Scholarships for Deceased Parents - A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aid and Support in 2024!

Are you prepared to explore impactful scholarships for deceased parents? Unlock financial assistance and chart a brighter future through these compassionate scholarship programs.

Navigating the financial challenges of college following the loss of a parent can be challenging, but these scholarships are here to provide support. With the increasing cost of education, finding avenues to afford college has become essential. Acquiring a scholarship can alleviate the financial strain resulting from losing a parent. Numerous organizations understand the impact of such a loss and offer scholarships to assist. Uncovering these opportunities before their deadlines can be daunting, so we’ve researched for you.

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What Types of Scholarships Are Available for Students with Deceased Parents?

Scholarships provide crucial financial assistance for college students, especially those with high academic achievements, serving as motivators for educational pursuits. A diverse array of scholarship opportunities exists for students who have lost a parent, encompassing college scholarships, national programs, and aid specific to individual schools or colleges. Institutions offer varying scholarships, considering factors such as race, gender, financial needs, and more.

Explore Scholarships for Students Coping with the Loss of a Parent

When determining eligibility for scholarships, paying attention to details is crucial. Explore scholarships that align with your parent’s cause of death or consider options based on financial need. Here are notable scholarships worth considering:

1. Aretta J. Graham Scholarship

– Eligibility: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, College of ACES students.

– Criteria: Open to individuals who have experienced the loss of one or both parents, including those in single-parent households or student parents.

2. David J. Ewing Scholarship

– Eligibility: Full-time students at the University of North Texas who have lost a parent.

– Requirements: Alongside the application, submit two recommendation letters, transcripts, a two-page essay detailing 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 supports children of IAFF members who lost a parent in the line of duty. Eligible applicants, whether biological or adopted children, can receive $2,500 annually for up to four years. To apply, students must submit an official transcript, a statement outlining their university aspirations, and two recommendation letters by the February 1st deadline.

4. MaryEllen Locher Foundation

The MaryEllen Locher Foundation® Scholarship assists 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 is unavailable online, interested individuals can obtain more details via email or phone.

5. Families of Freedom Scholarship

The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund is designed for dependents of individuals lost in the 9/11 attacks. This scholarship supports recipients at technical schools, trade schools, or two four-year colleges. Applicants under 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

The LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program offers financial support from $1,000 to $10,000. Targeted at students aged 17-24, applicants express their experiences with parental loss through essays or videos. The application period is from February 1st to March 1st, with winners announced in August. Emphasis should be on broader family impacts and coping strategies, not just immediate challenges. Applications can be submitted online or via mail.

7. Diane Dawson Memorial Scholarship

The Diane Dawson Memorial Scholarship is available for Denver and Sacramento residents facing a parent’s terminal illness or passing. This scholarship grants $1,000-$3,000 per recipient, and the submission deadline is March 10th. Requirements include a death certificate or physician’s letter, two recommendations, and a one-page essay sharing the applicant’s journey and resilience.

8. MedEvac Children’s Scholarship

The MedEvac Children’s Scholarship, provided by the MedEvac Foundation International, offers 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, providing educational support during challenging times.

9. James F. Byrnes Scholarship

The James F. Byrnes Scholarship supports high school seniors and undergraduate college students who have experienced the loss of a parent, offering annual assistance of up to $10,000. This program goes beyond financial aid by incorporating mentorship opportunities with professionals across different fields. Applicants are encouraged to share their personal experiences and future plans through an essay to empower students with financial assistance and emotional support throughout their college journey.

10. Marilyn Yetso Memorial Scholarship

This single-time $2,500 scholarship aids high school seniors entering college in the subsequent fall after experiencing the loss of a parent. Applicants are required to showcase financial need and sustain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Renewable for four years, awardees receive mentoring and support services, embodying Marilyn Yetso’s dedication to assisting students throughout their college journey. The scholarship underscores the university’s appreciation for students navigating loss, offering crucial financial aid.

11. Vera Yip Memorial Scholarship Award

Designed for individuals who have lost a parent, the Vera Yip Memorial Scholarship Award provides financial assistance to high school seniors and college students, ranging from $500 to $2,500. Eligibility criteria include demonstrating financial need, academic excellence, and community engagement. Renewable for a maximum of four years, this scholarship alleviates financial burdens such as expenses for books and supplies, enabling numerous students to overcome financial challenges and pursue their educational goals.

12. LIFE Lessons Scholarship

The LIFE Lessons Scholarship provides financial aid to college-bound students who have experienced the loss of a parent, offering assistance ranging from $2,500 to $15,000. It is open to high school seniors planning to attend an accredited college or university in the fall, requiring applicants to provide proof of their parent’s death. In addition to the financial support, recipients of this scholarship benefit from mentorship and additional resources, empowering them on their educational journey. This program is crucial in offering financial assistance and encouragement to students who have faced tragedy during high school, helping them realize their full potential after loss.

13. OFA/Casey Family Scholars Scholarship

The OFA/Casey Family Scholars Scholarship is directed towards high school seniors who have lost a parent and are preparing to attend college or technical school, offering financial support of up to $12,500 over four years. Eligible applicants demonstrate financial need, a commitment to service, and academic excellence with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and provide evidence of their parent or guardian’s death. An essay highlighting how they overcame adversity in their life is also required. This scholarship serves as a vital resource, aiding students affected by the loss of a parent to thrive in their college or technical school endeavors.

14. Diane Dawson Memorial Scholarship

The Diane Dawson Memorial Scholarship, designed for senior high school students who have lost a parent or guardian, 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.

15. American Legion Legacy Scholarship

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship offers up to $20,000, assisting 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.

16. Levitt Comninos Carlotti Foundation Scholarship

The Levitt Comninos Carlotti Foundation Scholarship provides financial aid for students who’ve lost a parent and 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.

17. The 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, 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 criteria for students who have experienced the loss of a parent typically encompass several key components. Primarily, applicants are mandated to furnish evidence confirming the death of one of their parents or legal guardians. Financial need and academic accomplishment are crucial determinants in assessing scholarship eligibility.

Apart from these foundational criteria, certain scholarships may impose additional requisites, including maintaining a minimum GPA or providing proof of participation in extracurricular activities. Some programs may also require a personal statement or essay, aiming to comprehend the applicant’s financial and emotional challenges from losing a parent.

Therefore, it is imperative to conduct comprehensive research on the various scholarships available, acquaint oneself with their specific eligibility criteria, and ensure that all requirements are met before proceeding to submit the application, whether through email or personal submission.

Conclusion on Scholarships for Deceased Parents

Scholarships designed for students who have experienced the loss of a parent play a vital role in offering essential support, easing financial challenges, and facilitating their educational journeys. These scholarships, each characterized by unique eligibility criteria and benefits, are pivotal in empowering individuals confronting the difficulties associated with parental loss. As applicants navigate through proof requirements, academic accomplishments, and personal statements, a thorough understanding of the specific criteria for each scholarship becomes crucial. In essence, these programs serve as guiding lights, extending financial assistance and recognizing the resilience and determination demonstrated by students in the face of adversity.

Scholarships for Deceased Parents – A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Aid and Support in 2024!