Dealing with the loss of a parent is an incredibly difficult experience, and if you’re a student, it can be further compounded by the financial strain of paying for an education. However, some organizations offer fully funded scholarships for students who have lost one or both parents.
These scholarships not only provide financial relief but also honor the memory of those lost parents. In this blog post, we will cover four fully funded scholarships specifically for students with deceased parents
LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program
Administered by the Life Happens organization, the LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program is crafted with the intent of financially supporting students who have faced the devastating loss of a parent.
Eligibility:
- Age: Between 17 and 24 years old.
- Citizenship: Legal resident of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
- Enrollment: Currently enrolled in, or accepted to, a college, university, or trade school within the US.
- Loss of parent: Experienced the death of a parent or legal guardian.
- Financial impact: Demonstrated financial hardship due to the loss of a parent.
Application:
- Deadline: March 1st annually.
- Materials:
- Completed online application form: Includes basic information about yourself, education, and the loss of your parent.
- Original 500-word essay or 3-minute video: This is the heart of your application. Share your story about losing a parent, the financial and emotional impact on you and your family, and how you’ve persevered. Highlight your academic achievements, community involvement, and future goals. Be honest, authentic, and show your resilience.
- Official transcripts: Proof of your academic performance.
- Two letters of recommendation: One from a teacher or counselor is preferred. These letters should support your academic abilities and character.
- Proof of legal residency (if applicable): Provide supporting documents as needed.
- Proof of parent’s death (if applicable): Death certificate or similar documentation.
- Submission: Online through the LIFE Happens website: https://lifehappens.org/life-lessons-scholarship-program/application/: https://lifehappens.org/life-lessons-scholarship-program/application/
It’s an opportunity for students who have had to deal with the harsh realities of life at a young age, to get some relief and a chance to focus on their academic goals.
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
Children who have experienced the loss of a parent serving in the military have a unique resource in the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. This organization is dedicated to providing scholarships and educational counseling for military children who have lost a parent during active duty.
Eligibility:
- You must be the child of a U.S. military service member who died while on active duty, in the line of duty, or as a result of injuries sustained during active duty.
- There are no age or income restrictions for receiving scholarships.
Benefits:
- Full-ride college scholarships: Fallen Patriots covers 100% of tuition and fees for qualifying students at any accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational school in the United States.
- Mentorship: You’ll be connected with a caring mentor who provides academic and personal guidance throughout your college journey.
- Educational counseling: Receive personalized support from experienced educational counselors who can help you choose the right schools and programs, navigate financial aid, and stay on track for graduation.
- Additional support: Fallen Patriots offers various additional resources, including career services, grief counseling, and emergency financial assistance.
How to Apply:
- Visit the Fallen Patriots website: https://www.fallenpatriots.org/: https://www.fallenpatriots.org/ and fill out the online application.
- You’ll need to provide basic information about yourself, your parent’s service record, and your educational goals.
Their mission is to alleviate the financial strain of college costs for these students, allowing them to focus on their academic success and future career prospects.
Read Also: Fully Funded Scholarships For Students With Sickle Cell
Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund
The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund is an initiative by Scholarship America, designed to aid those who’ve suffered significant loss due to the tragic events of September 11, 2001. This fund extends its support to the dependents of individuals who were killed or permanently disabled in the attacks and during the rescue activities that ensued.
Eligibility:
- Dependent: You must be a child, spouse, or domestic partner of someone killed or permanently disabled as a result of the September 11th attacks or the rescue and recovery efforts.
- Age: Children must be born before September 30, 2008 and enroll in a program of postsecondary study by age 24 (exceptions apply for those already enrolled). Spouses and domestic partners have no age restriction.
- Enrollment: You must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program at a two- or four-year college or university, or vocational-technical school. Graduate program funding ended in 2021.
- Financial need: Scholarships are need-based, determined by their financial needs formula.
Application Process:
- Open annually: Applications typically open in May and close in September.
- Information: Check the Scholarship America website for specific dates and deadlines: https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/familiesoffreedom/: [https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/familiesoffreedom/]
- Materials: Required documents include completed application forms, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and financial aid documents.
- Submission: Apply online through the Scholarship America website.
Through this careful assessment, the fund aims to meet the unique needs of each recipient.
FAQS
What is the dead parent scholarship in Canada?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a single “dead parent scholarship” offered across all of Canada. However, several scholarship programs exist to support students facing financial hardship due to parental loss. Here are some options:
- Provincial Government Programs: Many provinces offer need-based financial aid programs for post-secondary education, which may consider situations like parental loss. Check your home province’s student assistance website for details.
- Post-Secondary Institutions: Some universities and colleges have their own scholarship programs specifically supporting students who have lost a parent. Contact your intended institution’s financial aid office or scholarship office for information.
- Charitable Organizations: The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada offers scholarships to young adults facing various challenges, including those who have lost a parent: <invalid URL removed>: <invalid URL removed>.
- Other National Scholarships: While not specifically for parental loss, programs like the Schulich Leader Scholarships (https://schulichleaders.ca/: https://schulichleaders.ca/) consider overcoming adversity as a selection factor.
What is the easiest type of scholarship to get?
“Ease” of obtaining a scholarship is subjective and depends on various factors like competition, specific requirements, and your eligibility. However, some types tend to be less competitive:
- Local scholarships: Scholarships offered by smaller communities or organizations often have a smaller applicant pool, increasing your chances.
- Minority scholarships: Scholarships targeted towards specific demographics or underrepresented groups may face less competition.
- Essay-based scholarships: If you excel at writing compelling essays, these scholarships can be a strong option.
- Automatic scholarships: These awards based solely on academic merit or specific criteria require no separate application, so applying to schools with such offerings can be advantageous.
Remember: Every scholarship has its own criteria and competition level. Research thoroughly, highlight your strengths in your application, and don’t be discouraged by rejections. Persistence and applying to many relevant opportunities increase your chances of success.
Which scholarship gives the most money?
Scholarship amounts vary greatly, and focusing solely on the highest value might not be the best approach.
How do you get a 100% scholarship?
Full-ride scholarships are rare but exist. Here are some strategies:
- Focus on academic excellence: Maintain high grades, standardized test scores, and demonstrate academic potential.
- Explore need-based programs: Programs like the Gates Millennium Scholars and many college financial aid packages prioritize financial need.
- Apply to competitive scholarships: While demanding, these may offer large awards. Research thoroughly and present yourself exceptionally.
- Look for combined scholarships and grants: Combining multiple awards can cover full costs. Utilize scholarship search engines and consult financial aid offices for guidance.
Remember, there’s no guaranteed strategy for a full-ride. Diversify your scholarship applications, consider work-study options, and explore grants to fill potential gaps.
Which country gives the most scholarships?
It’s challenging to identify a single country offering the “most” scholarships, as factors like population size and scholarship types influence the perception. However, some countries are known for their generous scholarship programs:
- Germany: Numerous tuition-free universities and scholarships for international students.
- France: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program and other opportunities for international students.
- Austria: The OeAD scholarship program for international students at various levels.
- China: Chinese Government Scholarships for various levels of study.
Remember, scholarship availability isn’t limited to these countries. Research options based on your study goals, desired location, and eligibility criteria.
Conclusion
The loss of a parent is a tragic and life-altering event. Yet, it’s encouraging to know that numerous organizations are striving to lighten the financial burden of pursuing higher education for such students. These fully funded scholarships such as the LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program, the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, and The American Legion Auxiliary’s Dependent Scholarships, not only help to cover tuition, books, and living expenses, but they also offer support, and pay homage to the service and sacrifices made by the parents.
In conclusion, these scholarships offer more than just financial aid. They provide a means for students who have experienced such profound loss to carry on their educational journey with some semblance of stability. They give hope and empower these young individuals to focus on their futures, knowing that their dreams of higher education are achievable, despite their loss. They represent not just financial assistance, but a tribute to the service and sacrifice of the parents.
