Eligibility
Grants from The Ellis Trust are awarded to girls entering grades 9-12 who reside in Philadelphia. Girls who attend Parochial or Independent schools are eligible for Ellis Tuition Assistance Grants. Girls who attend Public or Charter schools are eligible for Ellis Enrichment Grants. Students must reapply each year to renew their eligibility.
For more detailed information about eligibility, check out our FAQ! (Frequently Asked Questions)
Student Eligibility Requirements
The eligibility requirements for high school girls entering grades 9-12 are the same for Tuition Assistance Grants (independent & parochial schools) and Enrichment Grants (public & charter schools.)
Grants from the Ellis Trust are awarded to girls who meet the following criteria:
- Identify as female.
- Live in Philadelphia.
- Live in a household where there is a single parent or in a household where one or both parents have a documented disability.
- Meet the family income eligibility requirements for reduced-priced lunch under the National School Lunch Program (see Income Requirements below.)
- Have grades of “C” or better.
- Are making academic progress toward a timely graduation.
- Can prove their dependency status (name appears on their family’s tax return or Department of Human Services documentation.)
- Are in a family that does not own property other than their primary home.
Income Requirements
Families of girls need to meet the income eligibility requirements for reduced-priced lunch under the National School Lunch Program.
Gross family income (income before taxes) must not exceed the amounts listed to the right. Gross family income includes wages, salaries, Department of Human Services payments (i.e. SNAP, TANF, SSI, etc., disability payments, worker’s compensation payments, Social Security payments, child support payments, etc.) earned or received by the student and other family members living in the household, as well as any contributions from family members not living with the student.
| FAMILY MEMBERS | GROSS FAMILY INCOME |
| 2 | $40,034 |
| 3 | $50,542 |
| 4 | $61,050 |
| 5 | $71,558 |
| 6 | $82,066 |
| 7 | $92,574 |
| 8 | $103,082 |
Add $10,508 for each additional person in a family with more than eight members.
Income Eligibility Guidelines 7/1/2026 to 6/30/2027