Seeking Scholarships for Students with Parents Who Have Cancer

I'm trying to find scholarships for students whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer. It’s a challenging time for my family, and any financial support for college would help a lot. Do such scholarships exist?

Certainly, there are scholarships out there specifically intended for students who have a parent with cancer or have been affected by cancer in some fashion.

The Cancer for College scholarship, for instance, provides aid to cancer survivors and their siblings (including those with parent(s) who are battling cancer). The award varies from a few hundred dollars up to $5,000 per year, depending on the recipient's circumstances and financial need.

Then there's the Silver Pen Scholarship. Funded by Senior Living Communities, the scholarship is available to high school seniors living in communities that house the company's retirement homes. The student applicants write an essay on the challenges of aging, including stories and experiences they've learned from an older buddy. This could apply if a student's parent is battling cancer and living in one of these communities.

Similarly, the MaryEllen Locher Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships to children of breast cancer patients, either survivors or those currently under treatment.

You should also search your local community foundation's website as they often list scholarships that are open only to residents of your area. These local scholarships are less competitive because they're open to a smaller group of students.

While looking for scholarships, keep in mind that many scholarships are need-based and/or merit-based, not situation-based. This means that they're awarded based on financial need or academic achievements. So, if you need financial assistance due to your parent's illness, you would still likely qualify for many need-based scholarships.

Remember, the application process for these scholarships can involve essays about your experiences and aspirations, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation. So, make sure you give yourself adequate time to prepare your applications. Good luck in your search!