Back to School

It’s that time of year again! Returning to school will definitely be different this year, but there’s one thing that remains the same- there are tons of scholarship opportunities. There’s a common misconception that you have to have stellar grades to receive a scholarship. While there are many academic scholarships available, there’s plenty out there based on financial need, race, gender, academic programs, athletics, study abroad programs, and even cancer experience. Some are specifically for childhood cancer, young adult cancer, or specific types of cancer. Scholarships that are for students affected by cancer typically require a written statement or essay about how cancer has impacted your life, recommendations, and a note from a physician to confirm your diagnosis.

Remember, most scholarships have specific application deadlines. If you miss the deadline, keep it bookmarked and apply the following semester or year. Some scholarships have rolling deadlines, so you have the opportunity to apply all year long, but early applicants have better chances of being awarded funds.

Need tips on writing a scholarship essay? Check out SCHOLLY’s “Hot Tips for Writing a Winning Scholarship Essay” for guidance. Once you get those scholarships, be sure to send a thank you letter! Find examples here.

Scholarship Links:

General

($5,000) Cameron Siemers Foundation For Hope

($2,500) Baron & Budd

(Varies) Scott Delgadillo College Scholarship

(Varies) Kay/Moore Scholarship Fund

($10,000) Bristol-Myers Squib Scholarship for Cancer Survivors

(Varies) NCCF Survivor Scholarship Program

(2,000) Children’s Cancer Cause

Specific Eligibility

(Varies) Cancer Survivors’ Fund: offers financial aid to those needing prosthetics following cancer

($250 – $4,000) Cancer for College: offers college scholarships to amputees and cancer survivors

($2,500) Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults: provides a scholarship to young adults who were diagnosed or treated for cancer at age 15 years or older

($2,500) Matt Stauffer Memorial Scholarship: offers $2500 to college students currently fighting cancer or who were diagnosed and treated after the age of 15

($2,000 – $3,000) Michael A. Hunter Memorial Scholarship: offers an annual scholarship of between $2000 and $3000 to those affected by leukemia or lymphoma

(Varies) Nicki Leach Foundation: offers financial assistance to those who were diagnosed and treated for cancer between the ages of 18 and 30 years old

($3,000) Patient Advocate Foundation Scholarships for Survivor: offers scholarships for cancer survivors under the age of 25 and diagnosed within the past five years

($1,000 – $6,000) Tim & Tom Gullikson Family Support Fund: must be diagnosed with a primary malignant or non-malignant brain or spinal cord tumor prior to age 19

(Varies) Jackie Spellman Scholarship Foundation: provides scholarships to deserving students whose lives have been impacted by leukemia and lymphoma

($1,000) The John Foy & Associates Strong Arm Leukemia Scholarship: scholarship will be awarded to one college student who has battled leukemia or whose life has been affected by it

(Varies) Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation: student must have undergone a transplant and demonstrates financial need

($500) The Izzy Foundation: diagnosed before the age of 18 with pediatric cancer

Scholarship Search Engines

Scholarships.com: Cancer Patient/Survivor (or Child of) Scholarships

Cappex.com: Cancer Scholarships

ACCO.org: Financial Aid for Students