At Birt Family Law, we've spent decades helping parents move through the life-altering transition of divorce or separation. In that work, we've always known one truth: children feel the impact too, often quietly, often invisibly.

That's why we created the Restorative Divorce® Pathway Scholarship, a privately funded $2,500 award for Illinois students who have experienced parental divorce or separation. It's not just financial aid it's an invitation to reflect, to be seen, to share a story that too often goes untold.

We launched this scholarship to spotlight the lived experiences of young people shaped by family transitions, those who may seem fine on the outside, but carry a unique emotional strength on the inside.

A Personal Note from Erin Birt, Founder of Birt Family Law

As a divorce attorney, mediator, and guardian ad litem for over 20 years, I've had a front-row seat to countless family transitions. And through it all, one constant has remained: children notice everything.

Whether their parents separate amicably or through hardship, kids carry the story with them. And while their experiences may not show up on report cards or income statements, they still shape character, purpose, and resilience.

We believe stories matter, and this scholarship is my way of honoring that journey and creating a space where a child's story is heard, honored, and supported.

Why This Scholarship Is Different

Most scholarships reward top test scores or are reserved for students facing extreme financial hardship. Those are worthy programs, but they often overlook students who don't fit neatly into those boxes.

This scholarship is for a different kind of applicant.

It's for the student who shows up, does the work, and maybe even excels but who's also been navigating two households, changed family dynamics, or the emotional complexity of watching their parents rebuild.

We're not asking for perfect GPAs or detailed hardship letters.

We're asking:

• - What has this experience taught you about yourself?

• - How have you grown, even through grief or confusion?

• - In what ways has this shaped your path?

It's not about having the “right” answer, it's about honesty, insight, and the courage to share your voice.

A Scholarship Built on Stories

The Restorative Divorce® Pathway Scholarship is part of a larger vision we call the Restorative Divorce® Pathwayan evolving collection of tools, books, and resources created to guide families through difficult transitions with clarity and care.

Our Pathway includes:

• An eBook to help parents prepare for divorce in a healthier way

• A 90-day workbook to support long-term co-parenting and emotional recovery

• A children's book series written for and about kids navigating separation

• And now, a scholarship that gives those children a space to reflect, process, and grow

We believe stories matter. That they can teach us, connect us, and move us forward. This scholarship honors the idea that growth can come from hardship and that growth deserves recognition.

Who Should Apply

If you or someone you know:

• - Lives in Illinois (regardless of where they attend school)

• - Is 17 years or older at the time of submission

• - Has experienced parental divorce or separation

• - Is enrolled or planning to enroll in college, university, or trade school

…then we encourage you to apply. You don't need to prove financial need. You don't need perfect grades. You just need to share your story.

Full details are available here:
👉 The Restorative Divorce® Pathway Scholarship

What We're Looking For

We're reviewing essays based on:

• - Depth of reflection

• - Clarity of writing

• - Personal insight and emotional growth

• - Originality

It's not a competition of pain or polish; it's about authenticityand how your experience has shaped who you are and who you're becoming.

Why This Matters (More Than Ever)

Today's students are facing more pressure than ever before. Many are expected to succeed academically while privately navigating emotional upheaval.

Some have been in therapy since childhood. Others have never spoken about what they've been through. Some are still figuring it out.

And yet, many of them show up, day after day, quietly resilient.

We want to reach those students. The ones whose strength has gone unnoticed. The ones who deserve to be honored not just for their grades or finances, but for their growth, insight, and heart.

Applications Are Now Open

The scholarship application deadline is September 30, 2025. One recipient will be selected and publicly announced after they turn 18 and provide proof of enrollment.

Please help us share this opportunity with students, school counselors, or community leaders who can help spread the word. Sometimes, a single invitation is all it takes.

Let's Make Room for a New Kind of Recognition

We believe students deserve to be acknowledged not just for surviving but for growing, for healing, and for becoming who they are because of what they've experienced. Let's honor that journey together.

➡️ Apply or learn more about the Restorative Divorce® Pathway Scholarship