Continuing your studies after the loss of a parent to cancer can be challenging, particularly if your parents did not have life insurance or savings set aside for your education. Regardless of your age, being a dependent child or young adult without parents who harbors grand educational aspirations. And this often means getting stuck in low-income part-time jobs just to make ends meet. For single parents, it falls upon you to provide financial assistance, but unfortunately, it is sometimes insufficient. Fortunately, there are scholarships for students who lost a parent to cancer that you can apply for.
If you are currently enrolled in college or an undergraduate program, these scholarships designed for students who have lost a parent can be an excellent means of covering your tuition expenses. Even if you have experienced the loss of a parent, you may still be eligible to apply for scholarships based on financial need and the impact of this familial loss.
These scholarships typically require you to submit a detailed application outlining the circumstances surrounding the death of their family member. If awarded, the scholarship can provide financial assistance or a monetary prize based on your demonstrated financial need.
Can You Get a Scholarship for Losing a Parent to Cancer?
Scholarship programs offer financial aid to students who have experienced the loss of a parent, but the eligibility criteria can vary among different programs. If you have lost a parent, you may qualify for scholarships based on factors such as your academic performance, test scores, financial need, or other relevant considerations.
It’s often advisable to explore scholarships specifically designed for students who have lost a parent. These specialized scholarships may include those for students who have lost a parent, scholarships for students with disabilities resulting from the death of a parent, or scholarships for students who are caring for special-needs children of deceased parents. You may discover scholarship opportunities through foundations or organizations that provide financial assistance based on the accomplishments and contributions of deceased parents.
Are there any special considerations for this type of scholarship?
When it comes to scholarships for students who have lost a parent, there are no specific considerations or requirements. However, you want to perform comprehensive research on available scholarships before applying. This allows you to find the ones that align best with your needs, interests, and educational goals.
Applicants are advised to seek scholarships that not only provide financial support but also resonate with their personal circumstances and aspirations. Taking the time to explore and select the most suitable scholarships increases your chances of obtaining the necessary funding for your education.
Best Scholarships for Students Who Lost a Parent to Cancer
Numerous scholarship programs are categorized as merit-based, implying that you must show exceptional academic achievements to be eligible for consideration. Apart from financial need and the loss of a family member, students can also apply for scholarships based on their academic merit, career objectives, community service, or other significant factors that resonate with them. Some scholarships require you to submit essays, letters of recommendation, interviews, or a combination of these elements to determine the final recipients of the scholarship.
that said, below is a list of scholarships for students who lost a parent to cancer:
1. W. H. Howie McClennan Scholarship
Your first consideration should be the W. H. “Howie” McClennan scholarship designed for students who have experienced the loss of a parent to cancer. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and a commitment to community service. The scholarship award amount ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per year and can be renewed for up to four years.
Applicants for this scholarship are encouraged to submit letters of recommendation and an essay that outlines their goals and future plans. Leadership skills, personal growth, and positive contributions to society are additional qualities that are highly regarded in the selection process. The W. H. “Howie” McClennan scholarship serves as valuable assistance for students seeking to achieve their college goals despite the loss of a loved one.
2. James F. Byrnes Scholarship
James F. Byrnes offers one of the scholarships for students who lost a parent to cancer available to high school seniors and undergraduate college students who demonstrate both financial need and academic excellence.
The scholarship grants up to $10,000 annually to cover educational expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and living costs. Along with financial aid, the program also presents opportunities for mentorship with accomplished professionals in various fields.
You are required to submit an essay sharing your experiences of your parent’s death and outlining your future plans. This program will empower you with both financial and emotional support throughout your college journey.
3. Marilyn Yetso Memorial Scholarship
Add the Marilyn Yetso Memorial Scholarship to your bucket list of scholarships for students who lost a parent to cancer. This scholarship is a single grant of $2,500 specifically designated for students whose parent has passed away. It is open to high school seniors who will be enrolling in college during the upcoming fall semester. To be eligible, applicants must exhibit financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
If you maintain satisfactory academic progress, the scholarship can be renewed for a maximum of four years. Recipients will receive mentoring and support services to ensure their success in college. This scholarship aims to pay tribute to Marilyn Yetso’s commitment to assisting students throughout their college journey.
4. Vera Yip Memorial Scholarship Award
How about Vera Yip Memorial Scholarship Award? It is also the perfect opportunity that offers financial assistance to students who have lost a parent. This scholarship is available to both high school seniors and college students who require support to pay for their college education.
The eligibility criteria requires you to show financial need, academic excellence, and community involvement. The scholarship amount can range from $500 to $2,500 and can be renewed for up to four years. It can be utilized to cover various expenses, including books and supplies, as well as living expenses. This scholarship program has played a crucial role in assisting numerous students in overcoming financial obstacles and accomplishing their educational goals.
5. LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program
LIFE Lessons Scholarship program is always a great idea, especially when looking for multiple options that offer financial assistance for someone who has experienced loss of a parent. As an applicant, you are required to provide evidence of their parent’s passing, such as a death certificate, newspaper article, or obituary.
The scholarship amount provided through this program varies from $2,500 to $15,000 and can be used to cover college expenses, including tuition, books, fees, and room and board. In addition to financial aid, recipients of this scholarship are offered mentorship and other resources to support them throughout their educational journey. The primary objective of this scholarship program is to offer financial assistance and guidance to students who have faced a tragedy during their high school years, enabling them to reach their full potential despite their loss.
6. OFA/Casey Family Scholars Scholarship
You can also apply for OFA/Casey Family Scholars scholarship to restore your aspirations of attending college or technical school. Over a span of 4 years, the scholarship grants you a maximum of $12,500.
Eligible applicants must demonstrate both financial need and a dedication to service and academic excellence. They must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and provide documentation verifying the passing of their parent or guardian. A key requirement of this scholarship is the completion of an essay highlighting the ways in which the applicants have triumphed over adversity in their lives. This scholarship stands as one among numerous programs aimed at supporting students affected by parental loss, empowering them to flourish in their collegiate or technical pursuits.
OFA/Casey Family scholarship plays a pivotal role in helping students surmount obstacles. It allows them to concentrate on their studies unhindered by financial burdens, enabling their academic progress. In essence, the OFA/Casey Family Scholars scholarship is an essential initiative that provides crucial assistance to students who have endured personal loss.
7. Diane Dawson Memorial Scholarship
At the Diane Dawson Memorial scholarship, you get a maximum of $2,500 to cover expenses related to tuition, books, and other educational needs. Its primary objective is to provide assistance to students who are facing challenging circumstances, enabling them to pursue their educational aspirations. Alongside financial aid, scholarship recipients also benefit from the guidance and support provided by school counselors and college representatives.
You need to present proof that you have financial needs and must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 to qualify for this scholarship. You are also required to submit an essay outlining your academic and career plans, as well as how the passing of your parent has influenced your life and future objectives. This scholarship acknowledges the significant impact that the loss of a loved one can have on students and aims to empower them in their pursuit of educational goals.
8. American Legion Legacy Scholarship
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship is designed to assist high school seniors or college students whose parent passed away while serving in the U.S. Military after 9/11/2001. This scholarship offers a maximum amount of $20,000. Eligible students must have a high school or college transcript reflecting a grade point average of 2.0 or higher, demonstrate financial need, be a U.S. citizen, provide proof of military service, and be under the age of 25 at the time of application.
Additional scholarships available for students who have lost a parent include the Fisher House Foundation Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship Program and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation Scholarship Program. These scholarships are typically awarded based on both financial need and merit, and they can often be renewed for multiple years.
9. Levitt Comninos Carlotti Foundation Scholarship
Levitt Comninos Carlotti Foundation is another reliable scholarship for students who lost a parent to cancer. This scholarship is open to undergraduate students pursuing a degree in any field of study. Qualified students can receive up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum annual award of $10,000. Recipients of this scholarship benefit from the foundation’s dedicated team of professionals who provide mentorship and career guidance throughout their college years. Alongside financial aid, scholarship recipients also gain support from the foundation’s outreach programs, which encompass cancer survivor and family support groups as well as a college peer-to-peer program.
10. Children’s Scholarship Fund
You should join in the application for the Children’s Scholarship Fund. The program will cover your tuition if you attend private elementary and secondary schools. It offers valuable support services like mentoring and college prep workshops. You must be aged between 5 and 25, have a verifiable household income of less than $100,000 per year, and reside in an eligible state or county.
Apart from offering financial aid, the Children’s Scholarship Fund also provides grants to families unable to afford the full cost of tuition. This program aims to alleviate the financial burden that students may experience following the death of their parent(s).
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships for Students Who Lost a Parent to Cancer
Scholarships for students whose parent’s death is due to cancer or other unfortunate causes have specific eligibility criteria. These requirements generally involve providing documentation to verify the death of one of the applicant’s parents or legal guardians. Financial needs and academic achievements are often considered when determining eligibility for these scholarships.
Some scholarships may also require a minimum GPA or evidence of involvement in extracurricular activities. Applicants may be asked to submit a personal statement or essay to demonstrate the financial and emotional hardships they have faced as a result of losing a parent.
You also want to thoroughly research the available scholarships on your part and carefully review their eligibility criteria before applying. This can be done by reading the scholarship details online or contacting the scholarship provider via email or personal submission.
Read also: Pell Grants for Students with Deceased Parent
