Childhood Cancer Scholarships: Empowering Survivors and Honoring Families
Childhood cancer presents immense challenges, not only for the young patients but also for their families. The financial strain of treatment, coupled with the emotional toll, can significantly impact a family's ability to support a child's future aspirations, including higher education. Fortunately, numerous scholarships exist to alleviate this burden and empower childhood cancer survivors and their siblings to pursue their academic dreams.
Scholarships for Survivors: Investing in the Future
Several organizations recognize the unique obstacles faced by childhood cancer survivors and offer scholarships specifically tailored to their needs. These scholarships acknowledge the determination and resilience required to overcome cancer and encourage survivors to achieve their full potential.
Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) Scholarship Awards: Since 2017, PCRF has demonstrated its commitment to improving the quality of life for those affected by pediatric cancer by granting scholarships to undergraduate and post-graduate students nationally. The Robert J. Zimmer Ph.D. PCRF Survivor Scholarship Fund awards scholarships that may be up to $5,000. The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) Scholarship Committee assesses applications based on the quality of the essay, intentions of the scholar, and the completeness of the application. To be eligible, applicants must be graduating high school seniors, community college students, or four-year university students who have been treated for pediatric cancer.
The EVAN Foundation Scholarship Program: This program provides college scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have survived high-risk pediatric cancer and been accepted into a 4-year undergraduate institution. The Evan Lindberg & Erik Ludwinski College Scholarship Program awarded six $2,500 scholarships in 2025. Each scholarship is renewed annually if the program's award criteria are met allowing for a total of $10,000 in support for 4 years of undergraduate coursework for each winner.
Evan and Erik passed away from neuroblastoma in 2010, Evan at 7 years old and Erik at 24 years old. Both were brimming with potential and destined to do great things. This program honors them and their enduring legacy. Relatives and friends of The EVAN Foundation Scholarship Committee and Board of Directors are not eligible. Recipients are selected without regard to race, religion, gender identification, sexual orientation, physical disability, ethnicity or national origin.
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Applicants must be a cancer patient/cancer survivor. They must provide tax forms from the previous year of parents and applicant, a letter from the university stating the applicant is in good standing, the last 2 years of transcripts, a diagnosis letter, 2 recommendation letters, and the total cost of attendance. Applications are accepted from March 15 to May 1, with winners announced July 1. Grants are awarded for a period of one year and may be renewed annually upon proof of continued eligibility and available funding.
The Scott Delgadillo Scholarship Program: Multiple awards are granted through this program. Scholarship funds must be used for an educational purpose: a two- or four-year college, a high school post-graduate year to prepare for college, technical or trade school, an accredited employment-training program or a post-graduate program. The scholarship funds may be used for tuition, books, housing or an expense directly related to the education experience.
Hunter Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors, community college, and four-year university students who are Leukemia/Lymphoma patients and/or are children of non-surviving Leukemia/Lymphoma patients. Applicants will be evaluated based on six items: “Will Win” attitude with respect to his or her cancer experience; quality of essays; quality of recommendations; overall story of cancer survivorship; commitment to education and financial need.
Legacy Scholarship Program: This program is for U.S. citizens who lost a parent/guardian to cancer.
The SAMFund: The SAMFund no longer awards scholarships for undergraduate tuition; however, undergrads who meet the eligibility requirements can apply for grants for other expenses (e.g., medical bills, school books, computers, etc.). Grants provided cover a wide range of post-treatment financial needs including (but not limited to): health insurance premiums, rent/mortgage assistance, car payments, insurance, or repairs, continuing education and loans, family-building expenses, gym memberships, and mental health expenses. The average grant amount is typically in the $1,500 - $2,000 range.
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Scott J. Hunter Fund Scholarship: Applicants must sign an affidavit verifying they have had cancer during their lifetime. Applicants must be enrolled, or be planning to enroll, full time in an accredited college or university. Applicants must reside within specific coverage areas in NY, NJ, FL, and GA. Applicants must be a permanent resident of one of specified counties in each state. Must be a TRIO member. Must have a GPA of 2.5 or above. Must have financial need and provide a current transcript. Must use scholarship award for continuing education at an accredited college, university or trade/technical school certificate program.
Cancer Fighter Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to graduating high school seniors who have been leaders in the fight against cancer.
Honoring Siblings: Recognizing Unseen Challenges
The impact of childhood cancer extends beyond the patient, significantly affecting siblings who often experience emotional distress and disruption to their own lives. Recognizing these challenges, some scholarships specifically support siblings of childhood cancer patients.
- Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Sibling Scholarship: Northwestern Mutual offers a scholarship for siblings of those affected by childhood cancer. Northwestern Mutual’s scholarship program is currently the only cancer-related scholarship program that honors the challenges that siblings of patients endure.
General Cancer-Related Scholarships: Broader Opportunities
In addition to scholarships specifically for survivors and siblings, many general cancer-related scholarships are available to students impacted by cancer in various ways.
FinAidSite: This website provides information about scholarships for cancer patients, cancer survivors, children of a cancer patient or survivor, students who lost a parent to cancer, and students pursuing careers in cancer treatment.
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Applicants must be cancer patients or survivors who are enrolled or accepted into an accredited college or university. Graduate students may apply as well.
Karen Baker Scholarship Fund: Applicants must be directly impacted by cancer, either by illness of applying student or immediate family member. Must graduate from a Chester County high school with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, with plan to attend a four-year accredited college. (1) $5,000 awards per academic year of college attendance, for four consecutive years, totaling $20,000.
Mesothelioma Help Scholarship Essay Contest: This essay contest is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are 18-years-old or older and are currently enrolled in a college or university located within the 50 United States or the District of Columbia.
Additional Scholarship and Grant Opportunities
Beyond the specific programs detailed above, a multitude of other scholarships and grants can provide financial assistance to students impacted by childhood cancer.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS): The LLS recognizes the challenges of planning for the future during or after cancer treatment.
Together by St. Jude: This scholarship awards $4,000 to students who have been impacted by any type of cancer.
Sandra M. Hunter Memorial Scholarship: Student must be graduating from a high school in either Ocean or Monmouth County, New Jersey. Student must be accepted as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, or vocational school. A variety of factors will be considered as part of the evaluation process, including financial need, academic excellence, community service, extracurricular activities, leadership and work experience.
Navigating the Application Process: Tips for Success
Applying for scholarships can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and attention to detail, applicants can increase their chances of success.
Start Early: Begin researching and applying for scholarships well in advance of college enrollment. Note the application deadline.
Gather Required Documents: Most applications require transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, and proof of cancer diagnosis or impact.
In general, applicants must provide a letter from a doctor stating the original diagnosis and the age the patient began treatment. Some applications may also request letters of reference from teachers, coaches, or employers. Ask these people in advance.
Craft a Compelling Essay: The essay is an opportunity to share your story, highlight your achievements, and articulate your goals.Many scholarship applications require an essay. Some will ask the same types of essay questions.
Highlight Financial Need: Many scholarships prioritize students with demonstrated financial need. A “Good Candidate” can demonstrate he/she has financial need as a direct result of his/her cancer experience; has needs that are immediate; and lacks resources/other sources of support.
Additional Resources for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities, including those with cancer-related challenges, can find additional support and resources through various organizations and programs.
The Disability Programs and Resource Center at San Francisco State University: This center has compiled a list of scholarships for students of various disabilities.
The University of Washington: The University of Washington has put together a page with tips on searching for funding for students with disabilities. In addition to links to sites offering scholarships, it also discusses other ways students might find information on funding, such as vocational rehab and other state programs. Produces Creating Options: A Resource on Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities. The edition features up-to-date information about federal financial aid programs, describes the relationship between state vocational rehabilitation agencies and the financial aid process, and lists organizations that offer disability-related grants and scholarships for postsecondary education. It also includes a list of sponsors of scholarships specifically designated for students with disabilities.
College and trade schools: College and trade schools can help you when you need accommodations for cancer-related problems. Cancer treatment and side effects will likely disrupt your regular school schedule.
Cancer patients: Cancer patients may qualify for accommodations on ACT and SAT tests.
Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship (for Study Abroad): US Citizen undergraduates who are receiving Federal Pell Grants, applying to or accepted into a study abroad or internship program approved by the student’s university. Students must be studying in the same country for at least 3 weeks, or 2 weeks for current community college students, and the country may not be in the State Department’s Travel Warning list (level 3/4 on Travel Advisory).
Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships: Allegra Ford Thomas: Be a graduating high school senior with a documented learning disorder who is planning to attend a 2 year community college, trade/vocational school, or specialized LD program, participates in school and community activities, and demonstrates financial need.
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