SAMS Scholarship Fund
Honoring the life of Stephanie Ann Mansfield Studstill by helping survivors not only get to safety, but build a new future.
The SAMS Domestic Abuse & Safe Exit Program focuses on immediate safety and relocation.
This scholarship fund is the next step, for survivors who are ready to pursue education, training, or certification so they are no longer financially tied to an unsafe past.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or your local emergency services right away.
Antara Pathways and the SAMS Program are not a crisis clinic and cannot provide immediate crisis relief.
Following an emergency, our team may be contacted to assist with post-crisis stabilization, recovery, and long-term empowerment.
The SAMS Domestic Abuse & Safe Exit Program supports the rebuilding process after safety has been established.
The SAMS Scholarship Fund is the final stage of recovery and healing, helping survivors pursue education and a new beginning.
What is the SAMS Scholarship Fund?
This fund was created to support people impacted by domestic abuse or coercive, unsafe relationships who want to rebuild through education, workforce training, or skills development.
Many survivors stay or return because of money, education gaps, or lack of career options. In Stephanie’s memory, Antara Pathways is building a fund so qualifying community members can pursue schooling that moves them toward independence.
Who can apply?
Priority is given to:
- Individuals currently served through the SAMS Domestic Abuse & Safe Exit Program
- Survivors of domestic abuse referred by a partner agency or advocate
- Low-income, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, immigrant/undocumented survivors rebuilding after leaving an unsafe home
- People who can show how the education/training will help them gain stability and avoid returning to abuse
Note: all awards are funding-dependent and not guaranteed.
What the fund may cover
Based on available funding, Antara may provide partial or full assistance for:
- Community college or trade/vocational programs
- Certification courses (CNA, IT, coaching, interpretation, etc.)
- Books, materials, testing fees
- Short-term training that leads directly to employment
We cannot promise tuition for all schools. Each request is reviewed individually.
How to apply
- Visit the SAMS Scholarship Application page.
- Complete the form and describe your educational or training goal.
- Our intake team will review eligibility, current funding, and follow up with next steps.
About the SAMS Domestic Abuse & Safe Exit Program
The SAMS Program, named for Stephanie Ann Mansfield Studstill, provides emergency, trauma-informed support for individuals of any gender leaving abusive or coercive relationships. This includes relocation assistance, basic needs, and connection to counseling and legal resources.
Survivors who receive SAMS support may later qualify for the SAMS Scholarship Fund to continue rebuilding their lives through education and empowerment.
For donors & sponsors
This fund exists because we want survivors to do more than survive, we want them to thrive.
If you’d like to make a gift specifically for the SAMS Scholarship Fund, contact us and note “SAMS Scholarship” in your message.
Want to know why this exists? Read Stephanie’s story below.