized by The Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington (now Spur Local) as “one of the best” local nonprofits in 2019-2020 and 2021-2022, for excellence, cost effectiveness and impact.
Become a Mentor!
You can make a difference.
If you have a positive attitude, can communicate in a nurturing, non-judgemental manner, and have the willingness to share your knowledge, expertise, and skills to help our scholars succeed, then we are looking for you.
Donate Today
Help our scholars achieve their goals!
As seen on:
Want to Get Involved?
EIN #46-3127898
501(c)3 Charitable Organization
ScholarCHIPS' United Way NCA #9738
ScholarCHIPS' Combined Federal Campaign #81760
(202) 677-0897
ScholarCHIPS, Inc.
P.O. Box 29326
Washington, DC 20017