about
To create opportunities for women and young girls impacted by incarceration to not just survive, but thrive, by pursuing an education.
The Perry ‘Second Chances’ Scholarship Award is the flagship program of The Thurman Perry Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to provide women and girls impacted by incarceration that are currently enrolled or recently accepted into an accredited 2-to-4-year college, university, or vocational school with a one-time, $4,000 scholarship.
We aim to supplement their tuition, textbooks, housing, childcare, and other essential resources they need in order to thrive in their educational endeavors.
Video Courtesy of Nous Foundation
Vision:
To offer financial assistance and educational resources to at least 50 students by 2025
Community
Humans are not only inherently social beings, but our communal relationships are necessary for our survival. This is never more apparent than in the healing, re-entry, and restoration of formerly incarcerated women back into society.
Passion
Passion is the source of our finest moments. When given the resources to pursue our God-given talents and interests, we secure our place in the world and gain a deeper understanding of our purpose in life.
Courage
Respect
So much is stolen from those impacted by the criminal justice system, even after they have repaid their debt to society. One’s sense of self-respect is often a casualty. Only by seizing every opportunity to achieve our goals can this never be taken away from us.
Meet Gabrielle
Gabrielle Angelique Perry, MPH, B.S. is the founder and executive director of The Thurman Perry Foundation, a Louisiana-based nonprofit operating nationally with a mission of aiding women and girls impacted by incarceration. Ms. Perry’s organization has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to currently incarcerated women, formerly incarcerated women, and the daughters of both demographics via her educational program, The Perry Second Chances Scholarship, which is reflective of her experiences as a woman impacted by incarceration who sought to achieve her own education.
Ms. Perry’s public health initiative through The Thurman Perry Foundation, Girl Code, stands alone nationally as the only organization addressing menstrual health for incarcerated women by donating organic menstrual products on a monthly basis to correctional facilities.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Ms. Perry is a class of 2019 graduate of Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, where she obtained her Master of Public Health in Epidemiology with a concentration in infectious diseases. She currently works as the youngest epidemiologist on her team, where she both leads and collaborates on population health strategy and health equity initiatives.
A vocal advocate for change at the local, state, and federal level, and lending her voice to worthy legislative advocacy work that acknowledges women’s incarceration as a public health issue, Ms. Perry combines her personal experiences, education, and nonprofit work in service to women and girls everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women with felony convictions apply for The Perry ‘Second Chances’ Scholarship Award?
Women with previous felony convictions who can also provide evidence of expungement while meeting the other requirements are eligible for the award and welcome to apply.
Are transgender women eligible for this award?
I only include this question and answer as a formality because this was privately inquired to me twice via social media. I would hope that transgender women, who are often the most disproportionately impacted by mass incarceration in America, automatically feel more than welcome to apply.
Is there an age limit to apply?
Applicants to The Perry ‘Second Chances’ Scholarship Award must be 18 years or older to apply.
How is the scholarship awarded?
The Perry ‘Second Chances’ Scholarship Award is a one-time, annual scholarship that will be given to at least 2 students per year as long as funds are available. Applications open annually on November 15th and will close on January 3rd. Winners will be chosen and notified on January 8th of each year. Funds will be disbursed to the recipients by certified mail by the end of the 2nd full week of January.
I have an official transcript hold due to an outstanding balance. Can I submit an unofficial one?
If you are a currently enrolled student with an outstanding balance of less than $1,000, you may submit an unofficial transcript with your application along with a signed and dated itemization from your school’s bursar’s office of your outstanding balance.
My school has pending accreditation. May I apply?
Only students attending schools with full accreditation are eligible for The Perry ‘Second Chances’ Scholarship Award.
What can I use the scholarship for?
The formerly incarcerated are, by definition, nontraditional students. Because housing, childcare, employment, tuition opportunities, etc. are more difficult to come by for these students, funds will be disbursed directly to the student for the procurement of all the resources they need to supplement their educational endeavors.
Can I reapply to the scholarship if I win?
Yes. If you are awarded The Perry ‘Second Chances’ Scholarship you may apply up to 2 more times.
In memory of U.S. Army Master Sergeant Thurman Perry Jr., The Perry ‘Second Chances’ Scholarship started with one goal in mind: to support those striving to better themselves and pursue higher education despite their pasts. We are recognized as a subsidiary program of The Thurman Perry Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. EIN 86-2519876.
