TRCF Scholarship Program

Focus: Support for teen and young adult cancer survivors pursuing higher education

Geographic Scope: United States (including Puerto Rico)

Mission: The Ruth Cheatham Foundation Scholarship Program is dedicated to helping teen and young adult cancer survivors thrive, not just survive. By celebrating resilience and ambition, scholarships help scholars step boldly into their next chapter and reach for their greatest potential.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet ALL of the following criteria:

• Be a cancer survivor or currently undergoing cancer treatment
• Be between ages 17 and 26 at time of application
• Be enrolled or accepted in an accredited undergraduate college, university, or trade school
• Be a full-time student (24 credit hours per year)
• Be a U.S. resident
• NOT be required to be an incoming freshman (students at any level may apply)

Award Information

• Scholarships are awarded based on financial need and impact of disease
• Award amounts vary: $2,000, $3,500, or $5,000
• In 2024, TRCF awarded 260 scholarships to deserving young adults
• To date, TRCF has awarded a total of 653 scholarships
• Scholarship checks are paid directly to the university

What They Fund

• Undergraduate college tuition and expenses
• Trade school programs
• Graduate school programs

What They Don't Fund

• Students diagnosed with diseases other than cancer (even if symptoms/treatment are similar)
• Students attending school outside the United States (except Puerto Rico)
• Non-full-time students
• Students under age 17 or over age 26

Application Timeline

• Application opens: December
• Application deadline: March (following year)
• Recipients notified: August
• Current status: Applications closed for 2026-2027 academic year

Contact Information

• Email: brielle@ruthcheathamfoundation.org or mail@ruthcheathamfoundation.org
• Phone: (972) 897-3371
• Address: 8519 Lakemont Dr, Dallas, TX 75209

Organization Information

• Name: The Ruth Cheatham Foundation
• Type: U.S. tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• EIN: #82-2633861
• Location: Dallas, TX

Application Process

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all requirements (cancer survivor/patient, age 17-26, full-time student at accredited institution, U.S. resident)
2. Gather Required Documents:
   • Verification of cancer diagnosis letter
   • Copy of most recent tax return (yours if independent, parent's if claimed as dependent)
   • Proof of acceptance or enrollment at your university/college/trade school
   • Recent school transcript
3. Complete Application:
   • Application opens in December
   • Estimated completion time: 30 minutes to 1 hour (with all documents ready)
   • Ensure accuracy in all submissions
4. Submit Application:
   • Submit by March deadline (following year)
   • Application portal opens in December
5. Await Notification:
   • Recipients and non-recipients are notified in August
   • Notification includes scholarship status
6. Receive Scholarship:
   • Checks are paid directly to your institution
   • Allow time for school to process payment

Required Materials Checklist

• [ ] Completed application form
• [ ] Cancer diagnosis verification letter
• [ ] Recent tax return (yours or parent's)
• [ ] Proof of acceptance or current enrollment
• [ ] Recent school transcript

Important Notes

• Applicants may reapply in subsequent years if not awarded
• Application is available only during December-March window
• For questions or troubleshooting, contact brielle@ruthcheathamfoundation.org or mail@ruthcheathamfoundation.org
• FAQs and Application Troubleshooting resources available on website