The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) is pleased to announce the Scholarship for Survivors, National Undergraduate Scholarship 2026, now open for applications. This scholarship is designed to support students whose educational journeys have been affected by cancer or chronic illness, yet who have demonstrated academic excellence, resilience, and a strong commitment to their future goals. Eligible students are encouraged to apply through the official application platform and submit all required materials before the deadline.

Established in 2000, the Scholarship for Survivors program is administered by the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) with oversight from its Board of Directors and Scholarship Review Committee. Through daily interactions with patients and families, PAF recognized the long-term impact of serious illness on access to higher education and created this program to honor survivors who continue to excel academically and serve their communities despite health challenges.

SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS
• Scholarship award of $3,000 per academic year o $1,500 per semester (Fall and Spring)
• Renewable for up to four consecutive years, subject to funding availability
• Maximum total award of $12,000 or until completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first
• Funds are paid directly to the college or university
• Scholarship may be used for: o Tuition o Books o Other eligible academic fees

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
• Be under 25 years of age
• Be a legal resident of the United States of America
• Have been diagnosed with and/or actively treated for cancer or a chronic illness within the past five (5) years
• Be pursuing an Associate’s degree or higher
• Be enrolled or planning to enroll as a full-time student
• Demonstrate financial need
• Submit a complete application through Kaleidoscope
Ineligible applicants include:
• Individuals whose cancer or chronic illness treatment ended more than five years ago
• Applicants under surveillance only (routine follow-ups without active treatment)

AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
• Undergraduate programs leading to:
o Associate’s Degree
o Bachelor’s Degree

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Applicants must submit the following documents through the Kaleidoscope application portal:
• Completed Scholarship for Survivors application form
• Personal essay (500–2,000 words) describing:
o How the diagnosis has impacted life, education, and future goals
• Copy of:
o College/university acceptance letter or
o List of colleges applied to (acceptance will be verified if selected)
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from non-related individuals (e.g., teachers, coaches, community leaders)
• Official academic transcript (official version required before fund disbursement)
• Completed financial information section, including:
o First two pages of the most recent tax return, or
o IRS non-filing letter and Declaration of Income Form
• Diagnosis Verification, completed by a licensed healthcare provider, confirming: o Patient name
o Diagnosis
o Date of diagnosis
o Treatment start and end dates (if applicable)

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
1. Apply online through the Kaleidoscope application platform
2. Complete all required sections of the application
3. Upload all supporting documents in full
4. Review the application carefully before submission

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Scholarship Maintenance Requirements (for selected recipients):
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
• Remain a full-time student
• Complete 20 hours of community service per year and submit supervisor verification
• Sign the Scholarship Agreement and media release
• Submit:
o A personal bio (250 words or less)
o High-resolution self-portrait/headshots (minimum 300 dpi)
• Record one (1) 30–60 second thank-you video for donors

Failure to meet any requirement may result in termination of the award and repayment of funds.
All applicants will be notified of scholarship decisions by July 2026 via email.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
March 5, 2026, by 11:59 PM (EST)


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