Resources and information for parents of children with cancer . . . by parents of children with cancer.

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College Scholarships

Please email Patty if you know of any scholarships for childhood cancer survivors that are not listed below.

Always check for local cancer survivor scholarships at the school you plan to attend. Many of these are not advertised.

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.

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.]

Other web sites that keep a list of available scholarships for survivors (and sibs and children of cancer patients):

General Scholarships

Canceling Cancer Scholarship

Canceling Cancer Scholarship

Deadline: December 31, 2020
Award: $1,000

The attorneys at Doran and Murphy offer this scholarship to assist those who have been impacted by cancer, either as the diagnosed person or directly impacted by the cancer diagnosis of a family member or close friend. One student will be selected to receive this $1,000 award. "The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, college student or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and who is enrolled in a two to five-year post-secondary institution for the upcoming semester."

Hawkins Spizman Fortas

Hawkins Spizman Fortas: The Cancer Survivor Scholarship

Deadline: March 31, 2020
Award: $1,000 

The attorney’s at Hawkins Spizman Fortas are proud to announce their 2019 Cancer Survivor Scholarship which contributes to the education of an individual who has been directly impacted by cancer. We understand that cancer patients may have difficulties attending school, securing a job, and adapting to a new lifestyle after their diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one. We hope this scholarship serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by this disease. 

Sophia's Hope

Sophia's Hope scholarships

Deadline: March 31, 2020
Amount: $2000 (3 scholarships for survivors, 3 scholarships for siblings)

Sofia's Hope offers scholarships for tuition, room and board, as well as a laptop, for both childhood cancer survivors and their siblings. "The applicant must be a childhood cancer survivor, or currently diagnosed with a childhood cancer (does not have to be receiving treatment to qualify) or sibling. Sibling must live in same household as childhood cancer patient, and specifically during their treatment."

The Ulman Fund

The Ulman Fund scholarships

Deadline: March 1, 2018
Amount: $2500

The Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is committed to helping young adults (ages 15-39) continue their education after being affected by cancer through their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Scholarship for Cancer Survivors

www.scholarsapply.org/cancer-survivors

Deadline: Check in February 2018 for details of the 2018 scholarship.

Deadline: For cancer survivors who plan to continue their education in college or vocational school programs. Requirements: age 25 and under, high school seniors or graduates, or current postsecondary undergraduates, plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year. Applicants submit a Diagnosis Verification Form signed by their phyiscian

Have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent).

The scholarship is for $10,000.

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation (NCCF) Scholarship

collegiatecancer.org/scholarships

Deadline: Applications accepted beginning in March 2018.
Amount: $1,000

The National Collegiate Cancer Foundation was established to provide services and support to young adults whose lives have been impacted by cancer and who have continued with their education throughout treatment or after their treatment.

Beyond the Cure Ambassador Scholarship Program

thenccs.org/scholarship

Deadline: March 31, 2018
Amount: Forty (40) $3,500 scholarships will be awarded each academic year.

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.

Northwestern Mutual Foundation

Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Survivor Scholarship Program

Deadline: January 30, 2018
Amounts: 25 $5000 awards

Jackie Spellman Scholarship Foundation

www.jackiespellmanbenefit.org

Deadline: April 16, 2018
Amount: ranges from $3,000 to $10,000; approximately 12 students annually

Awards annual college scholarships to those affected by leukemia or lymphoma, either as survivors or related to leukemia or lymphoma patients.

Cancer Survivors' Fund

www.cancersurvivorsfund.org
scholarship program direct link

Deadline: visit starting February 5, 2018 to apply for the Fall 2018 Semester
Amount: not specified

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.

Morris Law Firm #RobbyStrong Cancer Survivor Scholarship

www.dmorrislaw.com/scholarship

Deadline: it says the school year 2016, so this scholarship may be outdated

"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."

Cancer for College

Cancer for College (CFC)

Deadline: 2/01/2018
Amounts: $1000-$5000

application (one application for several scholarchips)

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

The Simon Cancer Foundation

The Harvey Simon Cancer Foundation

Deadline: January 31, 2018
Amount: not specified

Applicant must be enrolled in a 4 year university or college and sign an affidavit verifying they've had any type of cancer during their lifetime. Application deadline is the end of January for each fall term.

Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance

www.mesothelioma.com/scholarship

Deadlines: March 31 and Dec 1, 2018
Amount: $4000

For 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.

André Sobel Award

www.AndreRiverofLife.org

Deadline: please see the website
Amount: not specified

Each year, a large cash award is given to the best essay. The recipients will be selected from young cancer survivors under the age of 21 who submit an essay on the announced topic. (No award given in 2017-2018, plans in effect to have an award in 2018-2019.)

Michael A Hunter Memorial Scholarship

Michael A Hunter Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: March 15, 2017 is the latest date listed
Amounts: $2,000 - $3,000

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

www.thesamfund.org

Deadline: February 8, 2018 for winter application
Amounts: not specified

The SAMFund provides support to young adults who are struggling financially because of cancer. It is a unique non-profit organization created to assist these young adults with a successful transition into their post-treatment life, by providing financial support through the distribution of grants.

Patient Advocate Foundation

www.patientadvocate.org
PAC Scholarship for Survivors

Deadline: February 24, 2018
Amount: $3000

These college scholarships are intended to "support to individuals that are legal residents of the United States of America, under the age of 25, who have been diagnosed with or treated for cancer, a chronic, or life threatening debilitating disease within the past five years."

Hawkins Spizman Kilgo, LLC Childhood Cancer Awareness Scholarship

Childhood Cancer Awareness Scholarship

Deadline: July 31 for fall semester
Amount: $1000

"In support of those who have survived or been directly affected by childhood cancer."

Brian Morden Foundation

"Brian Morden Memorial" higher education scholarships

Deadline: the 2018 application should be available soon; in 2017, it was due March 25
Amounts: $500 and $1000

"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.

Kids-4-Kids

www.kids4kidswithcancer.org

Deadline: Feb 1 and Oct 1 of each year
Amounts: not specified

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.

My Hometown Heroes

myhometownheroes.org

Deadline: February 15, 2018
Amounts: not specified

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, university, or trade school.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Law School Scholarship

www.renkinlaw.com/leukemia-lymphoma-law-school-scholarship

Deadline: July 31st, 2018
Amount: $1000

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.

CURE Cancer Support Scholarship

The Lep Foundation for Youth Education
Cancer Support Scholar ship: Youth education assistance for those affected by cancer

Deadline: May 1, 2008
Amount: Four scholarships up to $5000

The John Lepping Memorial Scholarship is designated for students who were diagnosed with cancer in childhood and whose disease and related treatments placed a significant financial burden on them and their families.

Survivor Vision

www.survivorvision.org

Deadline: June 1, 2018
Amount: $1000/year for 5 years or lifetime max of $5000 (for textbooks)

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.

Dallas Car Accident Lawyers Cancer Awareness Scholarship

www.dallascaraccidentlawyers.net/cancer-awareness-scholarship

Deadline: Jun 15, 2017 is posted on the website.
Amount: $1000

For a high achieving college student who has battled cancer or been affected by it. (Note that this scholarship is not only for the survivors themselves, but for family members of a cancer patient.)

Region-Specific Scholarships

Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Foundation

Stephen T. Marchello Scholarship Foundation

Deadline: March 15, 2018
Amount: Up to $2,500 for four years for a total of $10,000

A post secondary scholarship for graduating seniors, that are survivors of childhood cancer, in Colorado & Montana.

Patty Feist Scholarship, University of Colorado, Boulder

Patty Feist Undergraduate Scholarship

Apply throught the University of Colorado, Boulder scholarship page.

Deadline: April or May of each year: see the CU Boulder page for details
Amount: 3 $2500 scholarships

This scholarship is awarded to cancer-survivor students each school year at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Apply through the University of Colorado financial aid system. Awarded yearly in the spring.

The awardees of this scholarship are not published, in order to protect the privacy of the survivors.

Stephen's Soldiers Foundation

stephenssoldiers.org

Deadline: February 15, 2018
Amounts: 3 $2500 scholarships

Eligibility and application details are on the website.

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer

www.candlelightersoregon.org/index.php/programs/teen

The scholarships are open to high school seniors or current college students to support their pursuit of a higher education who have previously been or are currently diagnosed with cancer. The applicant must be a member of Candlelighters For Children With Cancer, and a resident of Oregon or Southwest Washington.

Candlelighters is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2021-2022 school year. The applications are due by April 2, 2021, and the timeline is:

Feb. 1 – April 2:  Call for Scholarship Applications
May 3 – 14: In-person or Zoom interview(s)
May 24 - June 4: Scholarship recipients announced
June – July: Scholarship awards to college
June – July: Scholarship awards to colleges

Childhood Cancer Canada Foundation

Survivor Scholarship Program

Deadline: Available February 15, 2018
Amounts: $1500 and $5000 (quite a few are awarded each year)

Canada: Scholarships for young cancer survivors enrolled in any university, college, or vocational training program, or pursuing a post-graduate degree in the advanced health sciences.

Expect Miracles Foundation

Expect Miracles Foundation

Deadline: application will be available early 2018
Amount: $7500

This scholarship is intended to help an individual who has been impacted by cancer – either in treatment or remission – to attend a 4-year college or university in pursuit of a degree. Must have been treated for cancer at a cancer facility in or must be of New England (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT).

Children's Cancer Center, Florida

Children's Cancer Center

Deadline: April 2, 2018
Amounts: Not given

Tampa Bay, Florida area: For survivors of childhood cancer or a chronic blood disorder, and for young people who have lost a sibling due to a diagnosis of cancer or a chronic blood disorder. Supported by the Panera Bread and the Knead for Knowledge Scholarship Program.

Friends of Scott Foundation, California only

Scott Delgadillo Scholarship

Deadline: in 2017, it was due at the end of August
Amount: not given

Scholarship to cancer patients currently on treatment or to survivors.

Making Headway Foundation

Scott J. Reisser Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 1, 2018
Amount: $5000, several awards

For a brain or spinal cord tumor survivor living in NY, NJ, or CT metropolitan area who attending or admitted to a 4- or 2-year college or vocational program.

Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center

Pediatric College Scholarship Program

Deadline: the 2017 deadline was Sept. 20, 2017
Amount: not given

Requirements: Current or former patient treated at MD Anderson Cancer Center before 19th birthday.

Virginia - Special Love, Inc.

Special Love Kay/Moore Scholarship Fund

Deadline: April 1 2017 is the date currently posted
Amount: not specified

Participation in Special Love programs is mandatory for consideration.

Florida

Nicki Leach Foundation

Deadline: website states that the 2017 application process is closed
Amount: not given

Assisting Florida's First Coast teenagers and young adults with cancer.

Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute

www.carti.com

Deadline: not given
Amount: not given

Visit the website - an email address is given.

Cancer Survivor Fund (Texas)

Cancer Survivors' Fund

Deadline: visit the site starting February 5, 2018 to apply for the Fall 2018 scholarship.
Amount: not specified

Might only be for survivors who are residents of Texas; the website no longer specifies the state.

Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities

National Amputation Fund

Claude S. Weiler Scholarship for Amputee College Students

Deadline: August 31
Amount: varies with number of applicants

For college students with a major limb amputation who will be attending an accredited university as a full time student. A major limb amputation is described as loss of limb beginning at or above the wrist or ankle.

For Brain Tumor survivors

Making Headway Foundation

Scott J. Reisser Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deadline: May 1 each year
Amounts: $5000 (one-time)

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.

College and vocational scholarships for survivors of pediatric brain tumors

Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States (PBTFUS)

curethekids website

Deadline: May 7, 2018
Amounts: $1000

Diagnosed at or before age 19 with a primary malignant or non-malignant central nervous system brain and/or spinal cord tumor, as identified by the World Health Organization.

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.

© copyright 1998-2018 by Patty Feist

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