State Leaders, Woodward Hines Education Foundation Partner to Support FAITH Scholarship Students
Effort will help eligible foster youth continue their college education this fall following increased demand for scholarship funding
JACKSON, MISS. — August 5, 2026 — Mississippi legislators, colleges and universities, and the Woodward Hines Education Foundation are partnering to support students affected by increased demand for the State Representative Bill Kinkade FAITH (Fostering Access and Inspiring True Hope) Scholarship.
For the 2026-2027 academic year, the number of eligible FAITH Scholarship applicants exceeded available appropriated funds, resulting in approximately 170 students being notified that an award could not initially be made.
To help bridge the gap, the Woodward Hines Education Foundation (WHEF) has committed $800,000 in guaranteed funding to help eligible students continue their education this fall. Mississippi colleges and universities are also working directly with students to identify institutional scholarships, grants, tuition assistance and other available resources.
"We are grateful to Woodward Hines for stepping forward to help these students continue their educational journey," said Senator Nicole Boyd, Chair of the Mississippi Senate Universities and Colleges Committee. "Mississippians believe in investing in opportunity, and this partnership demonstrates what can happen when legislators, institutions and private partners work together to support students."
"The FAITH Scholarship was created to help ensure that students who have experienced foster care have access to education beyond high school," said Representative Donnie Scoggins, Chair of the Mississippi House Universities and Colleges Committee. "We appreciate every partner working to support these students and help them stay on the path toward a degree or workforce credential."
The State Representative Bill Kinkade Fostering Access and Inspiring True Hope (FAITH) Scholarship was created by the Mississippi Legislature in 2022 to provide last-dollar financial assistance to eligible current and former foster youth attending approved Mississippi colleges and universities.
"As someone who experienced institutional care, this scholarship is deeply personal to me," said Representative Bill Kinkade, author of the FAITH Scholarship legislation. "These students deserve to know they are not alone. I am grateful to Woodward Hines, our colleges and universities, legislators and every Mississippian helping them pursue a better future."
Students who received a notification concerning FAITH Scholarship funding should contact the financial aid office at the college or university they plan to attend. Financial aid professionals can review available federal, state, institutional and emergency resources and help determine next steps for enrollment.
"Philanthropy cannot replace the important role of sustained public investment in student financial aid, but when students face an immediate barrier, we have a responsibility to help find a way forward," said Jim McHale, President and CEO of the Woodward Hines Education Foundation. "WHEF is proud to provide short-term support for eligible FAITH Scholarship students this fall and looks forward to continuing to partner with legislators, colleges and universities, and other stakeholders on long-term solutions that expand opportunity for Mississippi students."
Individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations interested in supporting this effort may make a tax-deductible contribution through the Woodward Hines Education Foundation