Scholarships for Deceased Parents 2024
Are you ready to discover meaningful scholarships for deceased parents? Unlock financial support and pave the way for a brighter future through these compassionate scholarship programs.
Overcoming financial hurdles in college after losing a parent is tough, but these scholarships offer support. As college costs rise, finding ways to afford education becomes crucial. Securing a scholarship can ease the burden if you’ve lost a parent. Recognizing the impact of your loss, various organizations provide scholarships. Discovering these opportunities before deadlines can be challenging, so we’ve researched for you.
What Types of Scholarships Are Available for Students with Deceased Parents?
Scholarships offer valuable financial aid for college students, particularly high-achieving ones. They serve as incentives for pursuing educational goals. There’s a range of scholarship opportunities catering to students who’ve lost a parent, including college scholarships, national scholarships, and school or college-specific aid. Institutions vary in their scholarships, considering race, gender, financial needs, etc.
Explore Scholarships for Students Coping with the Loss of a Parent
When seeking eligibility for scholarships, details matter. Look into scholarships related to your parent’s cause of death or consider need-based aid. Here are notable scholarships to consider:
1. Aretta J. Graham Scholarship
Eligibility: Students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of ACES.
Criteria: Open to those who have lost one or both parents, including single-parent households or student parents.
2. David J. Ewing Scholarship
Eligibility: Full-time University of North Texas students who have lost a parent.
Requirements: Alongside the application, submit two recommendation letters, transcripts, a two-page essay explaining your need, and a copy of your Student Aid Report (FAFSA).
3. W.H. ‘Howie’ McClennan Scholarship Fund
Administered by the International Association of Fire Fighters Charitable Foundation, this scholarship aids children of IAFF members who lost a parent in the line of duty. Offering $2,500 annually for up to four years, eligible applicants, whether biological or adopted children, must submit an official transcript, a statement outlining their university aspirations, and two recommendation letters by the deadline of February 1st.
4. MaryEllen Locher Foundation® Scholarship
This scholarship supports full-time students at two four-year schools whose mothers have faced breast cancer-related challenges. Eligible applicants must reside within a 50-mile radius of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Selection criteria consider grades, essays, and financial need. The scholarship is renewable annually with proper paperwork, ensuring ongoing support for recipients progressing toward their degrees. While the application form isn’t currently online, you can reach out for more details via email or phone.
5. Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund
Designed for dependents of individuals lost in the 9/11 attacks, this scholarship aids recipients at technical schools, trade schools, or two four-year colleges. Applicants younger than 24 (with exceptions for some graduate students) must be registered with the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund. Application details include an online submission and mailing or faxing additional documents. Note distinct deadlines: May 5 for full-time students and a rolling deadline for part-time or full-time students unable to meet the May 15th cutoff.
6. LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program
Offering $1,000 to $10,000, this program supports students aged 17-24 who express their experiences with parental loss through essays or videos. Apply from February 1st to March 1st, with winners announced in August. Emphasize broader family impacts and coping strategies, not just immediate challenges. Apply online or via mail.
7. Diane Dawson Memorial Scholarship
Available for Denver and Sacramento residents facing a parent’s terminal illness or passing, this scholarship grants $1,000-$3,000 per recipient. Submit by March 10th, including a death certificate or physician’s letter, two recommendations, and a one-page essay sharing your journey and resilience.
8. MedEvac Children’s Scholarship
The MedEvac Foundation International provides a $5,000 scholarship to a student whose parent suffered a severe injury or loss during an air medical/ground transport accident. Open to those enrolled in university or vocational-technical schools, eligibility extends to dependents of transport crewmembers. Applications are typically due in the fall, offering educational support during challenging times.
9. James F. Byrnes Scholarship
The James F. Byrnes Scholarship assists high school seniors and undergraduate college students who’ve lost a parent, offering up to $10,000 annually. Beyond financial aid, the program includes mentorship opportunities with professionals in various fields. Applicants share their experiences and plans through an essay, aiming to empower students with both financial and emotional support throughout their college journey.
10. Marilyn Yetso Memorial Scholarship
This one-time $2,500 scholarship supports high school seniors entering college in the fall after losing a parent. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Renewable for up to four years, recipients receive mentoring and support services, reflecting Marilyn Yetso’s commitment to aiding students through college. The scholarship underscores the university’s gratitude for students facing loss, providing essential financial assistance.
11. Vera Yip Memorial Scholarship Award
Tailored for children of deceased parents, the Vera Yip Memorial Scholarship Award assists high school seniors and college students with financial aid ranging from $500 to $2,500. Consideration involves demonstrating financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Renewable for up to four years, the scholarship covers expenses like books and supplies, helping numerous students overcome financial challenges and pursue their aspirations.
12. LIFE Lessons Scholarship
The LIFE Lessons Scholarship aids college-bound students who’ve lost a parent, offering financial assistance ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. Open to high school seniors attending an accredited college or university in the fall. Applicants provide proof of their parent’s death. Beyond financial aid, recipients benefit from mentorship and additional resources, empowering them on their educational journey. This scholarship program offers financial support and encouragement for students who’ve faced tragedy during high school, helping them realize their full potential after loss.
13. OFA/Casey Family Scholars Scholarship
Geared toward high school seniors who’ve lost a parent and plan to attend college or technical school, the OFA/Casey Family Scholars scholarship offers financial support of up to $12,500 over four years. Applicants showcase financial need, a commitment to service, and academic excellence with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and provide proof of their parent or guardian’s death. An essay highlighting how they overcame adversity in their life is also required. This scholarship is a crucial resource, assisting students affected by the loss of a parent to thrive in their college or technical school endeavors.
13. Diane Dawson Memorial Scholarship
Designed for senior high school students who have lost a parent or guardian, the Diane Dawson Memorial Scholarship grants up to $2,500 for tuition, books, and other educational expenses. Aimed at supporting students facing adversity, eligibility requires a minimum GPA of 2.5, financial need, and submission of an essay outlining academic and career plans, along with the impact of the parent’s death on their life and future goals. This scholarship recognizes the profound challenges students may encounter after losing a loved one, providing both financial aid and crucial support to pursue educational aspirations.
14. American Legion Legacy Scholarship
Offering up to $20,000, the American Legion Legacy Scholarship assists high school seniors or college students whose parents died while serving in the U.S. Military post-9/11. Eligibility requires a GPA of 2.0 or higher, U.S. citizenship, evidence of military service, and being under 25 at the time of application. Other available scholarships for students who’ve lost a parent include the Fisher House Foundation Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship Program and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation Scholarship Program, typically awarded based on financial need and merit, often renewable for multiple years.
15. Levitt Comninos Carlotti Foundation Scholarship
Providing financial aid for students who’ve lost a parent, the Levitt Comninos Carlotti Foundation Scholarship is open to U.S. students pursuing an undergraduate degree. The scholarship offers up to $5,000 annually, with a maximum annual award of $10,000. Beyond financial assistance, recipients benefit from mentorship, career guidance, support from outreach programs, including cancer survivor and family groups, and a college peer-to-peer initiative.
16. Children’s Scholarship Fund
The Children’s Scholarship Fund extends financial assistance to students who have lost one or both parents, covering tuition expenses at various private elementary and secondary schools. This program, tailored for applicants aged 5-25, requires a verifiable household income of less than $100,000 per year and residency in an eligible state or county. Alongside financial aid, the Children’s Scholarship Fund offers support services, including mentoring and college prep workshops. Grants are also available for families unable to cover the full tuition cost, addressing the financial challenges students may encounter following the death of a parent.
What Factors Determine Eligibility for Scholarships for Students with Deceased Parents?
Scholarship eligibility for students who’ve lost a parent typically involves several key criteria. Foremost, applicants are required to provide proof of the death of one of their parents or legal guardians. Financial need and academic achievement also often play pivotal roles in determining scholarship eligibility.
Beyond these fundamental criteria, some scholarships may impose requirements such as a minimum GPA or evidence of involvement in extracurricular activities. Certain programs might also request a personal statement or essay to understand the applicant’s financial and emotional challenges stemming from the loss of a parent.
Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly research the various scholarships available, familiarize yourself with their specific eligibility criteria, and ensure you meet all requirements before submitting your application via email or personal submission.
Conclusion on Scholarships for Deceased Parents
Scholarships for students who have lost a parent serve as crucial avenues of support, alleviating financial burdens and fostering educational pursuits. These scholarships, each with distinct eligibility criteria and offerings, are pivotal in empowering individuals facing the challenges of parental loss. As applicants navigate proof requirements, academic achievements, and personal statements, a careful understanding of each scholarship’s criteria becomes essential. These programs stand as beacons of assistance, providing financial aid and acknowledging students’ resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
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