2025/26 Provident Charter School
Alumni Scholarship & Business Planning Grant
Interested in supporting future Scholarships and Grants?
These scholarships and planning grants are just the beginning of a new tradition and we want you to be part of it. Your donation directly fuels opportunities for our alumni, helping them achieve their college dreams or launch innovative ventures. Together, we can open doors, break barriers, and empower the next generation of changemakers.
A special thank you to Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick, & Gefsky for seeding this initiative with their generous support.
Provident Charter School Alumni Scholarship -
Empowering Dyslexic Learners
Unleash Your Inner Bulldog!
You’ve shown the world your resilience and strength. Now it’s time to take the next step with confidence. The Provident Charter School Alumni Scholarship is here to help you achieve your dreams.
The word “Provident” means “preparation for the future,” and as you prepare for your future, we are excited to open the 2026 application window for our Provident Charter School Alumni Scholarship!
Overview
Are you a proud Provident Charter School alum and an aspiring college student with dyslexia? We recognize the unique challenges you’ve overcome and the exceptional strengths you bring to the world. To honor your perseverance and dedication, we are excited to offer our Post-Secondary Scholarship (can be used for any post-high school schooling or training)!
Award: $2,500
Eligibility Criteria:
Must be a senior in high school
Provident Charter School Alumni - you must have attended at least one full school year at Provident Charter School.
Demonstrated perseverance and academic achievement in overcoming learning challenges.
Active involvement in the dyslexia community (clubs, advocacy, tutoring, etc.) is highly encouraged
1. A personal submission in one of the following formats:
Typed essay
2-minute video
Detailed PowerPoint or slide presentation
2. Submit your essay, video, or presentation to Dr. Rachel Owens at rowens@providentcharterschool.org by April 30th
Your submission should address:
How you have persevered through challenges
The skills and strategies you developed to overcome obstacles
Your involvement in raising awareness about dyslexia
Your goals for the future
Key Dates
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Recipient Notification: May 31, 2026
Note: Recipients must provide a copy of their post-secondary school acceptance letter before the scholarship is awarded.
Selection Process:
A committee will review applications based on the eligibility criteria and the quality of the submission. The scholarship recipient will be notified by May 31, 2026.
For any questions, please contact:
Dr. Rachel Owens, Director of Communications, Operations, and Stakeholder Engagement
Unleash Your Inner Bulldog:
Provident Charter School Business Planning Grant
Unleash Your Inner Bulldog!
You’ve shown the world your resilience and strength. Now it’s time to take the next step with confidence. The Provident Charter School Business Planning Grant is here to help you achieve your dreams.
Calling all Provident Charter School alumni with a bold business idea and a touch of dyslexic brilliance! We are excited to open the 2026 application window for our Provident Charter School Business Planning Grant - a $2,500 springboard to help launch your entrepreneurial dream.
Fuel Your Vision:
This grant is designed to empower former Provident students with dyslexia who are passionate about pursuing their own venture. We celebrate the unique problem-solving skills and out-of-the-box thinking that dyslexia can foster, and we want to help you turn your innovative ideas into a thriving reality.
Eligibility:
Provident Charter School Alumni - you must have attended at least one full school year at Provident Charter School.
Must be 18 years of age or older by December 31, 2026.
Submit a clear and compelling business plan outlining your proposed venture.
Demonstrate a passion for overcoming challenges to achieve success.
How to Apply:
1. Submit a cover letter or video describing your interest in applying for this grant and include how your perseverance in overcoming learning challenges will be an asset to your business.
2. Submit a comprehensive business plan that details your venture, including:
A detailed description of your business venture and target market.
Financial projections and marketing strategy.
3. Submit your cover letter and business plan to Dr. Rachel Owens at rowens@providentcharterschool.org by April 30, 2026.
Use of Grant Funds:
Recipients of the Provident Charter School Business Planning Grant can use the $2,500 award to support various aspects of launching their entrepreneurial ventures. The grant is designed to provide flexible financial assistance tailored to the specific needs of each business idea. Here are some examples of how the funds can be used:
Marketing and Branding
Development of a marketing strategy and promotional materials
Costs associated with building a brand, including logo design and website development
Advertising expenses to reach your target market
Operational Costs
Purchasing necessary equipment or software to run your business
Covering initial inventory or raw materials required for production
Renting office or workspace
Grant funds cannot be used to support salary, wages or compensation.
Key Dates
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Recipient Notification: May 31, 2026
Selection Process:
A committee will review applications based on the eligibility criteria and the quality of the submission. The grant recipient will be notified by May 31, 2026.
For any questions, please contact:
Dr. Rachel Owens, Director of Communications, Operations, and Stakeholder Engagement. rowens@providentcharterschool.org.
Together, let's build a future where dyslexia is a superpower for business innovation!
2024/25 Scholarship Winners
Provident Education Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of our very first Alumni Scholarships and Business Planning Grant, initiatives created to empower former PCS students with dyslexia as they pursue their higher education and entrepreneurial dreams. These awards honor perseverance, academic achievement, and continued involvement in the dyslexia community, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate this milestone!
Four $2,500 PCS Alumni Scholarships were awarded to former students who exemplify determination, leadership, and a commitment to making a difference. In addition, one Business Planning Grant for $2,500, was awarded to a former student whose innovative venture reflects the unique strengths and perspectives of individuals with dyslexia. These first-time awards mark an exciting new chapter in our mission to empower dyslexic learners.
These alumni represent the very first cohort of students to attend Provident Charter School when it opened its doors in 2016. To see them now is a powerful reminder of the long-term impact of the work we do together. Please join us in celebrating their success and cheering them on in this next chapter!
A special thank you to Strassburger, McKenna, Gutnick, & Gefsky for seeding this initiative with their generous support.
Aliya Cottril
University of Pittsburgh
Major: Bioengineering
A dedicated student and advocate, Aliya is driven to innovate in the world of science and healthcare, using her voice to support other students with learning differences.
Cincere Davis
Point Park University
Major: Graphic Design
Minor: Computer Engineering
Cincere's creativity and passion for technology have fueled his academic success. He continues to inspire others through his commitment to his craft and his community.
Bryce Potter
University of Pittsburgh - Johnstown
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Bryce's perseverance and commitment to his goals exemplify what it means to rise above challenges and lead with integrity and purpose.
Gianna Mosca
Duquesne University
Major: Marketing
Gianna is known for her strong leadership, determination, and continued involvement in raising awareness around dyslexia and empowering others to succeed.
Phoebe Charlson -
Business Planning Grant Recipient
Creator of the Dyslexia Is A Superpower podcast.
Phoebe's podcast will amplify the voices of individuals with dyslexia, sharing powerful stories that challenge misconceptions and celebrate unique strengths.
If you are interested in following Phoebe's journey, check out her website Phoebespeaks.com or follow her on lnstagram @phoebespeaks and Facebook at Phoebe Speaks Facebook