The CDF Beat the Odds program honors outstanding high schools students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic excellence and given back to their communities. Started in 1990, the program identifies and rewards young people who have experienced significant hardship in their lives and supports and trains them to become future leaders in adulthood. 

Too often we hear about teenagers getting into trouble, dropping out of school, becoming involved with drugs, crime or gangs, or becoming parents too soon. Rarely recognized are the many young people who do well despite facing overwhelming obstacles such as poverty, violence, homelessness, family breakup, or substance abuse, that can stand in the way of even the smallest achievements.

Children’s Defense Fund – New York 2013 CDF Beat the Odds® scholarship program will start receiving applications for 2013.  Please click "Apply Now" for the 2013 application and guidelines.

Meet our 2012 Beat the Odd winners