CAI Annual Scholarship

The CAI Annual Scholarship reflects the Center for Academic Innovation’s commitment to adult learners and to the institutions, systems, and employers working to better serve them. By elevating adult learner voices and advancing student-ready policies and practices, CAI seeks to create a higher education landscape where adult learners are fully recognized, supported, and positioned to achieve their academic and career goals.

Scholarships are awarded to adult learners connected to organizations that actively partner with CAI. Learners affiliated with CAI Preferred Partners (see below) receive priority consideration in the annual selection of scholarship recipients. This approach aligns financial support with institutions committed to expanding access and accelerating degree completion for adult learners.

Annual Scholarships

CAI Adult Learner Scholarship

For those who seeking to advance their education

CAI Comebacker Scholarship

For stop-out learners returning to complete a degree.

CAI Persistence Scholarship

Recognizing resilience and continued progress.

Scholarship Amount

Annual awards:

$1,000 per learner.

Variable awards:

Issued on a case-by-case basis, based on demonstrated need.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be an adult learner (age 25+), or a younger student with significant work, military experience, or family responsibilities.

  • Be enrolled—or re-enrolling—at an accredited U.S. institution.

  • Demonstrate financial need or a clearly articulated barrier to completion.

  • For comebackers, show commitment to degree or credential completion within 24 months.

  • If affiliated with a CAI Preferred Partner, be in good academic standing as reported by the partner.

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CAI Preferred Partner Definition

Institutions or organizations may be designated as CAI Preferred Partners if they meet one or more of the following:

  • Maintain a formal CAI contract or engagement (initiative, evaluation, or implementation project).

  • Contribute financially to the scholarship fund (directly or through contract structure).

  • Demonstrate documented alignment with CAI principles (e.g., adult-ready policies, CPL integration, comeback programs).

Participate in a statewide initiative managed or supported by CAI

Preferred Partners may receive:

  • Guaranteed finalist consideration for one learner.

  • Co-branded scholarship announcements.

  • Priority access to additional scholarship opportunities if funds exceed projections.

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