Ruth and Norman Rales Scholars Program

About the Scholars Program

The Norman and Ruth Rales Foundation and KIPP Foundation have partnered to create the Rales Scholars Program. Every year up to 50 students will be selected for this new Rales Scholars Program. It will provide financial support to defray the costs of college, 1:1 mentorship, annual summer internship placement support, financial literacy education and budget planning, an annual leadership weekend and more. The first cohort of scholars joined the program in May 2022.

The Rales Scholars Program is one of several KIPP scholarship programs established in alignment with KIPP Foundation’s goal to see 1,000 alumni in positions of true power and influence by 2040.

The Rales Scholars Program honors the legacy of Ruth and Norman Rales, who believed deeply in the limitless potential of all young people, and who exemplified the spirit of giving back during their lifetimes.

 

Rales Scholars React

Check out the reactions from students and their families as they learn they’ve been selected for the Rales Scholars Program.

Programmatic Support

Programmatic supports include:

  • Financial resources to defray the cost of college: Rales Scholars will receive up to $60,000 over the four years of their undergraduate career.
  • Internship placement: Scholars will work with the Rales Scholars Program team to identify meaningful internship opportunities and receive support in finalizing internship placement.
  • Alumni mentorship and connection: Rales Scholars will engage in the broader alumni network (over 45,000 and growing) and be mentored by and connected to older alumni.
  • Leadership Weekend: All scholars will attend an annual leadership summit in the summer, which will foster connections across the Rales Scholars community and develop scholars into agents of change across the country.
  • Financial Literacy: Scholars will receive training on personal finance planning and budgeting.
  • Resource Library: Access to resume and cover letter templates as well as mock interview resources.

About Norman and Ruth

The Rales Foundation is dedicated to supporting children and families facing hardship by creating opportunities for them to realize life’s potential, in the spirit of Norman and Ruth Rales. Norman and Ruth Rales began their lives under humble circumstances. Norman was raised in the Hebrew Orphan Asylum in Harlem during the Great Depression. The lessons he learned there nurtured a lifelong desire to assist others in need, while brightening the days of the many he touched. Ruth was raised in Pittsburgh by parents who had fled the pogroms of Eastern Europe. From an early age she was taught the value of hard work, generosity and creativity. Ruth and Norman married in 1948 and together they built a brilliant life filled with family, friends, community, work and giving to others. Unable to attend college themselves, Ruth and Norman believed deeply in the importance of an excellent education for all children, regardless of circumstance. Throughout their lives, they dedicated themselves to helping others in need. Their spirit of giving and values live on through the work of the Rales Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Rales Scholars will receive up to $60,000 to cover:

    • Discretionary educational expenses (may include textbooks, computers, clothing, meal plan, study abroad, rent, room & board, gaps in financial aid, summer support and spending money) – Up to $12,000 per year or $48,000 over four years
    • Annual Leadership Weekend costs – $2,000 each year or $8,000 over four years
    • Annual fund that may provide emergency funding for Rales Scholars in exceptional cases. – $1,000 each year or $4,000 over four years

  • Current KIPP High School  seniors or KIPP Middle School alumni in their senior year of high school.

    Students must demonstrate the following:

    1. Academic Excellence: minimum weighted GPA 3.5, and ACT 27 or SAT 1260
    2. Leadership Potential
    3. Commitment to Service
    4. Financial Need

  • October 1, 2021 – February 11, 2022 at 11:59 pm PST.

  • Current KIPP High School senior or KIPP Middle School alumni in their senior year of high school are eligible.

  • No. This program is only open to high school seniors, not KIPP Alumni.

  • Yes! We encourage you to apply. Your citizenship status will not be taken into consideration during the selection process.

  • Scholars will be notified by May.

  • Yes, applicants are required to submit 2 recommendations. Recommenders should be teachers, counselors, mentors, or individuals to whom you are not related and who can speak to your qualifications for this scholarship program.

  • Yes, a 350-word essay is required. To view the essay prompt, please visit the application.

  • Yes! The program will accept a couple of students each year who demonstrate exceptional promise and the ability to succeed academically at the collegiate level.

  • If you have any other questions, feel free to email Sierra Cason at SCason@kipp.org.

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