FAQ

About NextChapterForward.org

What is NextChapterForward.org?

NextChapterForward.org is a scholarship program founded by Adrian Rosebrock, PhD, designed to support students who have grown up with a mentally ill parent. The program emerged from Adrian’s personal journey from a challenging childhood with a mental ill mother suffering from both bipolar and schizophrenia.

Despite a tumultuous upbringing, Adrian found healing through computer science, building and exiting a successful business, and now giving back to others who are walking a similar path.

What is the mission of NextChapterForward.org?

Our mission is to provide financial support and meaningful connection to students from households affected by mental illness, helping them pursue an education in computer science.

Through this work, we aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges.

Why was this scholarship created?

We understand firsthand how growing up with a mentally ill parent can impact academic opportunities and emotional well-being.

For our founder, programming became a sanctuary during difficult times by providing structure, predictability, and eventually healing.

We want to help other students who are walking a similar path find their own next chapter through education and connection with someone who truly understands their experience.

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be between 16-25 years old
• Be accepted or currently enrolled in an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university
• Be pursuing a Computer Science major (undergraduate or graduate level)
• Be a resident of Maryland
• Have been raised by a parent/guardian with a diagnosed or diagnosable severe mental health condition that created an emotionally unsafe home environment

What kinds of parental mental health conditions qualify?

This scholarship focuses on students who experienced the relational impact of being raised in emotionally unsafe homes due to severe parental mental illness.

While not limited to specific diagnoses, this often includes conditions such as:

• Bipolar Disorder (Type I and Type II)
• Cyclothymia
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Complex PTSD

Essentially, any mental health condition that has significantly impacted the parent-child relationship.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

We understand that growing up with a parent who has a mental health disorder can significantly impact academic performance. Our founder earned mostly B’s and C’s (with occasional D’s) from 6th through 10th grade and would have been rejected from merit-based scholarships based on GPA alone.

While we encourage a minimum GPA of 2.0, we welcome applications from students below this threshold who can demonstrate growth, resilience, or potential through other parts of their application.

Can I apply if I’m studying something other than Computer Science?

Currently, the scholarship is limited to Computer Science majors. However, we do plan to expand to other fields of study in the future. Please check back for updates as the program develops.

Application Process

When can I apply?

Applications open and close annually based on the following schedule:

• Applications Open: December 1
• Application Deadline: February 15
• Decision Notification: March 15
• Funds Dispersed: August 1

When can I apply?

You can use this link to submit your scholarship application.

What materials do I need to submit?

1. The scholarship application form
2. A personal narrative essay (1000-1250 words) addressing one of the provided prompts
3. Documentation showing enrollment or acceptance to an accredited college or university in a Computer Science program
4. A signed self-attestation form confirming eligibility based on experience growing up with a parent with mental illness
5. (Optional) A brief supporting letter from a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, mentor) who can speak to your experiences or potential

What are the essay prompt options?

Your personal narrative essay (1000-1250 words) should address one of the following prompts:

• Journey and Resilience: Describe your experience growing up with a parent affected by mental illness. How has this experience shaped your life, and what strengths or coping mechanisms have you developed as a result?
• Your Relationship with Technology: How did you discover your interest in computer science or technology? Has it served as a coping mechanism, creative outlet, or source of stability in your life?
• Impact and Understanding: How has your life experience influenced your understanding of mental health? In what ways might your perspective inform your approach to education, career, or community?

How do I complete the self-attestation form?

The self-attestation form asks you to confirm your experience growing up with a parent or guardian with mental illness. We recognize this is sensitive information, and the form is designed to be respectful of your privacy. You’ll simply need to acknowledge that your experience meets the eligibility criteria without requiring extensive details about your parent’s condition. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential and viewed only by the scholarship selection committee.

Selection Process

How are recipients selected?

All applications are personally reviewed by Dr. Adrian Rosebrock. Selection is based on the applicant’s personal narrative, demonstrated resilience, and potential.

We seek students who take ownership of their lives and demonstrate self-leadership — those who’ve turned pain into purpose, and setbacks into stepping stones.

How many students receive the scholarship each year?

Currently, we award one scholarship per year. As the program grows, we hope to increase this number.

Will I need to interview as part of the selection process?

No, there is no interview required. Selection is based solely on your written application materials.

Award Details

What is the scholarship amount?

The scholarship is a one-time award of $1,000 USD.

What can the scholarship funds be used for?

The funds may be used for tuition, books, housing, or other educational expenses.

When will I receive the funds if selected?

If selected, scholarship funds will be dispersed by August 1st.

Is this a renewable scholarship?

No, this is a one-time opportunity per student. Past recipients cannot reapply in subsequent years (but they are welcome to continued mentorship from Dr. Rosebrock).

Mentorship Opportunity

What does the mentorship opportunity involve?

Mentorship with Dr. Adrian Rosebrock is an optional part of this scholarship, but it could be the most meaningful. There one-on-one sessions are a chance to connect with someone who’s lived through what you lived through and grew up with an unstable parent.

Mentorship may involve help with computer science concepts or algorithms, navigating life after childhood trauma, or just having a safe space to talk to someone who truly gets it.

Each scholarship recipient is different and has varying needs. Whether you need help debugging a program, setting boundaries, or figuring out how to build a life that is yours (and not what others expect of you), the mentorship is here to remind you: you’re not alone, and you’re capable of more than you know.

How are mentorship sessions conducted?

Mentorship sessions are primarily offered virtually. In-person sessions can be arranged for students in the Maryland/Washington DC area.

What topics can be covered in mentorship?

Mentorship topics can be broad, ranging from help with computer science coursework to personal guidance on dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, or childhood trauma. Our founder shares techniques and coping strategies that helped him through his own journey, including the mental frameworks that helped him process his experiences and move forward.

Privacy Concerns

How is my personal information protected?

We take the privacy of your personal information very seriously, especially given the sensitive nature of the experiences shared in your application. All application materials are viewed only by Dr. Rosebrock and are never shared with outside parties. We use secure systems for storing and processing applications.

Will my story be shared publicly if I’m selected?

Your story will never be shared without your explicit permission. If selected, you can choose whether or not you’d like to be featured on our website or in other communications. We respect that some students may prefer to keep their experiences private, and this will not affect your scholarship in any way.

Contact Information

How can I contact NextChapterForward.org with additional questions?

If you have questions that aren’t answered here, please contact us through our website. We strive to respond to all inquiries within 2-3 business days.

Can I speak with past recipients?

If you’re interested in connecting with past recipients (with their permission), please contact us and mention this in your inquiry, and we’ll do our best to facilitate this connection where appropriate and when past recipients have agreed to serve as resources.