The application period for the 2026-2027 academic year is now open! Please visit our Scholarships page. Deadline for applications is July 10.
Welcome!
No matter how you found us or where you are from, you are welcome here!
If you grew up Amish or Plain Anabaptist and are an aspiring or current student seeking assistance, you have come to the right place.
If you experienced a limited eighth-grade education and found your way to college, you know what a difficult journey this is. We welcome your efforts to help others who are on this journey now. Please scroll down to discover the various ways you can help.
Our Statement of Purpose
The Amish Descendant Scholarship Fund provides scholarships and mentorships for students from Amish or Plain Anabaptist backgrounds who are pursuing higher education. Our mission is to build a supportive community that helps these students navigate the challenges of college after an early education typically limited to the eighth grade.
Visit our Blog
Plain Roots: Community, Story, and Support for Higher Education
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How an Amish Boy Became a Physicist, Part 3
Leon Hostetler graduating from Florida State University Today we bring you the conclusion of Leon…
Our Story
The Amish Descendant Scholarship Fund was founded and is run by a group of formerly Amish volunteers with big dreams — to help other formerly Amish and Plain Anabaptists achieve their dreams of earning a college education through scholarships and mentorships.
Scholarships
Did you grow up Amish or Plain Anabaptist, and is your family still Plain? Have you managed to enroll in a college with a limited childhood education? If so, you are eligible for a scholarship from the Amish Descendant Scholarship Fund.
Mentorships
Did you grow up Amish or Plain? Do you want to earn a college education but are unsure where to begin, or are you already enrolled and looking for support and guidance? If so, please apply for our mentorship program. We'd love to connect you to a mentor.
If You Are Here to Help
Those who apply for our scholarships have taken the difficult path of finding their way to college with a limited childhood education, which means they are a determined and dedicated group of students. Our goal is to give every eligible applicant a scholarship to help them along their way. If you are here to lend assistance, we are so grateful. Please see below for the ways you can help.
Donate
Our Fund is reliant on generous donors to provide our dedicated student applicants with scholarships. Will you consider making a contribution? Donations go directly into scholarships and are mailed to the colleges where the students are enrolled.
Become a Mentor
Do you know the difficult journey to college with only an eighth-grade education in your childhood? Would you like to become a mentor to an aspiring or current student? If so, please fill out our application with your bio by clicking on the button.
Become a Volunteer
We need volunteers to help support those who dream of earning a higher education. This can include raising funds to website updates and writing blog posts to administrative tasks. We would love your help.