Celebrating Our 2026 Step Up Parents Scholarship Recipients
We’re thrilled to announce the 2026 recipients of the Step Up Parents college scholarship! These scholarships are awarded annually to young people raised in kinship care in New Hampshire or Southern Maine who are pursuing their dreams through higher education. This year, we are proud to support two remarkable students, each with a powerful story of resilience, hard work, and the unwavering love of family.
Cheyenne Harrington at the University of Maine
“Starting up at UMaine has been wonderful. I am still studying psychology, and I'm so passionate about learning in that field that even classes like stats (as someone who hates math) are so enriching to me. I'm also having fun reconnecting with my old pals from last year and making some new ones. This summer I worked as a prep cook at Chewonki Summer Camp and stayed there as a resident in a cabin, with many different types of people from all over the world, all while frequently working doubles in order to pay for my car! My grandfather (on my mom's side) is luckily a mechanic, so he was able to help with my car hunt and then with all the fix-it-up work the car needed! It is the most beautiful red 2010 Hyundai Elantra, named Frank after Frank Zappa.
Once again, thank you so much for this opportunity!“
Alida Brissette at Keene State College
“I had early admission to Keene State College in late August, and I’ve been here since then. I have been absolutely loving my time here and the friends that I’ve made along the way. I’ve been settling into my classes very well, and the community has been very nice and welcoming. I am taking psychology, sociology, creative writing, and food health and environment studies. I’m also a part of the Aspire program. All of these classes have been treating me so remarkably well, and I have been very intrigued by what I have been learning since the start of the year. I have been going out of my comfort zone and experiencing new things. I recently joined a club that I’m very excited to attend next week, and I’m so excited for all the new experiences I will be partaking in during my college experience. I’m so grateful that I am not far from my family so I can visit my siblings, my grandparents, and my boyfriend, etc. Thank you so much, Step Up Parents, for everything you guys have done for me. I cannot wait to show you all the accomplishments I will be making during the year.”
These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of our donors and the belief that every young person, regardless of their upbringing, deserves the opportunity to thrive. To learn more about our scholarship program or to support future recipients, click here.
Congratulations, Cheyenne and Alida! We are so proud to stand beside you as you continue to chase your dreams.