Collin Wehr Scholarship

Financial assistance for young cancer survivors or siblings of children who lost their battle with pediatric cancer to pursue post-secondary education.

Background

Inspired by Collin Wehr, who ended his battle with pediatric cancer in March 2013. Collin visited Halas Hall in 2011 to fulfill his wish of being an NFL Network reporter. The Wehr family became a permanent part of the Bears family, and this scholarship serves as a tribute to this special young man.

Award Details

• Type: One-time, non-renewable scholarship
• Use: Tuition, books, and room and board at accredited institution
• Geographic Scope: Illinois residents and northwest Indiana residents
• Payment: Bears pays scholarship directly to the academic institution once enrollment is confirmed

Eligibility Requirements

• Survivor of pediatric cancer, currently receiving treatment for pediatric cancer, OR sibling of a child who lost their battle with pediatric cancer
• Cancer diagnosis before time of application
• Applicant must be younger than age 23 at time of application
• Currently completing senior year of high school and/or scheduled to graduate during school year OR currently enrolled in accredited institution
• Accepted without condition to accredited university, college, community college, or vocational technical school
• Must become full-time student during upcoming academic year
• U.S. citizen and resident of Illinois or northwest Indiana

Important Notes

• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
• Applicants must verify cancer history; those not meeting criteria are ineligible
• Essay responses, community service summary, and reference letters become property of Chicago Bears and may be used in promotional material
• Official transcripts required (from 9th grade through most recently completed semester)
• Unofficial transcripts not accepted
• Parents/Guardians of applicants under 18 must initial, check, and date form

Contact Information

• Mailing Address: Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc., ATTN: Collin Wehr Scholarship, 1920 Football Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60045

How to Apply

There are two methods to apply:

Method 1: Mail-In Application

1. Download the PDF form from the website
2. Complete all required fields
3. Gather supporting documents (see required materials below)
4. Mail completed application and documents to:
   • Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc.
   • ATTN: Collin Wehr Scholarship
   • 1920 Football Drive
   • Lake Forest, IL 60045

Method 2: Online Application

1. Complete the online form on the Chicago Bears website
2. Submit all required supporting documents as indicated

Required Materials

• Official transcript(s) with signature and/or official school seal showing final grades from 9th grade through most recently completed semester of high school (unofficial transcripts not accepted)
• Proof of cancer diagnosis (for survivor or sibling eligibility verification)
• Essay responses (become property of Chicago Bears)
• Community service summary
• Reference letters
• Proof of acceptance to accredited institution (without condition)
• Parent/Guardian initials, check, and date (if applicant under 18)

Application Deadline

• Deadline: January 30, 2026 (application window closes end of day)
• Note: Next deadline will be January 30, 2027 (annual recurrence)