By tamara
Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? It’s also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Lupus Awareness Month, and National Diabetes Month. With all these causes to choose from, there should be no problem finding something to do this month. Whether you enjoy walking, running, or biking, check your local chapters to see how you can get involved and help make a difference in your community. For those of you who deal with these issues on a daily basis, there are also a myriad of scholarships to help you cover your college expenses. Just check out a few of the programs that we’ve uncovered.
Domestic Violence Scholarships
Women’s Independence Scholarship Program
The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program helps survivors of intimate partner abuse pay for a college degree or technical certificate that will in turn help them to secure employment and personal independence. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Deadline: Rolling.
Women’s Opportunity Awards Program
Soroptimist International offers several scholarships with a cause annually to women who provide support for their dependent children and have not yet obtained a graduate degree. Students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program or a vocational training program. Regional scholarships range in value from $5,000 to $10,000 each. Deadline: November 15.
Diabetes Scholarships
Team Type 1 Foundation Scholarship
Talented, young NCAA or NAIA athletes with Type 1 diabetes may be eligible for this $5,000 renewable scholarship. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, promote good health, and demonstrate an ability to balance academics and athletics. Deadline: February 20.
Thomas J. Seefred Trust Scholarship
College students between the ages of 18 and 25, who suffer from juvenile diabetes and are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, may be eligible for up to $3,000 through this scholarship program. Students must be residents of Ohio and be in good academic standing. Deadline: April 1.
Diabetes, Incorporated Scholarship
High school seniors who have diabetes or have an immediate family member with diabetes may be eligible for this $1,000 scholarship. Students (or immediate family members) must be current members of Diabetes, Incorporated ($10 annually). Deadline: April 15.
Breast Cancer Scholarships
Pink Ribbon Scholarship
Managed by the El Dorado Community Foundation, this $2,000 scholarship is open to students who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or have had an immediate family member diagnosed with breast cancer. Students must attend a high school in El Dorado County, California. Deadline: March 2.
Lupus Scholarships
Michael Jon Barlin Scholarship
The Florida Chapter of The Lupus Foundation of America provides one $5,000 scholarship annually to a college student who is affected by lupus. The student must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher and be a primary resident of Florida. Deadline: May 31.
L.I.F.E. Scholarship
Current college students who are diagnosed with lupus may be eligible for this $500 award. Students must be enrolled at least part-time, maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate their commitment to their communities by participating in at least one extracurricular activity. Deadline: July 1.
All Medical Disabilities
Buckfire & Buckfire Disability Scholarship
Current undergraduates with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher may apply for this $1,000 scholarship. Students must be legal U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and be diagnosed with a medical disability. Deadline: November 1.
Rodger and Rhea Weaver Catastrophic Diseases Survivor Endowment
This $750 scholarship is open to high school and undergraduate students who are survivors of a catastrophic disease, such as breast cancer or diabetes. Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. One award offered annually. Deadline: February 1.
Ashley Tamburri Scholarship
High school seniors served by the Ashley Foundation may be eligible for this $1,000 renewable scholarship. Students must be a cancer survivor or be currently receiving cancer treatment. Deadline: February 15.
Scholarship for Survivors
The Patient Advocate Foundation provides scholarships ($3,000 each) to support students who have been diagnosed with or treated for cancer (or another life threatening illness) within the past five years. Students must be under the age of 25 and pursuing an undergraduate degree. Deadline: February 27.
Inheritance of Hope Legacy Scholarship
College-bound high school seniors who are living with a life-threatening or terminal illness may be eligible for this $1,000 scholarship. Deadline: May 31
If you are a survivor or currently battling a physical or mental illness, be sure to check with your college’s financial aid department to see what assistance may be available to you. You should also reach out to local hospitals, support groups, and charitable organizations to see if they offer scholarships with a cause.