Scholarships
The Sunshine Open Door Foundation presents
The Elizabeth "Sunshine" Brooks Legacy Book Scholarship
About the Scholarship
The Elizabeth “Sunshine” Brooks Legacy Book Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Elizabeth “Sunshine” Brooks, whose warmth, generosity, and open-door policy transformed lives. Through her unwavering support and commitment to her family and community, she prevented many from entering the foster care system, ensuring they always had a place to call home.
In her honor, the Sunshine Open Door Foundation (SODF) is dedicated to continuing her mission of investing in others, providing protection, growth, and inspiration—especially to those who did not grow up with their own “sunshine.”
This $500 scholarship is awarded to youth currently in foster care or foster care alumni who are pursuing higher education and need assistance purchasing textbooks and educational materials.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Elizabeth “Sunshine” Brooks Legacy Book Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a current or former foster youth (must provide documentation such as a letter from a caseworker, foster agency, or official verification from a state/local authority).
- Be enrolled or accepted at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
- Be a current high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student.
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Demonstrate financial need (self-reported or with supporting documents, if applicable).
- Submit a 500-word essay on the topic: How has your experience in foster care shaped your educational and career aspirations? (Upload required)
- Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, mentor, or community leader. (Upload required)
- Be actively involved in community service, leadership, or extracurricular activities (preferred but not required).
Scholarship Award Details
- Scholarship Amount: $500
- Use of Funds: Must be used for textbooks, educational supplies, or other required course materials.
- Application Deadline: [Insert Date]
- Winners Announced By: [Insert Date]
How to Apply
- Completed application form (see below)
- 500-word essay (Upload required)
- Proof of enrollment (acceptance letter or class schedule)
- Most recent transcript (official or unofficial)
- Documentation of foster care status (Upload required: letter from agency, caseworker, or official verification)
- Letter of recommendation (Upload required)
Elizabeth "Sunshine" Brooks Legacy Book Scholarship Application
Applicant Information
