Teen Alzheimer's Awareness College Scholarship Essay Competition

Purpose: Provides financial assistance and an outlet for high school seniors who have been impacted by Alzheimer's disease to express themselves and support their college education.

Geographic Scope: United States (open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents)

Key Information:

• Annual scholarship competition for college-bound high school seniors
• AFA has awarded over $200,000 in total scholarships to date
• Last year (2018), AFA awarded $25,000 in scholarships with over 3,000 submissions
• One grand prize of $5,000
• First runner-up prize of $2,500
• Second runner-up prize of $1,500
• Honorable mention prizes of $500

Eligibility:

• Must be a high school senior
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must enter a four-year accredited college or university within 12 months of the application deadline
• Existing college students are not eligible

Focus Areas:

• Essays must demonstrate how Alzheimer's disease has impacted applicant's life
• Essays should describe what applicant has learned about themselves, their family, and/or their community in the face of coping with the illness
• Target: teens facing caregiving responsibilities for a parent, grandparent, or other loved one with Alzheimer's; those considering healthcare careers

Contact Information:

• Phone: 866-232-8484
• Website: www.youngleadersofafa.org/

Application Process

Essay Requirements:

• Length: 1,200-1,500 words
• Topic: How Alzheimer's disease has impacted your life and what you have learned about yourself, your family, and/or your community in the face of coping with the illness

Submission Methods:

1. Online application form via website
2. Mail to: Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001, Attention: AFA Teens College Scholarship

Deadline: February 15 (postmark deadline for mailed applications)

Required Materials:

• Completed essay (1,200-1,500 words)
• Application form

Eligibility Verification:

• Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must be entering a four-year accredited college or university within 12 months of the application deadline
• Cannot be an existing college student