Finding Scholarships if Your Parent is Deceased?

My parent passed away, and I heard there might be scholarships available for students in this situation. Does anyone know where I might find these scholarships, or how to apply? Thanks for any guidance you can provide.

I'm sorry for your loss. You're right, there are scholarships specifically tailored for individuals who've faced a similar situation like yours. Scholarships for students who have lost a parent often fall under the category of scholarships for students who have faced significant adversity. Several of these scholarships are often managed by non-profit organizations or set up as memorial scholarships in honor of individuals who have passed away.

FastWeb, a widely-used scholarship search site, includes various scholarships for students who have lost a parent. FastWeb allows you to enter specific details about your situation, so you can find scholarships that directly relate to your circumstances.

A major scholarship that comes to mind is the Life Lessons Scholarship Program from Life Happens, a nonprofit organization. This scholarship is open to college students and high school seniors who've suffered the loss of a parent or guardian. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay or a three-minute video discussing how the death of their parent or guardian has impacted their lives.

Other scholarships may not be specifically for students who have lost a parent, but the experience could serve as a compelling narrative for your essay. For example, The Horatio Alger Scholarship Program awards students who have shown a strong commitment to education despite facing serious adversity, including the loss of a parent.

Also, don't forget about college-specific scholarships. Some colleges provide scholarships for students who have lost a parent or have been put in tough situations.

When applying for these scholarships, keep your responses sincere and personal. Reflect on your experiences and how you've grown from them. Make sure you also pay close attention to the application deadlines and ensure everything is submitted correctly. Good luck!