Your Journey, Your Future:
The NPFY Level Up Scholarship
New Pathways for Youth (NPFY) has served young people in Phoenix since 1989. Our mission is to transform the lives of youth by providing the support, stability, and skills they need to flourish in the community and in their families. Through the NPFY Level Up Scholarship, our youth will be able to pursue postsecondary education and confidently find their own path to fulfillment.
After completing the Dougherty General Application, NPFY youth will be able to complete the NPFY Level Up Scholarship application. Both applications must be completed in their entirety to be considered. Review the scholarship application timeline, eligibility & selection criteria, and the application process below.
Scholarship Application Timeline
| Date | Task/Scholarship Activity |
| 1st week of January 2026 | |
| Monday, January 19, 2026 | NPFY Level Up Scholarship Application – Application Opens |
| Saturday, March 7, 2026 | Scholarship Work Session
|
| Monday, March 9, 2026 | NPFY Level Up Scholarship Application – Deadline |
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be currently enrolled in the Level Up Program and have been an active participant for at least one year. Preference will be given to students based on length of participation and strength of engagement at NPFY.
- The applicant must be a high school senior, a high school graduate, or GED holder.
- The applicant must be seeking to enroll in any type of postsecondary education, including trade, vocational, 2-year, and 4-year schools.
- The applicant may be enrolled part-time or full-time.
- The applicant may be currently enrolled in a postsecondary program.
Selection Criteria
- Financial need, as demonstrated by the FAFSA or other financial aid indicators
- High school academic record as reflected by GPA
- Record of community volunteer work, school activities, or paid employment
- Demonstrated evidence of high motivation, determination to succeed, and potential for leadership
Award Details
- Up to ten awards of $2,000 will be granted each year
- Funding will be sent directly to the school to be used for tuition and/or other fees/expenses (housing, meals, books, technology, transportation)
Application Process
- Step 1: Youth completes the General Dougherty Foundation Scholarship Application.
- Makes you eligible for many scholarships dependent on your answers and background information.
- You cannot access the NPFY Level Up Scholarship Application without completing this application first.
- Step 2: Youth completes the NPFY Level Up Scholarship Application by the deadline.
- Requires some short essays.
- Step 3: For youth who are awarded the NPFY Level Up Scholarship, they will need to submit the Scholarship Acceptance Form.
- Failure to complete will result in scholarships being revoked.
Scholarship Review & Selection
Scholarship applications will be reviewed by members of the NPFY Emeritus Council.
- “Blind” Review: Applications (with name and race/ethnicity redacted) will be sent to a minimum of four members of the Emeritus Council for review and rating.
- Ranking: Completed rating sheets will be compiled by NPFY staff and ranked numerically. Applications are rated in two categories (essays and overall) on a scale of 1 to 10.
What the Committee looks for:
- Essays: Writing, message, reflection of NPFY values, and program impact.
- Overall: Financial need (FAFSA), academic record (GPA), community/work involvement, potential for success, and motivation.
The NPFY senior leadership team determines the size of the scholarship pool based on available funding and the number of applications.
- Standard Award: Up to ten awards of $2,000 are typically granted each year.
- Allocation: Amounts are allocated based on the ranking of reviewed applications.
- Goal: Ideally, all qualified applicants will receive some level of scholarship funding.
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
In addition to the Level Up Scholarship, three additional scholarships will be distributed if funds are available and applicants are eligible:
- Dew Family Scholarship ($5,000): The top three ranked Level Up applicants will be reviewed by Jim and Mimi Dew for one $5,000 award. This may be renewed for up to three years.
- Lanita Lewis and HL Woodberry Scholarship: Requires a supplemental essay for youth with a parent/caregiver who has struggled with substance abuse.
- Chris Yakscoe Scholarship: Preference given to applicants attending trade schools or career-focused training. Requires an additional essay on career goals.
Application Support
- Get help from your mentor!
- Reach out to your Program Coordinator!
- Attend the Scholarship Work Session on March 7th after Power Up!
- Sign up here: NpfyProgram.as.me/LevelUp