Scholarships for Students with Special Circumstances

Life Lessons Scholarship Program

http://www.lifehappens.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=584&Itemid

The loss of a parent or guardian is one of life's most difficult ordeals. The emotional strain can be devastating to children and young adults. And for too many families, an untimely death also brings financial stress, making recovery all the more difficult.

Recognizing the character and perseverance that so many young people show in the face of such adversity, the LIFE Foundation sponsors the LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program for college students and college-bound high school seniors. Qualified entrants who submit essays or videos about how the death of a parent or guardian impacted their lives are eligible for $65,000 in scholarship money.

Qualifications: The “LIFE Lessons” Scholarship Program is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia, who are between 17 and 24 years of age, have experienced the death of a parent or legal guardian, and are currently enrolled in, or have been accepted to, a college, university or trade school within the fifty (50) United States or District of Columbia. Employees of Life and Health Insurance Foundation for Education (“LIFE” or “Sponsor”), Weber Shandwick, and their respective parents, affiliates, subsidiaries, and advertising, and promotion agencies, and any such employee’s immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses) and those living in their same households, whether or not related, are not eligible to enter or win a prize. A minor should have a parent’s or legal guardian’s permission to enter. Void where prohibited by law. Contest is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Deadline for Application: Typically in Mid April, please visit website after March 1st for further information.

 

World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship

http://www.hesc.com/content.nsf/SFC/2/NYS_World_Trade_Center_Memorial_Scholarship

The NYS World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship guarantees access to a college education for the families and financial dependents of innocent victims who died or were severely and permanently disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States of America and the resulting rescue and recovery efforts.

Qualifications: Students must:

• Be children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased or severely and permanently disabled victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States or the subsequent rescue and recovery operations. This includes victims at the World Trade Center site, at the Pentagon, or on flights 11, 77, 93, or 175.
• Be survivors of the terrorist attacks who are severely and permanently disabled as a result of injuries sustained in the attacks or the subsequent rescue and recovery operations.
• Study at an approved postsecondary institution in New York State
• Have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a GED, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department
• Be enrolled as a full-time student taking 12 or more credits per semester
• Be matriculated in an approved program of study and be in good academic standing
• Have at least a cumulative "C" average after receipt of two annual payments
• Not be in default on a student loan guaranteed by HESC or on any repayment of state awards

Deadline for Application: May 1st annually, please see website for specific submission information.

 

Lee Dubin Scholarship Fund

http://www.colage.org/programs/academic/leedubin.htm

Qualifications: Applicants must have one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender parent(s) or guardian(s). Be enrolled in an accredited post secondary institution and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Deadline for Application: Typically May1st, please visit website for further information

 

September 11 Scholarship Alliance Families of Freedom Scholarship

http://www.familiesoffreedom.org/students_and_families.php

Qualifications: This fund benefits dependent children and spouses of 9/11 victims, including:

airplane crew and passengers, World Trade Center and Pentagon workers, visitors, relief workers, firefighters, emergency medical and law enforcement personnel. 

Deadline for Application: Typically in mid-May, please visit website for further information