American Cancer Society Announces Scholarship Program

The scholarships may be used for enrollment and attendance tuition, fees, and books required for course instruction at an accredited college, university, community college, or vocational/technical school.

Salem-News.com

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - There are very few times in a person's life more traumatic than the day they hear the words: "You have cancer.” In an instant, their lives turn upside down and they are faced with a myriad of decisions, questions and fears.

Now imagine hearing those words and being a young child whose only concerns should be too much homework or if the holidays will ever get here.

For those youngsters who have gone through the trauma of a cancer diagnosis, the American Cancer Society has developed a program that will take some of the concern from their shoulders as they approach their college years. The Society's Cancer Survivor College Scholarship Program is designed to help students who have been diagnosed with cancer pay for part of their tuition.

According to Abby Wadlow, childhood and family support manager for the American Cancer Society, the Cancer Survivor College Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance for young cancer survivors as they pursue their post secondary education. The possible lifetime award is for up to $10,000 per student, offered in increments of $2,500 per academic year.

The scholarships may be used for enrollment and attendance tuition, fees, and books required for course instruction at an accredited college, university, community college, or vocational/technical school.

To be eligible to apply for the scholarships, the students must be cancer survivors diagnosed before the age of 21. Students must be 25 or younger at the time of submitting the application, graduating from a high school and/or continuing college in the upcoming school year, a U.S. citizen and resident of one of the Society's Great West Division states, have a 2.5 GPA, and be a full time student.

"Going through a cancer experience can not only have a physical and emotional effect on a patient and their family, but also a financial impact,” says Wadlow.

"The scholarship program is designed to lessen that burden on the student and their family.”

To apply for an application packet or for any questions, call 1-800-ACS-2345.