Improving the lives of women through education.™

The path toward a brighter future lies in education.
Together, we empower Delaware women to achieve more.

Applications Now open

APPLICATIONS FOR THE CLASS of 2025-2026 ARE NOW CLOSED

Applications for the Class of 2026-2027 will be available after February 1, 2026.

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IN FULL SWING UNTIL JUNE 30

Help us fund the Class of 2025-2026!

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“When we invest in a woman’s education, we don't just change her life—we uplift her family, strengthen her community, and empower the future. Entirely volunteer-run, with 90 cents of every dollar going directly to the scholarship program, every act of support fuels transformation. Together, we are giving deserving women a start!”

Lisa-Marie Jackson
President

Education is Always In Style

An extraordinary evening of fashion featuring scholars, mentors, and community leaders.

Thank you to all the friends of Fresh Start who attended this fabulous evening of style, entertainment, and camaraderie.

Proceeds from our event will support scholars in the class of 2025-2026.

View Raffle Prizes

Fresh Start is an all-volunteer non-profit that provides scholarship and mentorship to women across Delaware. Their opportunity to thrive and grow depends on generous individual and corporate supporters.

Changing lives for 25+ years

Hear the impact we’ve had on our scholars, first-hand, in our 25th anniversary celebration video.

Our Story
Numbers tell a story, but they can only go so far. The impact created in each woman's life is something that cannot by quantified. Nevertheless, here are Fresh Start's impressive numbers to date.
$1.72M
Awarded
739
Scholarships
70%
Graduation Rate
3.5
Average GPA

Impact starts with you

Your contribution directly impacts our scholars’ ability to achieve a better life through higher education.

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Apply to be a Fresh Start scholar

The path to a brighter future starts now. See if you qualify.

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Create impact in your community

Explore the many ways you can get involved with the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation.

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It started with a dream

Learn how the first women came together in 1996 to support other women in times of crisis and need.

read our story

“The Fresh Start scholarship has been one of the first times I have felt as though I was with a group of people where I fit in. Everyone has a similar background, similar struggles, and similar dreams and drive to achieve them. This program truly gave me one of my first signs of hope that I can actually go to school, and that it is possible to graduate. Thank you for this opportunity. My desire is to continue my relationship with Fresh Start in some way to further support other women who simply need someone to believe in them."

Holly G., Nursing,
Delaware Technical & Community College