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His 
Story

Scholarship Purpose

A proud son of Philadelphia's public schools, Anthony "Meeks" Meekins blazed a trail to his beloved Lincoln University, becoming the first college graduate in his family and igniting a lasting legacy there among relatives. With a calm yet passionate demeanor and an endlessly kind spirit, he stood firm in his convictions as a heartfelt advocate for people of color, embracing everyone with selfless devotion and unconditional love.

Meeks uplifted, nurtured, and enlightened all he encountered—especially the

underserved—infusing gatherings with laughter, fellowship, and the warmth of home-cooked meals, his cherished mantra "doesn't get any better than this" echoing a life of profound joy and gratitude.

Administered by the FAST Foundation, the Anthony Meekins Legacy Scholarship

furthers our mission to strengthen family values, expand educational access, and

enhance financial wellness in Philadelphia's underserved communities. This scholarship

honors recipients who embody Meeks spirit of kinship, perseverance, leadership, and

educational commitment as first-generation college students pursuing their dreams at

Lincoln University.

For 2026, FAST Foundation plans to award up to 2 scholarships of $2,500 each (total

fund ceiling: $5,000), disbursed upon proof of full-time enrollment and FAFSA

completion.

Scholarship Guidelines

The Families Achieving Success Together Foundation (FAST) is dedicated to helping

families who live in the underserved communities of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to

attend and succeed in education. The belief that “every child can and will learn with the

proper educational resources” is echoed throughout FAST work. FAST Foundation

facilitates partnerships with key stakeholders to increase the academic achievement of

youth in these underserved communities.

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MISSION

Create a better way of life for families by helping to strengthen family core values, gain access to education, and improve their financial health.

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VISION

Restore the power of the family as the catalyst for successful generations.

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PURPOSE

FAST Foundation’s Anthony Meekins Legacy Scholarship is to

provide scholarships to deserving high school graduating seniors intending to pursue a course of study and graduate from the first degree-granting historically black college/university, Lincoln University, PA. These chosen individuals will embody his spirit of kinship, perseverance, leadership, and educational commitment.

For 2026, the Anthony Meekins Legacy Scholarship award ceiling is $5,000, andthe individual maximum award is $2,500. The FAST Foundation will awardapproximately two (2) scholarships. Each $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to afirst-generation college student enrolled full-time at Lincoln University, PA.NOTE: Scholarship funds will be awarded to the student upon evidence offull-time registration and completion of FASA.

Criteria and eligibility (Anthony Meekins Legacy Scholarship applicants) 

1. Applicant must be a US citizen residing in Philadelphia, PA. 

2. Applicant must be a Philadelphia high school senior graduating in the year of the award. 

3. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 grade point average (“C+” average). 4. Applicant must be a first-generation college student enrolled full-time at Lincoln University, PA. 

5. Applicants must demonstrate community involvement and a desire to attend college. 

6. Applicants must have 20 hours of community service. 

7. Applicants may not be related to any Board of Directors or staff, as this presents a conflict of interest. 

8. Applicants must file a FAFSA and provide a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) to demonstrate financial need. 

Successful applicants will be required to attend the scholarship presentation event and consent to communicate with the FAST Foundation throughout the period that the scholarship is granted. 

General Instructions 

1. DEADLINE for scholarship applications is [Date & Time]. (no exceptions).

2. Refer to the application process below for a list of the supporting documents needed (i.e., reference forms, evidence of GPA, etc.) Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

3. If any question does not apply to you in this application, please put N/A in the   space. 

4. Type and print legibly. Illegible applications will not be considered. You may also download a copy of the application online at www.fast-foundation.com  5. You will be notified by email in May regarding the status of your application. 6. If you have any questions about the application, please call the FAST Office at (215) 274-0728. 

Application Process:  

Applicant must submit the following items: 

1. Completed application form (if handwritten, please print legibly) 

2. Submit a 500-word essay reflecting the applicant’s spirit of resilience, perseverance, leadership, and educational commitment addressed to the Scholarship Committee. The essay should not exceed one (1) page, double-spaced, 12 pt / Times New Roman font. The essay shall contain no grammatical errors. 

3. Two (2) letters of recommendation from a choice of high school teachers, administrators, counselors, employers, or an individual with significant knowledge of the applicant’s experience and involvement. 

4. An official and recent high school transcript with a cumulative grade point average. 

5. In addition to the above items, the applicant must also complete at least 20 hours of community service. Community service hours must be documented in the form of a letter. Applicants may complete community service hours before receiving the award by volunteering through the FAST office or participating partnerships. 

Deadline for the application is [Date & Time]. Applications postmarked or submitted after this date will not be considered. 

             Please mail OR submit the application to: 
           Families Achieving Success Together 
          ATTN: Scholarship Committee 
       1700 Market St, Suite 1005 
     Philadelphia, PA 19103 
      www.fast-foundation.com 

 

Eligibility Requirements:
Candidates for the Anthony Meekins Legacy Scholarship are selected based on:
-Philadelphia Residency: Must be a resident graduating from a Philadelphia public high
school
- First-Generation Status: First-generation college student enrolling full-time at Lincoln
University, PA
- Academic Achievement: Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Financial Need: Demonstrated financial need
- Character & Leadership: Strong character, leadership ability, and community service
record

 
Application Process:
Deadline: April 2026 (exact date to be announced)
Submit to:
Families Achieving Success Together
Attn: AML Scholarship Committee
1700 Market Street, Suite 1005
Philadelphia, PA 19103

 
Application Requirements:
- Complete personal and financial data sheets
- Official high school transcript (including attendance record)
- 500-word essay: "Why should the FAST Foundation Scholarship Committee select you
as a scholarship recipient?"
- Two letters of recommendation (from high school counselor, principal, religious leader,
or community professional)
- Finalists will be contacted for a personal interview
- Selected recipients must attend recognition luncheon and participate in monthly FAST
mentoring throughout their scholarship period

 
The Impact of 2026 Federal Student Aid Changes:
Recent federal legislation (HR1, July 2025) and reforms under the OBBBA have
significantly altered student borrowing:
- Parent PLUS Loan Caps: New limits on Parent PLUS borrowing
- Graduate PLUS Loan Changes: Tightened eligibility requirements
- Borrowing Limits: Imposed undergraduate and graduate loan limits

 
How This Affects Students:
 Expert estimates indicate millions of low-income students, especially first-generation
students, will be significantly impacted by these 2026 federal student loan changes:
- Reduced Borrowing Power: Students may struggle to cover full tuition and living costs
- Greater Financial Planning Required: Increased need for scholarships, grants, and
alternative funding sources
- Pressure on First-Generation Students: May widen equity gaps without strong support
systems
- Shift in College Choices: Students may opt for more affordable or in-state schools
Scholarships Become Vital: Programs like the Anthony Meekins Legacy Scholarship
help bridge the gap left by reduced federal aid. While long-term debt repayment limits
may reduce total debt burden, students need greater support now more than ever.

CONTACT US

At The F.A.S.T. Foundation, we are dedicated to providing essential services and programs to those in need. If you would like to learn more about our organization or how to register for our referral services, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff can answer any questions you may have and help you get the assistance you need. Thank you for your interest in The F.A.S.T. Foundation, and we look forward to hearing from you!

1700 MARKET ST. SUITE 1005
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19103

OFFICE: 215.825.5530

FAX: 215.274.0735

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