Effective for the 2026–2027 Academic Year

Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship offers tuition gap-closing scholarships designed to make college degrees and career training certificates affordable and attainable for eligible graduates of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and its partnering charter high schools.

Tuition Scholarships

Ohio Public Institutions

For eligible students attending an Ohio public college, university, or Pell-eligible career and technical education program:

• Students whose family’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $96,000 or less will receive a Say Yes scholarship that covers the remaining tuition and mandatory general fees after all federal and state grant aid has been applied.
• Students whose family’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is greater than $96,000 will be eligible for a Say Yes tuition scholarship of up to $5,000 per academic year.

Say Yes National Higher Education Compact Institutions

For eligible students attending a Say Yes National Higher Education Compact Institution:

• Unless otherwise specified by the institution, Compact institutions will continue to use a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) threshold of $75,000 for full tuition coverage eligibility. Note: institutions will maintain the $75,000 income threshold for tuition coverage unless otherwise noted on the website.
• Students whose family’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is greater than $75,000 will be eligible for a Say Yes tuition scholarship of up to $5,000 per academic year.

Opportunity Grant

In addition to the tuition scholarship, eligible students whose family’s Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $96,000 or less will receive an annual $2,000 Opportunity Grant while enrolled at a Say Yes-approved postsecondary institution, including eligible Ohio public institutions and Say Yes National Higher Education Compact institutions.

The Opportunity Grant may be used toward educational expenses included in the institution’s Cost of Attendance, including but not limited to:

• Housing and meals
• Books and supplies
• Transportation
• Other eligible educational expenses

Awarding and disbursement of Opportunity Grant funds are subject to institutional participation requirements and any applicable program terms and conditions.

Maximum Timeframe Eligibility

To encourage timely degree and credential completion while providing flexibility for student pathways, Say Yes scholarship eligibility is available for up to 150 percent of the published program length at eligible institutions.

• Students enrolled at two-year institutions are eligible to receive Say Yes scholarship funding for up to three academic years.
• Students enrolled at four-year institutions are eligible to receive Say Yes scholarship funding for up to six academic years.

Students who transfer between eligible institutions will be subject to the applicable maximum timeframe based on their educational pathway, with all prior periods of Say Yes scholarship utilization counting toward the maximum eligibility period.

Summer Term Funding

Subject to annual approval by the Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship Board, eligible students will receive Summer Term tuition funding at participating Say Yes-approved postsecondary institutions. Summer funding award amounts may vary by academic year and by institution attended. Students must notify Say Yes Cleveland of their summer enrollment plans and comply with all applicable deadlines and procedures to receive summer funding.

Any Summer Term scholarship funding awarded by Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship will be provided in addition to a student’s regular academic year scholarships and will not count toward the maximum timeframe eligibility limits outlined in this policy.

Part-Time Enrollment

If Say Yes eligible high school graduates are unable to enroll full-time at an eligible public postsecondary institution, the Say Yes scholarship will pay tuition and mandatory fees for up to two part-time semesters (6-11 credit hours).

Scholarship Appeals

Say Yes Scholarship Eligibility from High School

Say Yes Cleveland scholarship eligibility requires you to enroll in a CMSD or partner charter school for all of high school, and to live within the CMSD boundaries for all of high school. If your scholarship eligibility was denied but you think you meet both of these requirements, you can file an appeal to have your eligibility reviewed.

• Go to our Appeal Form for high school students.
• Click the “Apply button at the end of the page to begin the process.
• Attach supporting documentation to the electronic appeals form such as:
  • Proof of residency (bills, etc.)
  • Supporting letters
  • Transcripts

Say Yes Scholarship Eligibility While in College

If you are a current Say Yes college student and are not enrolled in more than 12 credit hours, did not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards at your institution, or have been denied re-enrollment for any other reason, you can file at appeal to have your scholarship eligibility reviewed.

• Go to our Appeal Form for undergraduate college students.
• Click the “Apply” button at the end of the page to begin the process.
• Attach supporting documentation to the electronic appeals form such as:
  • SAP appeal approval from your institution.
  • Letter from academic advisor or other staff explaining reasons for not meeting renewal criteria, etc. to the electronic appeals form when you submit your appeal.

Say Yes Cleveland is proud to announce the appointment of Derrick Fulton as its new Executive Director. Fulton begins his tenure on Monday, February 9th, 2026. A seasoned nonprofit leader with a deep commitment to educational equity and community development, Fulton transitions to the role from his current position as Executive Director of Facing History and Ourselves in Cleveland.

“We are excited to welcome Derrick Fulton as the new executive director for Say Yes Cleveland,” said Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Board President of Say Yes Cleveland’s Board of Trustees. “Derrick will be filling an important position at a pivotal moment, and he brings over two decades of experience in navigating the complexities of urban education and social services. His professional career has given him a unique mix of experiences blending high-level fiscal management and direct community engagement. We look forward to having Derrick lead Say Yes Cleveland into the future.” 

Before his time at Facing History and Ourselves, he served as Market President and Regional Vice President at City Year, where he oversaw 10 affiliate sites across the country.  His impact in Cleveland is perhaps most visible through his tenure at University Settlement in the Broadway/Slavic Village neighborhood. Under his leadership, the organization saw a 42% budget increase and a 75% reduction in structural debt, all while developing and overseeing programs that helped students improve their attendance and academic achievement. For example, 80 percent of the students served in the literacy program improved their reading scores verified by the NWEA, a K-12 assessment and education research organization, assessment utilized by Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Fulton’s background also includes serving as a Transformation Specialist at the Ohio Department of Education, where he managed a $20 million School Improvement Grant (SIG) budget and coached principals to ensure 100% of his assigned schools met funding requirements for consecutive years.

“I am deeply honored to join Say Yes Cleveland, an organization that represents a promise to our city’s youth,” said Derrick Fulton. “Throughout my career, whether at the state level or in the heart of Slavic Village, I have seen that our students don’t lack talent – they lack access. My goal is to use my experience in strategic growth and collaborative partnership to ensure that every Cleveland student benefit from our support, from the classroom to their eventual career. We are not just providing scholarships; we are building a sustainable ecosystem of success for our families.”

Fulton holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Bluffton University and a Master of Science from Franklin University. He is widely recognized for leading with integrity, authenticity, and a results-driven mindset that prioritizes student achievement above all else.

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About Say Yes Cleveland

Say Yes Cleveland is a local organization dedicated to providing Cleveland students with a clear pathway to success. The organization provides two primary pillars of support: comprehensive services for students in CMSD and partner charter schools from Pre-K through graduation, and tuition scholarships for college or career training for all eligible scholars upon graduation from a CMSD high school.

By prioritizing essential support services throughout a student’s entire primary and secondary education, Say Yes Cleveland aims to help students overcome the barriers often created by poverty. This holistic approach ensures students stay on track to graduate and are fully prepared to take advantage of the Say Yes scholarship waiting for them.

Launched in 2019, Say Yes Cleveland was established through a partnership of local convening organizations, including the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), the Cleveland Foundation, College Now Greater Cleveland, and United Way of Greater Cleveland. For more information, visit SayYesCleveland.org.

The start of a new school year is always full of possibility, a time to set goals, build connections, and dream big. At Say Yes Cleveland, we are excited to walk alongside you and your family every step of the way. Whether this is your first year in Cleveland Metropolitan School District or a partner charter school, or you’re returning for another year, we want to make sure you know about one of our most important resources: Family Support Specialists.

What is a Family Support Specialist?

Family Support Specialists are dedicated, on-site advocates in every CMSD and partner charter school. Their role is to connect students and families to the services, resources, and supports needed for students to thrive, inside and outside of the classroom. From helping you navigate scholarship opportunities, to connecting you with mental health services, housing assistance, or after-school programs, they are here to remove barriers and make sure nothing stands in the way of student success.

Think of them as your go-to person for:

• Academic support – Guidance to keep students on track toward graduation and postsecondary goals.
• Basic needs – Links to food, clothing, housing, and financial assistance.
• Health and wellness – Connections to physical and mental health providers.
• Enrichment opportunities – After-school programs, mentorship, and summer learning.
• Family engagement – Support for parents and caregivers to be active partners in their child’s education.

Find Your Family Support Specialist

We invite you to check out which Family Support Specialist is assigned to your school for the 2025–2026 school year. You can find their names in the list below, or by visiting our website to access contact information and email addresses.

Click here to view the full list on our website.

When you know who your Family Support Specialist is, you have a trusted partner in your child’s educational journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out, they are here to help.

We believe every student has the potential to succeed, and with the right support, that potential can be unlocked. This year, let’s work together, students, families, educators, and community partners, to create a year full of growth, achievement, and joy.

Welcome to the new school year. We can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together!

Say Yes Cleveland is proud to celebrate Sharese Ryan, Director of Student and Family Support Services, on being named one of Who’s Who in Black Cleveland 2025. This prestigious recognition honors African American leaders across industries who are making powerful contributions to their communities and Sharese’s impact is undeniable.

With an extensive background in direct service and leadership, Sharese has dedicated her career to improving the lives of children and families across Northeast Ohio. From her work in child welfare in Franklin County to her roles at University Settlement, Cleveland Catholic Charities, and Cuyahoga County’s Division of Children & Family Services, Sharese has consistently brought passion, purpose, and deep expertise to everything she does.

In January 2025, she was also honored with the Cavs Care Jif Difference Maker Award by the Cleveland Cavaliers, another testament to her tireless advocacy and servant leadership.

Guests are invited to attend the Who’s Who in Black Cleveland event on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 6pm – 9pm at the InterContinental Cleveland.

To purchase tickets, visit: http://real-times-media.guestmanager.com/events/wwib-cleveland-03-06-2025-03-00-pm

Please join us in congratulating Sharese Ryan on this well-deserved honor! We are grateful for her leadership and proud to have her as part of the Say Yes Cleveland family.

Stay connected with us to learn more about our upcoming programming and events!

Earlier this week, an explosion and fire tore through the Rainbow Terrace Apartments on Garden Valley Avenue on Cleveland’s East Side. In seconds, families lost their homes, belongings, and the stability they had built over years. This was not an isolated incident – it happened in a neighborhood that has long been home to Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Say Yes Cleveland students and families. A place deeply woven into the fabric of this city.

The Garden Valley Community has always represented strength – resilience shaped by generations of community care and collective effort. But right now, it needs more than hope. It needs us.

If you or someone you know was impacted, our Family Support Specialists are here to help. Find yours here: https://sayyescleveland.org/support-services/my-support-team/

We encourage families to connect with the Family Support Specialist at your respective school. Please also see below for a list of businesses and organizations offering immediate support.

Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Incorporated and WOVU 95.9 FM BBC Community Radio are opening their doors to collect clothes, shoes, hygiene products and even toys. (7201 Kinsman Rd, Cleveland, OH 44104)

If you know of individuals who wish to donate to the Red Cross, which is also helping the displaced families at a temporary shelter at Zelma Watson George Recreation Center, visit redcross.org/donate.

What happens next – how we show up, how we listen, how we respond together – matters.

The Say Yes Cleveland Scholarship Board has approved tuition funding to pilot eight short-term workforce certificate programs with three Say Yes partner institutions beginning in fall 2025. These programs all meet the high demand for the region’s healthcare, information technology, and skilled trade/service industries, and were evaluated based on regional growth projections and family sustaining wages. Say Yes eligible students currently enrolled in high school are encouraged to explore these opportunities in addition to Pell-eligible four- and two-year degree programs and certificates. Say Yes eligible high school graduates who are not currently enrolled in postsecondary education are also encouraged to explore these opportunities. Please note: only the programs listed below are eligible for this pilot program. 

Eligible programs include:

• Information Technology: Cleveland Codes Software Academy and Certified Network Associate
• Health Care: Cardiographic Technician, Community Health Worker, Dental Assisting, and Medical Coding
• Skilled Trades and Services: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician and Truck Driving Training

Eligible Institutions 

Students may only attend Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, or Polaris Career Center for these workforce certificate programs to be considered for Say Yes tuition funding. Several of the certificates are offered at multiple partner institutions. 

Program Offerings by Partner Institutions 

*Note: Program length may vary by institution. 

Say Yes Cleveland was established to promote and make more affordable four- and two-year college degree programs and accredited (Pell-eligible) training certificates. This is based on research that shows that four-year degrees, in particular, have an outsized and positive impact on students’ futures. To date, programs that are not Pell-eligible have been excluded from the Say Yes scholarship program. With this pilot, the Say Yes Scholarship Board is approving a limited number of non-Pell-eligible programs with a limited set of partners who have committed to seeing students through program completion and set on a viable career pathway. This pilot program is a two-year program, running through 2027. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How much tuition aid will students receive from Say Yes? 

Eligible Say Yes students with annual adjusted gross income below $75,000 will receive full tuition funding for the approved programs after any federal or state aid has been applied. For students with annual adjusted gross income above $75,000, tuition funding will not exceed $5,000. 

Are there requirements to receive Say Yes funding? 

Eligible Say Yes students must complete the Say Yes Scholarship application, complete and annual FAFSA application, sign appropriate institutional and Say Yes FERPA waivers, and agree to meet regularly with a mentor/coach. 

How do these workforce certificate programs “count” against Say Yes Scholarship eligibility? 

Workforce certificate programs will count as one semester of funding if they run four months or less; two semesters of funding if they run between five and nine months; and three semesters of funding if they run over ten months. Students must meet all other Say Yes scholarship criteria to remain eligible for continued funding. 

Are students eligible to receive additional Say Yes scholarship funding after completion of a workforce certification? 

Students who complete a certificate program will remain eligible for additional Say Yes scholarship funding based on the number of eligible semesters available to them and total time horizon to utilize the scholarship. 

Please reach out to the Say Yes Scholarship Team with questions or contact one of the institutional representatives below to find out more. Please note: all scholarship determination is done by the Say Yes Scholarship Board. Students should verify all information received from institutional partners. 

Email: [email protected]  Phone: 216-454-5400 

Campus Contacts

Tri-C Say Yes Scholars
Sherri Parks
Manager, Say Yes Scholars Program @Tri-C 
Cuyahoga Community College (Metro Campus)
2900 Community College Ave.
Metro Student Services (MSS) 205
Cleveland, OH 44115
Phone: 216-987-3256
Cell: 216-470-6752
[email protected]

Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
Terri Lynn Brosseau
Adult Education Director
8001 Brecksville Road
Brecksville, OH  44141
Phone: 440-746-8210
[email protected]

Polaris Career Center
Theresa Liska
Adult Education
Transitions Coordinator
7285 Old Oak Blvd
Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Phone: 440-891-7697
[email protected]

The Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a comprehensive pre-collegiate and collegiate student success program designed to enhance the academic, personal, and career development of its Scholars.

YSP is an exceptional opportunity for academically talented, first-generation students with high financial need to advance their goal of pursuing higher education.

Founded in 1988, YSP serves students from the nine largest urban public school districts in Ohio. Prospective Young Scholar students are recruited from the Big Eight urban school districts as defined by the Ohio Department of Education, plus Lorain, the Ohio school district with the largest population of Hispanic/Latino students.

Scholars must meet all program requirements, including qualifying as low-income and being the first in their family to receive a bachelor’s degree. Scholars must complete a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, with high academic achievement to be eligible for the scholarship. Scholars in good academic standing receive a robust financial aid package from The Ohio State University, consisting of federal and state grants, work-study, and the Young Scholars Award.

Learn more and APPLY HERE!

OSU Scholars receive:

• Pre-college preparation through intensive college advising
• Group and one-on-one academic coaching and mentoring
• College planning tools and resources
• Academic, leadership, and social engagement at The Ohio State University
• Guided major and career exploration
• An opportunity to attend a world-class research university with a generous scholarship

In particular, YSP seeks to:

• Enhance the academic preparation of Scholars for success at The Ohio State University.
• Increase the numbers of first-generation, low income targeted underrepresented students at The Ohio State University.
• Complement instruction offered during the academic year.
• Connecting multiple levels of education, each year, YSP assists over 1,000 students state-wide, including 700 students in grades 8-12 and 350 undergraduate students, serving as a stepping stone for success at Ohio State and beyond.

Learn more and APPLY HERE!