Aleda Madison
Aleda Madison International Adoptee Scholarship Fund
founder of Madison Adoption Associates
Application Due: July 8, 2026
Recipient(s) Announced: July 31, 2026
The Aleda Madison International Adoptee Scholarship Fund was created to honor Aleda Madison’s lifelong dedication to children and families. This scholarship supports adoptees who are pursuing higher education and continuing the mission Aleda championed throughout her career.
Who is eligible?
The Aleda Madison Scholarship is open to any international adoptee placed through Madison Adoption Associates or the Gladney Center for Adoption.
Applicants must be a high school graduate or graduating senior and currently enrolled in or planning to enroll in a college or university, a trade school or technical program, or another eligible educational pursuit.
Awards
- One scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded.
- Additional recipients may be selected based on available funds.
- Funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s educational institution.
- Funds are not disbursed to individuals.
- Individuals may apply for and receive the scholarship only once.
Get Started
Respond to one of the prompts below with an original, creative work.
Prompt 1
What is one thing you wish your family, friends, or society knew about the adoptee experience?
Prompt 2
Write a letter to your younger self. What do you wish you had known about your adoption journey?
Prompt 3
How has your adoption shaped your identity, perspective, and goals? Reflect on challenges and strengths that have emerged from your story.
Prompt 4
If your adoption story were a book, what would the title be—and why? Describe the key chapters and characters that shaped your journey.
Accepted Formats
- Written essay (minimum 500 words)
- Self-portrait or visual artwork
- Digital art or photography
- Zine or illustrated journal
- Original song or music composition
- Choreography or dance video
- Poetry or spoken word
- Short film or video diary
- Or another creative format
- Note: If your submission is not written, please include a brief artist statement (200 words or less) explaining your piece.
Submissions will be evaluated by a panel of 3 to 7 judges based on the following:
- Creativity and Originality
- Depth and Vulnerability
- Technical Skill
- Overall Presentation and Impact
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at AledaScholarship@gladney.org.
Apply to the Aleda Madison International Adoptee Scholarship Fund
Open to international adoptees placed through Madison Adoption Associates or the Gladney Center for Adoption who are high school graduates/graduating seniors enrolled or planning to enroll in college, trade school, or another eligible educational program. Funds go directly to the recipient’s school, and applicants may only receive it once.
