The death of a parent is a difficult ordeal to endure, particularly when coupled with the economic burden it often entails. A beacon of hope can be found in scholarships targeted towards students who have lost a parent.
Many organizations recognize the immense struggle such students face, and offer fully funded scholarships to provide financial relief. This blog post will explore some notable fully funded scholarships designed for students who have lost a parent.
The LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program
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The LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program is an initiative of the Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (LIFE). This program is dedicated to students who have suffered the loss of a parent or guardian and are consequently grappling with financial difficulties.
Eligibility:
- US citizen or permanent resident between 17 and 24 years old.
- Experienced the death of a parent or legal guardian.
- Currently enrolled in, or accepted to, an accredited US college, university, or trade school.
Application Process:
- Application period typically runs from February 1 to March 1 each year.
- Requires submitting an original 500-word essay or 3-minute video discussing how your parent’s death impacted your life financially and emotionally.
- Additional materials like transcripts and letters of recommendation might be required.
- Applications are reviewed by a panel of judges based on academic achievement, financial need, essay/video quality, and demonstrated perseverance.
Benefits:
- Financial assistance towards tuition and other educational expenses.
- Recognition and validation of your experiences and resilience.
- Potential networking and mentorship opportunities through the Life Happens community.
Depending on the nature and impact of the student’s story, expressed through a written essay of 500 words or a three-minute video, scholarships of amounts between $5,000 and $15,000 are awarded. A distinct feature of the LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program is its inclusivity. It caters to students enrolled in any form of higher education – universities, community colleges, or vocational schools, thus ensuring a wide range of students can benefit from it.
The Children’s Fund, Inc. Scholarship Program
The Children’s Fund, Inc. offers the Matthew Silverman Memorial Scholarship, a heartfelt tribute to a young man, Matthew Silverman, who devastatingly lost his life to suicide. This scholarship is uniquely designed for high school seniors who have experienced the heart-wrenching loss of a parent or sibling.
Benefits:
- Financial assistance towards tuition and educational expenses.
- Potential mentorship and support opportunities.
Application Process:
- Deadlines and application procedures vary by program.
- Contact the specific program you’re interested in for application details.
Applicants are expected to display a strong dedication to their education and a significant involvement in community service. The Matthew Silverman Memorial Scholarship offers a comprehensive coverage of educational expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation and meal costs, textbooks, and other necessary supplies.
Read Also: Fully Funded Scholarships For Short Structured Students
The New York Life Foundation’s Grief Reach Program
Aiding students who have faced the tragic loss of a parent or guardian, the Grief Reach Program is a valuable initiative by The New York Life Foundation. This scholarship program places a significant focus on assisting those who are traditionally underrepresented in the realms of higher education, specifically targeting students from minority and low-income groups.
Who is eligible to apply?
- Non-profit organizations throughout the United States with a minimum of three years of experience providing grief support services to children and youth.
- Priority is given to organizations serving underserved communities and offering innovative or culturally competent programs.
What types of grants are available?
- Two grant levels:
- Capacity Building Grants: $10,000-$20,000 awarded to establish or expand grief support programs.
- Programmatic Grants: Up to $25,000 for existing programs demonstrating effectiveness in serving bereaved youth.
How to apply:
- Applications typically open in the spring and close in the fall.
- Visit the NAGC website for specific deadlines and application materials
By providing financial support, the Grief Reach Program helps these students to cross the economic barriers that could potentially hinder their academic progression. But it doesn’t stop there. In addition to offering monetary assistance for their educational pursuits, the Grief Reach Program also extends its support beyond the financial sphere.
FAQS
What is the scholarship for a deceased parent in Canada?
One scholarship available in Canada for students who have lost a parent is the Horatio Alger Association of Canada Scholarship Program. While not specifically designated for students with deceased parents, this program supports students who have overcome adversity, including the loss of a parent, and provides financial assistance for post-secondary education.
What is the deceased parent scholarship in Texas?
There are several scholarships in Texas that may be available to students who have lost a parent, but there isn’t a specific scholarship with the name “deceased parent scholarship.” However, students in Texas can explore various financial aid opportunities, including state-funded grants, university-specific scholarships, and private scholarships offered by organizations.
What is Queen scholarship?
The term “Queen scholarship” could refer to various scholarships, depending on the context. It may refer to scholarships offered by Queen’s University in Canada or scholarships with the word “Queen” in their title, such as the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship or Queen’s Commonwealth Scholarship.
What is kinship scholarship?
Kinship scholarships are financial awards designed to support students who are part of kinship care arrangements, where relatives or close family friends assume primary caregiving responsibilities for children whose parents are unable to care for them. These scholarships aim to provide financial assistance to help these students pursue their educational goals.
What is Sankofa scholarship?
The Sankofa scholarship may refer to scholarships offered by various organizations or institutions with a focus on African or African-American heritage and culture. “Sankofa” is a word in the Akan language of Ghana, symbolizing the importance of learning from the past to move forward.
Conclusion
The loss of a parent is a harrowing experience that no child should ever have to endure. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that many students face not only the emotional trauma associated with such a loss but also the subsequent financial strain.
This crucial financial aid helps to ensure that these deserving students have every opportunity to thrive in their academic pursuits and overcome their circumstances. To any student who has lost a parent and is grappling with financial difficulties, exploring these scholarships could provide a pathway to higher education that may otherwise seem unattainable. The road ahead may be challenging, but with the right support, the journey can lead to a promising future.
