Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure, not only affects the patients but also casts a shadow on their families, especially when it comes to educational aspirations. The financial burden of medical bills and associated costs can make higher education seem like an unattainable dream for many. However, the mesothelioma scholarship presents a beacon of hope, offering financial assistance to students affected by this disease. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of mesothelioma scholarships, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and tips for a successful application.
Understanding Mesothelioma Scholarships
Mesothelioma scholarships are specifically designed to support the educational goals of students who have been impacted by mesothelioma, either through their own diagnosis or that of a family member. These scholarships aim to alleviate some of the financial pressures that come with pursuing higher education, making it more accessible for those who have already endured so much.
The Importance of Mesothelioma Scholarships
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping one’s future, offering a pathway to personal and professional growth. Mesothelioma scholarships recognize the additional challenges faced by affected students, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their academic and career aspirations without being weighed down by financial constraints.
Scholarship Application Requirements
Students who submit full applications will be considered for the Mesothelioma.com Scholarship. The application process is broken down into four steps: determining your eligibility, writing an essay, compiling your additional documents and correctly formatting and submitting your application.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
People affected by any type of cancer, not just mesothelioma, are eligible to apply to the Mesothelioma.com scholarship. In addition to being affected by cancer, applicants must:
- Be enrolled full-time at an accredited two-year or four-year university, community college, junior college or graduate degree program in the United States
- Be a United States citizen
- Be in academic “good standing” and have a minimum grade point average of 3.2
If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Step 2: Write An Essay About Your Cancer Experience
Applicants must submit a written essay (500 – 1,000 words) or video submission (4 – 5 minutes) answering the following questions:
- How has cancer affected your life and outlook on your goals?
- How did this adversity shape who you are today?
- What would this scholarship mean to you? Why is it important?
In the top left corner of the essay document, or in the description of your video submission, please also include a header with the following information:
Format
Student Name
Date of Submission
Details of Cancer You Encountered
Field You Wish to Study
Example Student
Jordan Nguyen
March 31, 2024
Father, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Biochemistry, then Med School
Step 3: Gather Additional Documents
In addition to the essay, please submit all of the following:
- Unofficial academic transcript: Your transcript is used to verify your GPA.
- Proof of enrollment: Eligible applicants are enrolled at an accredited two-year or four-year university, community college, junior college or graduate degree program. Proof of enrollment may be an official letter verifying your enrollment, your class schedule for the current semester or a bursar bill showing your deposit. High school seniors may submit their acceptance letters if they have not yet committed to a college.
- One letter of recommendation (LOR): Your LOR should detail why you are the best candidate to receive the scholarship. Preference will be given to students whose LOR speaks to why they deserve this scholarship, specifically. We prefer students to submit their letters directly on our portal. However, if a recommender is not comfortable with this, they can email their letter directly to us at scholarships@mesothelioma.com. Instruct them to include your full name and “Letter of Recommendation” as the subject of the email. On the application portal, the student should then submit a document stating the name of their recommender.
- Honors & volunteer work: This optional document should detail any honors you have received and any volunteer work you have done. Please summarize in one document with 1 – 2 sentences for each activity. A CV or resume is an acceptable substitution.
Step 4: Format and Submit Application Using Application Form
Students can submit their application using the form further down this page. Please submit all documents in PDF format with the following naming conventions:
- LastName_Enrollment
- LastName_Essay
- LastName_HonorsVolunteerSummary
- LastName_LOR
- LastName_Transcript
Mesothelioma.com Scholarship Selection Process
For the Fall 2024 Mesothelioma.com Scholarship, all applications are due by 11:59 PM EST March 31, 2024. All entries will be reviewed by the staff at Mesothelioma.com once the deadline passes. The winner will be chosen based on:
- Commitment to academic excellence
- Financial need
- Positive impact the applicant has had on those around them
- Quality of their submitted materials
- Strength in the face of adversity
The student who is awarded the $4,000 scholarship will be notified no later than May 1, 2024. Funds will be disbursed to the student’s school for the Fall 2024 semester. The winner will then be announced through Mesothelioma.com’s social network of over 50,000 followers. Mesothelioma.com will only contact the winner of the scholarship.
Any attempt to falsify claims in an applicant’s story will result in immediate disqualification.
04. Apply Here
Mesothelioma.com Scholarship Application Form
Applications for the 2024 scholarship are now open. The application deadline is March 31, 2024.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to gather all necessary documents and craft a compelling essay.
- Be Authentic: Share your personal story in a genuine and heartfelt manner. Your unique experiences and resilience can set you apart.
- Focus on Positivity and Aspirations: While it’s important to discuss the challenges of mesothelioma, also highlight your hopes, dreams, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
- Proofread and Revise: Ensure your application is free from errors and clearly communicates your message.
- Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask for input from teachers, mentors, or family members.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma scholarships serve as a vital resource for students touched by this devastating disease, offering them a chance to pursue their educational dreams without the added stress of financial hardship. By providing support and recognition of their struggles, these scholarships can help empower students to build a brighter future. If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges of mesothelioma while aspiring to higher education, consider applying for a mesothelioma scholarship. It could be the first step toward achieving your educational and career goals.
Remember, the journey to higher education, even under the shadow of mesothelioma, is a testament to resilience and determination. With the support of mesothelioma scholarships, the dream of a college degree becomes more accessible, lighting the way for a hopeful future.