As college-bound students enter their final year, they face many challenges. But these challenges rarely reach the same difficulty that is dealing with a serious illness such as cancer. Being diagnosed with this disease can have a devastating effect on a student’s family and academic career. Besides the physical aspect of fighting cancer, there are also psychological issues that can affect a student’s academic performance.
Many students who are fighting cancer often feel that their education is no longer a priority. The high cost of cancer treatment also makes it appear that attending college is no longer an option. However, there are various organizations that are dedicated to helping cancer survivors and students afford a college education.
Federal Sources
Although the federal government doesn’t provide scholarships for cancer patients, there are various grants that are available to these students. These grants are need-based and are designed to help cancer patients and their families pay for their college expenses. Some of the programs that are available to cancer patients include the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
Private Scholarships
Most scholarships for cancer survivors and patients are funded by the private sector. There are also various groups that provide financial assistance to students who are fighting the disease. To find the best scholarships for cancer patients, students should first look for support groups and organizations that are related to their disease.
Craig Pollard established Cancer for College in 1993. The organization provides various scholarships that are ranging from $250 to $4,000. The organization is based in California, and its primary focus is on cancer survivors and patients from within the state.
The Cancer Survivors Fund is a charitable organization that provides financial assistance to cancer patients and survivors. In addition to a comprehensive medical history, applicants must also submit an essay that describes their experience with the disease.
The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation is a leading organization that provides support and resources to breast cancer patients in New York’s Hudson Bay area. It also offers peer-to-peer counseling and financial assistance.
The Patient Advocate Foundation also provides scholarships to cancer survivors. In order to be eligible for the scholarship, students must be under 25 years old, have a valid medical history, and be enrolled full-time at an approved university or college. Recipients must also agree to perform 20 hours of community service each year.
The American Cancer Society is a prominent organization in the US. Through its Youth Cancer Survivor College Scholarship program, it provides financial assistance to students who were diagnosed with cancer before they turned 21.