Writing Your Next Chapter
We believe that growing up with a mentally ill parent often means living in emotional unpredictability — walking on eggshells, growing up too fast, or never quite feeling safe at home.
These are hardships you didn’t choose, but they shaped you. And while these scars are not your fault, they are still your responsibility to overcome.
Is it unfair? Yes, absolutely. But life isn’t fair.
We can’t control the cards we are dealt, but we can control how we play them.
This scholarship program emerged from founder Adrian Rosebrock’s personal journey from a challenging childhood with a mentally ill mother to finding healing through computer science, building a successful business, and now giving back.
Adrian didn’t have a roadmap growing up, just grit, curiosity, and a stubborn belief that life could be better. He created this scholarship so you don’t have to go it alone.
If you’re ready to write the next chapter of your life, we’re here to walk with you.
Financial Support
Our $1,000 scholarship provides not just financial support, but connection with our founder, Dr. Adrian Rosebrock, someone who truly understands your journey because he also grew up with a mentally ill parent. Sometimes knowing you’re not alone makes all the difference.
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: December 1
- Application Deadline: February 15
- Decision Notification: March 15
- Funds Dispersed: August 1
Who Can Apply
This scholarship is for students who grew up with a mentally ill parent and are currently pursuing a degree in computer science.
We understand that surviving an emotionally unstable home often means missed assignments, low grades, or inconsistent academic performance. Not because you lacked intelligence, but because you were doing your best to survive.
We’re not here for perfection. We’re here for potential.
We’re seeking students who have shown resilience and growth in the face of adversity, and want to build a better life for themselves and others.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Between 16-25 years old
- Education: Currently enrolled in or accepted to an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university
- Field of Study: Computer Science major (undergraduate or graduate level)
- Location: Resident of Maryland
- Personal Experience: Raised by a parent/guardian with a diagnosed or diagnosable severe mental health condition that created an emotionally unsafe home environment
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.
Academic Expectations
Growing up with a mentally ill parent can deeply impact your academic journey. While a minimum GPA of 2.0 is encouraged, we welcome applications from students who may not meet this threshold but can demonstrate growth, effort, or potential through other parts of the application.
We see you as a whole person, not just your grades. We understand that your path may have included obstacles that others haven’t faced.
Application Requirements
Your application will need to include the following.
1. Personal Narrative Essay (1000-1250 words)
Choose one of the following prompts:
- Journey and Resilience: Describe your experience growing up with a parent affected by mental illness. How has this shaped your perspective, 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 experience influenced your understanding of mental health? In what ways might your perspective inform your approach to education, career, or community?
2. Proof of Enrollment or Acceptance
Documentation showing your enrollment or acceptance to an accredited college or university in a Computer Science program.
3. Self-Attestation Form
A signed declaration confirming your eligibility based on your experience growing up with a parent with mental illness. We’ve designed this to be respectful of your privacy while acknowledging your lived experience.
4. Optional Supporting Letter
A brief statement from a trusted adult (teacher, counselor, mentor) who can speak to your experiences or potential. This is not required but can be included if helpful.
All of this information can be provided inside the application form.
Selection Process
All applications are personally reviewed by Dr. Adrian Rosebrock. The selection process focuses on:
- Your personal narrative and journey
- The resilience and potential you demonstrate
- How you’ve found ways to persist and grow despite facing challenging circumstances and adversity
We’re not looking for perfect students. We’re looking for students who have faced difficult circumstances and continued moving forward, who have found ways to write their own next chapters despite the challenges they’ve encountered.
Award Details
- Award Amount: $1,000 USD (one-time award)
- Usage: May be used for tuition, books, housing, or other educational expenses
- Mentorship Opportunity: Recipients may also receive mentorship from Dr. Rosebrock on computer science concepts or algorithms, navigating life after childhood trauma, or just having a safe space to talk to someone who truly gets it.
Why Computer Science?
For our founder, programming became a sanctuary during difficult times. Writing code provided structure, predictability, and a sense of control when everything else felt chaotic. It became not just a career path, but a healing journey.
While we recognize there are many paths to healing and success, this scholarship focuses on computer science because:
- It can provide structure and order in a world that sometimes feels unpredictable
- It offers clear rules and immediate feedback (code either runs or it doesn’t)
- It creates opportunities for well-paying careers that can provide financial stability
- It can serve as both a creative outlet and a practical skill
We believe in the transformative power of education and coding for students who have experienced what our founder experienced.
The very circumstances that have made your life difficult may also have forged in you extraordinary resilience, perspective, and potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strict are the eligibility requirements? While we do maintain the core eligibility criteria, we understand that experiences with parental mental illness exist on a spectrum. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, we encourage you to apply and share your story.
When are funds disbursed? If selected, scholarship funds will be disbursed by August 1st.
What does the mentorship opportunity involve? Recipients may receive mentorship from Dr. Rosebrock on computer science concepts and navigating adulthood after childhood trauma. These mentorship sessions offer a chance to connect with someone who understands the unique challenges you’ve faced.
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 without your consent.
Is this a renewable scholarship? No, this is a one-time opportunity per student. Past recipients cannot reapply in subsequent years.
For additional questions, please visit our FAQ page or contact us.