Over the past three years, the Adoption Option Committee Inc., a Minnesota nonprofit, has awarded scholarships totaling $12,000 to Minnesota birth mothers who chose adoption for their children.
One scholarship recipient who made an adoption plan for her child said, “Being pregnant at 15 was a frightening, yet eye-opening experience.
“I suddenly had decisions to make. Once I realized the option of adoption, I suddenly felt at peace.”
The birth mother went on to graduate from high school, earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and is in her final year of a master’s program.
In addition to her academic success, she and her husband are expecting a child.
According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, only 40 percent of teens who have a baby at age 17 or earlier finish high school.
Scholarship applications are available at AOCI’s Internet site at www.aoci.org, at the organization’s teen-focused information site at www.itkteens.org, and at, social service and high school counselors’ offices across Minnesota.
The applicant must be enrolled at a certified institution of higher learning.
