Scholarship Application

6 Selection Criteria

The Gateway Scholarship Committee is honored to award five $1,000 scholarships to individuals who have experienced human trafficking and are ready to pursue education or vocational training as a step toward their career goals. C7HTC accepts applications from individuals residing within our 7-county service area: Dallas, Tarrant, Denton, Collin, Wise, Grayson, and Cooke counties.

We understand the courage it takes to rebuild your life and pursue new opportunities. The ideal applicant is someone who has reached a level of stability—emotionally, physically, and mentally—that will allow them to fully engage in the demands of a college program or career training. Our goal is to support you in a way that sets you up for long-term success. Both U.S. citizens and undocumented individuals are encouraged to apply. 

Scholarship Eligibility

• Must be a survivor of human trafficking—defined as having been involved in commercial sex or labor under circumstances of vulnerability, survival, or exploitation. This includes experiences involving force, fraud, coercion, manipulation, or grooming for the profit or benefit of another person.
• Must be or have been involved in a recovery process, addiction treatment or safety program for at least six months. However, a year is preferred.
• Must have a GED or High School diploma.

Scholarship Requirements

Please complete the Gateway Scholarship Application below and submit the following:

• Essay:  Please submit a 2-3 page (double spaced, 12- point font) essay. Topic: Explain how receiving the scholarship will support your goals, empower you to live independently, and help you continue building a future free from exploitation.
• 2 Letters of Recommendation:  Please submit two letters of recommendation. Letters can be written by a representative such as a case manager, social worker, counselor, director of recovery or work supervisor program that can verify preparedness to enter into an education or training program. Please find the forms here: Letters of recommendation
• Interview:  An interview with the scholarship applicants will take place either in person or video conferencing. You will be contacted by phone number and/or email to schedule your interview if selected.

About the Scholarships

• All scholarships awarded are paid directly to program, school, college or university.
• Scholarships awarded are good for one year from time of the award.
• Deadline to apply for the Gateway to Freedom Scholarship is November 15, 2026
• Scholarship winners will be recognized at the membership meeting on January 21, 2027.
• Please submit applications and required documents to admin@c7htc.org.

Questions or Concerns

Please contact Courtney Heathcosk at (214) 226-2322 or courtney@c7htc.org with questions or concerns.