The Ellis Trust for Girls helps young women of limited financial means enhance their high school experience and prepare for post-secondary success.  Each year, we award grants to eligible young women to support their education and life goals by providing tuition assistance for students attending independent high schools and parochial high schools.  Before submitting an online application for the 2025/2026 academic year, please review the grant eligibility requirements by visiting www.ellistrust.org and see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information. To complete the application you, the student applicant, will need the following for the application:

• A current official report card
• A personal statement
• A current household income/benefit documents (e.g. COMPASS (SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP, Medical Assistance), Social Security, federal tax, child support, UEC, etc.)
• At least one document MUST list the student applicant as a current dependent of the custodial parent/guardian.
• If any documents include a Social Security Number (SSN) please cross out/remove/redact the SSN, as the Ellis Trust does not use this information.
• As you work on your online grant application, the auto-save feature will save your application in draft form so that you can return to it after you have gathered the required documents for uploading.

NEED HELP?  If you have questions about the application process please call The Ellis Trust at (215) 790-1666 ext. 442 or ext. 509, or email us at ellis@heights.org  If you have any technical questions or need technical assistance in completing your online submission please reach out to support@submittable.com.

Habla español? Sería un placer ayudarle y explicar mas sobre el proceso de aplicar en español. Póngase en contacto con Hana Mura, la gerente del Ellis Trust por correo electronico: hmura@heights.org o por teléfono: (215) 790 1666 ext. 442 o 509.
NOTE: The student email you use to register your Ellis Trust Submittable account is the email address we will use to communicate with you about your grant application.  Therefore student applicants, please double check spelling to ensure you receive all Ellis Trust correspondence.

 
How to Apply to Steppingstone Scholars: Academy 6 Prep & Placement 

Welcome to our online application! Please use the guide below to help you through the process. Applications are due March 7, 2025.

All online applications that are completed and considered qualified candidates will receive an email from a Steppingstone Academy staff. Admission decisions are released on April 18, 2025. Scholars admitted into Academy 6 will be enrolled in our four-week summer session. 

Application Guide

The online application form is the first step in the admission process for Steppingstone Scholars Academy 6 Prep & Placement. Families must submit the online application before the March 7 deadline. 

Interview

Once you have submitted the online application, you will receive an email from an Academy staff member inviting you to a virtual parent/guardian interview. This meeting will take 30 - 45 minutes. 

Admission Testing

Student applicants must take the ISEE (Independence School Entrance Exam) as part of their application on March 22, 2025. Families will receive an email with detailed information about the testing site and time. An 

Group Interview

Student applicants will participate in a group interview on March 22, 2025, after they have completed their in-person ISEE test.

Admission Decision Notifications

Families with a completed application will receive an admission decision on April 18, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Steppingstone Academy, Deanna Connor, at dconnor@heights.org.
 

Best Regards,
The Steppingstone Scholars Team