Empowering Delaware women through education and mentorship

Beyond helping women with the financial support for college, we build a community of mentorship and empowerment.

"It starts with women who have the drive to do more to achieve their dreams of graduating from college, despite personal or financial challenges. These dreams can be realized through the continued generosity and encouragement of local organizations and individuals, proving that Fresh Start is not just a renewable scholarship program but a community of strength, hope and achievement."

More than a scholarship foundation, we’re a community.

Our mission is to provide incentive to adult women who have faced personal and economic challenges and are seeking to improve opportunities for themselves and their families through education. Our vision is to create an all-volunteer, sustainable foundation to continually grow the number and size of scholarships and strengthen mentoring services for women in need.

“Each of our scholars is unique in terms of their goals, skills, and dreams, but what they have in common is the determination to use an education as a strategic lever to transform their lives.”

Mary Maloney, Founder, Past President

Financial aid to women in need

Our renewable scholarship program, paid directly to the university or college, can ease the stress of financial burden and incentivize our scholars to finish school. Since 1996, we’ve awarded $1.46 million to women pursuing their degree.

Mentorship that inspires transformation

Mentorship fosters positive change. That’s why our scholarship recipients are paired with a mentor who can guide, coach, and encourage scholarship recipients to grow personally and professionally. These relationships are mutually rewarding and often last for years beyond the Fresh Start Scholarship period.

"There is nothing that can replace the love that has been pourted into me by my mentor.
I will forever hold and cherish our friendship"

Keisha C. – Nursing, Wilmington University