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College Scholarships
Please email Patty if you know of any scholarships for childhood cancer survivors that are not listed below.
2014: Affordable Colleges Online offers an easy to navigate guidebook for applying for college scholarships and other financial aid. [Personal note: I like this site, largely because it is both commercial and ad free.]
2011: The National Grace Foundation provides FREE college admissions and financial aid counseling to high-school and college aged children and their families who are dealing with issues related to pediatric cancer.
Other web sites that keep a list of available scholarships for survivors (and sibs and children of cancer patients):
- Disability Scholarships An excellent resource for disability scholarships in general, with a specific listing for cancer scholarships.
- FinAid page on Cancer Scholarships
- Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship, other scholarships page
- Cancer.net site, teens section, has another scholarship listing
- CHOP's cancer scholarship listings
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Society listings
- CollegeScholarships.org list of leukemia scholarships
- Scholarships.com listing of cancer scholarships
- Childhood Cancer Survivors, A Practical Guide for Yor Future Facebook page posts reminders when deadlines are approaching
- National GRACE Foundation The National GRACE Foundation provides FREE college admissions and financial aid counseling to pediatric cancer patients and survivors.
General Scholarships
The Ulman Fund -- Matt Stauffer Memorial Scholarship
The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults established The Matt Stauffer Memorial Scholarship to support the financial needs of college students who are battling, or have overcome, cancer, who display financial need. These three awards of $1000 each seek to honor the spirit and courage that Matt displayed in his battle with cancer.
National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) Scholarship
The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of a scholarship program. It was established to provide financial support to college students whose lives have been impacted by cancer and are seeking to continue their higher education while still undergoing treatment. The $1,000 competitive awards will be judged based on four criteria: financial need, quality of essay and recommendations, displaying a "Will Win" attitude, and overall story of cancer survivorship. All scholarships are one time awards and nonrenewable. Awardees must go through the application process each year. (updated 3/2016)
Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program
The National Children’s Cancer Society is proud to offer college and vocational scholarships to childhood cancer survivors. Through the Beyond the Cure program, the N.C.C.S. awards scholarships to survivors who have illustrated the ability to overcome the difficult challenges of childhood cancer with determination and motivation.
Forty (40) $3,500 scholarships will be awarded each academic year. The 2015-2016 application is now available.
(updated 3/2016)
Several different scholarships with varying eligibilities and amounts ($1000 in 2016), including one for study abroad students. (updated 3/2016)
Jackie Spellman Scholarship Foundation
www.jackiespellmanbenefit.org
(888) 553-5773
Awards annual school scholarships to those affected by leukemia or lymphoma. The Foundation will award up to 10 scholarships annually that range between $1000 and $3000.
CCC (Care. Commit. Change.)
Scholarships and scholarship help for young adult survivors of cancer. Please see web site (above) for more information. [link does not work 11/2014]
Cancer Survivors' Fund
www.cancersurvivorsfund.org/Applications/HowToApply.htm for eligibility and application forms
Cancer Survivors' Fund provides scholarships for young cancer survivors, gives them a new purpose and meaning in life and enables them to continue their college education. [3/2016]
Morris Law Firm #RobbyStrong Cancer Survivor Scholarship
www.dmorrislaw.com/scholarship
"We at The Morris Law Firm know that thousands of families have been forced to face cancer head on. To show our support for #RobbyStrong and so many others, we would like to help a law student whose life has been affected by cancer with a $500.00 scholarship. The one time scholarship will be presented in the fall of 2016 and all applications must be turned in by May 31, 2016."
All information about applying for this scholarship are at the above website.
Cancer for College
eligibility information and application information
California applicants and applicants attending Southern California colleges will receive first consideration for perpetual scholarships. Community college applicants are eligible for the minimum scholarship level. All remaining applicants will be eligible for other one-time awards. Awards range from $1000 - $5,000. [updated 3/2016]
Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance
www.mesothelioma.com/scholarship
$4,000 per semester to a student that has dealt with cancer, personally or within their family, in an effort to help them further their education. The above link gives details on how to apply. The deadline for Fall 2015 is March 31st, 2015.
The Ryan Mullaly Second Chance Fund: A scholarship fund for pediatric cancer warriors.
The Ryan Mullaly Second Chance Fund
Applicants must be US citizens or residents, diagnosed with cancer between the ages of 13 and 20, currently age 25 or younger, and enrolled in a degree program at an accredited 2 year or 4 year college OR an accredited post-secondary vocational or trade program which will culminate in certification. Each award is $1,000. See the web site for details and an application.
Second Chance Fund, 26 Meadow Lane, Pennington NJ 08534, phone 609-737-1800.
Working Against Cancer
NOTE: As of 2013, the following website is no longer valid. (PF)
Survivor Scholarship Program
619-269-6767
(Both national and California-only.)
From their web site 8/07: For young adult cancer survivors (ages 30 yrs and under). Three awards of will be granted for the 2007-2008 academic year. The $500 Jackie Maas Memorial Scholarship and the $1000 EJE Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to exceptional young cancer survivors who are California residents. The third WAC scholarship in the amount of $500 will be awarded to an exceptional national cancer survivor. The 2007-2008 WAC Scholarship Application is due by August 31st.
André Sobel Award: Young Cancer Survivors’ Essay Submissions Sought
The André Sobel River of Life Foundation yearly seeks submissions for their third annual André Sobel Award. A $5,000 cash award will be presented to the first place winner, with additional prizes going to second, third, fourth and fifth place winners. The recipients will be selected from young cancer survivors under the age of 21 who submit an essay on the announced topic.
Information on the André Sobel River of Life Foundation, the André Sobel Award, and essay submission guidelines are available online (link is above) at or by calling (310) 276-7111.
Michael A Hunter Memorial Scholarship
Michael A Hunter Memorial Scholarship
The Michael A. Hunter Memorial Scholarship Fund awards annual scholarships to help improve the quality of life for those affected by Leukemia/Lymphoma. The focus of the scholarship is supporting secondary education for Leukemia/Lymphoma patients and/ or children of non-surviving Leukemia/Lymphoma patients. This scholarship is offered nationwide.
The SamFund
The SAMFund is a unique non-profit organization created to assist young adult survivors of cancer with a successful transition into their post-treatment life, by providing financial support through the distribution of grants and scholarships. The next application cycle will be open in June 2012.
Scholarships for Survivors, Patient Advocate Foundation
These college scholarships are intended to "provide support to a person seeking to initiate or complete a course of study that has been interrupted or delayed by a diagnosis of cancer or other critical or life threatening disease." Ten scholarships of $2000 each are awarded each year.
You can find more information and download an application here: http://www.patientadvocate.org/events.php?p=69
(Sponsored by: Patient Advocate Foundation, Novartis Oncology Survivorship Fund, Alza Corporation Scholarship, Nexell's Chance for Sucess Award, Amgen Scholarship.)
Hawkins Spizman Kilgo, LLC Childhood Cancer Awareness Scholarship
Childhood Cancer Awareness Scholarship
$1000 sholarship. See website for details. (updated 3/2016)
Chalik & Chalik Annual Survivors Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is open to survivors attending college or law school in the U.S each fall. Applicants submit an application (details on the website), including a short personal essay about how their cancer or significant medical issue influenced their choice to pursue a higher education. The first annual scholarship was awarded in 2015.
Brian Morden Foundation
"Brian Morden Memorial" higher education scholarships
"The Brian Morden Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to young men and women who have a fascination with technology and a love of music, and have completed all parts of this application. The maximum award for an individual scholarship is $1000. Applicants should be US citizens and a high school graduate." This scholarship is not specifically for childhood cancer survivors, although a good percentage of past awardees are survivors.
Jay's World Childhood Cancer Foundation
The scholarship is awarded to a child who is either cured of cancer, in remission, or able to attend college while undergoing treatment. The due date is usually in April. See the web page to download an application.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance
8323 Southwest Freeway Ste 435
Houston TX 77074
713-270-4700
Kids-4-Kids
Educational Aid for Survivors of Childhood Cancer was founded by a group of boys who want to make a difference. Awards are based on application, history of cancer, and need for educational aid. All levels of education are included in consideration. Although we are based in Houston, Texas, applicants are not currently limited to any region in particular.
Applicants must have been diagnosed with cancer before their 18th birthdayand either be enrolled, accepted for enrollment or have applied for enrollment in an educational institution and course of study leading to a recognized degree. Awardees are selected from eligible candidates by the Organization's selection committee based on Application responses and other factors including the subjective discretion of the selection committee. Awards currently range from $500-$20. (updated 2/2016)
My Hometown Heroes
For young adult cancer survivors who are between the ages of 17 and 39, a resident of the United States, and attending a community college or university.
Preminger Scholarship
premingermd.com/scholarship-contact
An annual scholarship available to students who are cancer patients, cancer survivors, and/or household family members of a cancer patient/survivor. In 2015, two scholarships of $500 each are offered. Students will be requested to write a 1000 word essay on very specific topics; the essay topics will be provided upon submission of the application request. To apply, go to the website link (above) and request a scholarship application form.
The John Foy & Associates Strong Arm Leukemia Scholarship
www.johnfoy.com/strong-arm-leukemia-scholarship
Deadline for Application: June 15, 2016
"Here at John Foy & Associates, we are known as the "Strong Arm of Georgia". We are a tough Georgia law firm that will fight to the finish for our clients. But our associates know that not every battle is fought in the courtroom. Fighting a disease requires more than a legal "Strong Arm"—it requires a dedicated team of medical staff, loved ones and countless more. Fighting leukemia requires determination, drive and diligence in both the patient and the patient's loved ones. Often, the battle is a solitary one, isolating the patient and family. Our firm associates recognize this. That's why we are delighted to offer the 2nd annual John Foy & Associates "Strong Arm" Leukemia Scholarship. Our $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one college student who has battled leukemia or whose life has been affected by it." (updated 4/2016)
Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Law School Scholarship
www.renkinlaw.com/leukemia-lymphoma-law-school-scholarship
The Law Office of Renkin & Associates is pleased to announce the 2016 Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Law School Scholarship. This scholarship was established to provide financial support to a student whose life has been impacted by lymphoma or leukemia and is seeking to continue his or her education through law school. The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to an applicant who submits the required application and essay by July 31st, 2016. (updated 5/2016)
Survivor Scholarships
504-304-6423 or 206-575-8553
The Pacific West Cancer Fund Survivor Scholarship Program grants $1500 to universities to survivors. 2013 note: Students should ask their financial aid department, or phone the number above for more information.
Survivor Vision
SurvivorVision's® Textbook Scholarship Program provides reimbursement for the cost of college textbooks. Open to patients/survivors in the US who have received or are receiving treatment for a childhood cancer under age 18. See the website for details and applications. Scholarship is for textbooks: $1000/year for 5 years or lifetime max of $5000. They award 35-40 scholarships a year.
(updated 3/2016)
The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance
$4,000 to one student each semester whose life has been impacted by cancer. For: those who have battled cancer at any point in their lives (not limited to mesothelioma), or those who have a parent, sibling, immediate family member or close friend that has battled or is currently fighting cancer. (updated 3/2016)
Region-Specific Scholarships
Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Foundation
For survivors of childhood cancer living in Colorado, Arizona, and California. Up to $2,500 for four years for a total of $10,000. For more information, go to the web site listed below.
Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Foundation
1170 E. Long Place
Littleton, CO 80122
Phone: (303) 798-0406
Patty Feist Scholarship, University of Colorado, Boulder
The Patty Feist Undergraduate Scholarship is for survivors of childhood cancer who attend the University of Colorado, Boulder. Awarded yearly in the spring.
This scholarship is awarded to a survivor of childhood, adolescent, or young adult cancer (cancer diagnosis up to age 21.) Student must provide documentation to verify the cancer diagnosis and treatment, such as a copy of the treatment summary that he/she received at the post-treatment consultation or a letter from his/her treatment team verifying the diagnosis and treatment for cancer. Medical information will be kept confidential and will only be reviewed for eligibility consideration. Essay required. $2500. Apply through the University of Colorado financial aid system.
Go to: University of Colorado financial aid/scholarship Under "finding scholarships" choose "Scholarship Guide for Freshmen and Transfer Students". Apply through the MyCU Scholarship Application. Direct link to the list of scholarships. Search this pdf file for "Patty Feist Undergraduate Scholarship" - it's not in alphabetical order.
The awardees of this scholarship are not published, in order to protect the privacy of the survivors.
Stephen's Soldiers Foundation
Currently, 3 $2500 scholarships are awarded per year (2015). Eligibility and application details are here: stephenssoldiers.org/scholarships.html. Students must be high school seniors in Michigan, but these requirements might change. (updated 4/2016)
Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation
Yearly, this program awards over a hundred scholarships valued at $1,500 to young cancer survivors in any university, college, or vocational training program, and several scholarships worth $5,000 each to students pursuing a post-graduate degree in the advanced health sciences.
Expect Miracles Foundation
Must have been treated for cancer at a cancer facility in New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) or must be a resident of New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
$7500 scholarship; see website for application details. (updated 3/2016)
Angel on my Shoulder scholarships, Wisconsin
The Angel on my Shoulder scholarship are awarded to graduating high school seniors of Wisconsin who are survivors of cancer or who have an immediate family member (mother, father, or sibling) affected by cancer. Awards are granted based on qualifications and need. Students must plan to attend a four-year college, specialty or technical school. Twenty-five $1000 scholarships are awarded per year.
Children's Cancer Center, Florida
For survivors of childhood cancer in Florida. Amount or number of scholarships is not given on the web page. Application available online. (updated 3/2016)
Friends of Scott Foundation, California only
Scott Delgadillo Scholarship
aztec.graphics@yahoo.com (Barbara Bailey)
The Friends of Scott Foundation offers a scholarship to cancer patients currently on treatment or to survivors. "Education was important to Scott. It was his dream to attend the University of Notre Dame. In his memory FSF offers a scholarship program for individuals who have been diagnosed with childhood cancer. We realize the importance of continuing education and know that pursuing this goal is difficult when given a life-threatening diagnosis. Our scholarship program is designed to provide funding to survivors who want to continue their education through technical school, vocational school, junior college, or a four-year college or university. For more information on how to apply for the FSF scholarship, please send an e-mail to info@friendsofscott.org." (updated 3/2016)
New York, New Jersey, Connecticut
Making Headway Foundation has scholarships available for survivors of pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors. See the above website for more information.
Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma
American Cancer Society, Heartland Division, offers scholarships for residents of Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma.
1100 Pennsylvania Ave
Kansas City, MO 64105
(800)842-7144
Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee
American Cancer Society, Midsouth Divsions, offers scholarships for residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
www.cancer.org/myacs/midsouth/programsandservices/mid-south-news
250 Williams Street
Atlanta GA 30303
(800) 227-2345 (this is the number for the American Cancer Society)
Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center
Pediatric College Scholarship Program
The Pediatric College Scholarship Program provides financial support to students attending undergraduate (four-year) college or university, community college, graduate school, and vocational/technical school. Scholarships are intended to both encourage students who have battled cancer and reward them for their academic and personal accomplishments. [updated 7/2015]
Mothers and Daughters Against Cancer
For female survivors of cancer in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area. For information, visit the web site:
mothersanddaughtersagainstcancer.com/wordpress/scholarship/
Beaumont Pediatric Cancer Survivor Scholarship Fund
Dr. Charles Main or Norma Karagleff
Rose Cancer Center
3601 West 13 Mile Road Royal Oak
MI 48073
Phone: (248) 551-0475
Since its inception $600,000 has been awarded. This is specific to patients who have been patients at Beaumont hospital.
American Cancer Society
Various regions: College Scholarships Available for Young Cancer Survivors
(search for "scholarship")
Great West Division Cancer Survivor College Scholarship Program
800-227-2345
For residents of Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming.
Hawaii
Book Reimbursement Program
This is a program which grants $300-500 to each applicant who qualifies. The funds are given as reimbursement for books or equipment used in any type of post high school education. The applicant must have had cancer diagnosed before the age of 18 years and been treated in the state of Hawaii. Applications must be submitted each year between April and July. Notification of acceptance is made by early August. Applications are available from:
Hawaii Children's Cancer Foundation
1814 Liliha St
Honolulu, HI 96817
808-528-5161
Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses Southern California Chapter (SCAPON)
Childhood Cancer Survivor Educational Scholarship - A $500 scholarship will be awarded each year. For individuals diagnosed with cancer prior to age 21; currently receiving treatment or has completed treatment for cancer; individual has made a commitment for post high school education; applicant must be a resident of Southern California; application can be submitted for consideration each year. (For residence south of Santa Barbara and Bakersfield, includes zip codes 90000 to 93999.)
Contact the Scholarship Chairperson:
Emily E. Amico, RN, MSN, CPON
eamico@chla.usc.edu
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles
4650 Sunset Bvld. MS #74
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 660-2450 ext. 4265
Virginia - Special Love, Inc.
Offers college scholarships to cancer survivors, either in or out of treatment. All grants are for one-year, so applicants have to reapply each year. Grants in 2001 ranged from $1,000 each to $2,250 each based on need. Applicants MUST be a participant of a Special Love program to qualify. The deadline is April 1 (a firm date).
Young Cancer Survivor Scholarships
Must have received a diagnosis of cancer before the age of 21. Can be used at any college in Indiana or Michigan. Applications can be requested by calling the 800 number below.
Young Cancer Survivor Scholarships
American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division
1205 E. Saginaw
Lansing, MI 48096 USA
Phone: 800-723-0360/517-371-2920
Ashley Tamburri Scholarship
Maryland: Currently seniors attending a high school in Carroll, Howard, Frederick, Montgomery or Washington County, Maryland are eligible to apply.
University of Missouri: Cancer Federation
The Cancer Federation funds a scholarship at the University of Missouri.
Cancer Federation, Inc.
P.O. Box 1298
Banning, CA 92220
Phone: 1-800-207-CURE (2873)
Fax: (909) 849-0156
Email: cancerfed@msn.com
Florida
Assisting Florida's First Coast teenagers and young adults with cancer. They provide educational scholarships to young adults who have cancer (age 17-25) so that they can have a normal college experience.
Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute
The Dennis J. Jungmeyer Scholarship is awarded to former CARTI patients in Arkansas. Contact Kaye C. Gilbert in the CARTI Foundation at 501/296-3405 or 800/482-8561.
Dennis J. Jungmeyer Scholarship
P.O. Box 55050
Little Rock, AR 72215
(800) 482-8561
Oklahoma State University
Linda Hunter
Pacific West Cancer Fund
University Scholarship Office
260 Student Union
Stillwater, OK 74078
(405) 744-6604
Cancer Survivor Fund (Texas)
For survivors who are residents of Texas. "Scholarships are awarded by a committee, based on hardship and academic qualifications of the recipients. The Fund also awards scholarships to MD Anderson Pediatric Center, with plans to award scholarships to the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and other colleges, to be given to survivors of cancer. The Fund also extends a helping hand to provide artificial limbs and medical equipment to our scholarship recipients."
Mike Yonter
PO Box 792
Missouri City, TX 77459
(218) 437-9565
Web Site
e-mail
States where American Cancer Society Gives Scholarships
This section is directly from the Stephen T. Marchello page, sent to me by them, and I have not double-checked them. (PF, 8/01 comment)
Call (800) 282-4914 for general information.
Mid South Division of the American Cancer Society
Residents of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee
Young Cancer Survivor Scholarship Program, California Division Office
Phone: (800) 877-1710
Victoria Hudson
Phone: (510) 893-7900 Ext. 223
Email: vhudson@cancer.org
Young Cancer Survivor Scholarships
American Cancer Society, Florida
Young Cancer Survivor Scholarships
American Cancer Society Southeast Division: Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina
Young Cancer Survivor Scholarships, American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division
Residents of Michigan and Indiana
1205 E. Saginaw
Lansing, MI 48096
Phone: (800) 723-0360 or (517) 371-2920
Web Site
American Cancer Society, Ohio Division, Inc.
Survivor Scholarship Review Committee
5555 Frantz Rd.
Dublin, OH 43017
Phone: (800) 686-4357 or (888) 237-6446
Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
National Amputation Fund (Scholarship)
38-40 Church Street
Malvern, NY 11565
516-887-3600
Financial aid for students with disabilities resource directory:
Heath Resource Center
1 Dupont Circle
Washington DC 20036
1-800-544-3284
Novartis Scholarships for Students with Immune Deficiencies: (note that a Novartis Scholarship is listed above on the Patient Advocate Foundation, Scholarships for Survivors)
1-800-296-4433
Students with a limb amputation:
National Amputation Foundation
1-516-887-3600
Limited assistance for students with major limb amputations:
American Cancer Society
Mid-Atlantic Division, Inc
4240 Park Place Ct.
Glen Allen, VA 23060
1-800-ACS-NEED
$1,000 scholarships.
also try:
American Cancer Society
Mid-Atlantic Division, Inc
4240 Park Place Ct
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone: (800) 227-6333
For Brain Tumor survivors
Making Headway Foundation
Four Scott J. Reisser Memorial Scholarships, each a one-time $5,000 award, are granted to deserving applicants each year. To be eligible for consideration, each applicant must be a brain or spinal cord tumor survivor who has been admitted to, or is currently attending, a two- or four-year college or vocational program. Limited to the NY, NJ or CT area.
The annual scholarship application deadline is May 1. For more information or to request an application, please call Making Headway's office at (914) 238-8384 or contact through the website.
www.makingheadway.org/scholarships.html
The Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation
Sponsors a college scholarship program for brain tumor patients returning to school.
Contact: 1-888-Gullikson or 203-483-4313
2013 note: I cannot verify this scholarhip with a website. (PF)
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States (PBTFUS)
PBTFUS offers college scholarships for brain tumor survivors. The deadlines for the application are June 1st and Dec. 1st; an essay is required, as well as proof of brain tumor diagnosis, GPA, intent to register for college, high school transcripts, and recommendations. More information is available from PBTFUS:
National Family Support Program Coordinator
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States
302 Ridgefield Ct.
Asheville, NC 28806
800-253-6530
familysupport@pbtfus.org
www.pbtfus.org/
How to Find Other Scholarships
BMT Infonet list of scholarships
Scholarships for Bone Marrow, Stem Cell and Cord Blood Transplant Survivors
American Cancer Society and Childhood Cancer non-profits
Phone your local chapter and ask if they have college scholarships.
Online Searches
General web-searches do not always pull up scholarships targetted for childhood cancer survivors. Instead, a good way to search is to go to several of the online scholarship sites and search, plugging in "cancer" or "survivor" in their search terms. Many of these services are free, although they will require some personal information in order to set up a "profile." A few appropriate sites are listed below.
If you know which institute of higher education you plan to attend, go to that school's web site and then to the financial aid section. Many times scholarships are listed in that section, with details on requirements, such as "survivors."
General Disclaimer
These pages are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to render medical advice. The information provided on Ped Onc Resource Center should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you suspect your child has a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.
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