Mary E. Smith Foundation Scholarships

MESF encourages students to AIM HIGH in order to qualify for academic scholarships which we offer to high school, college/medical school students & adult learners. Over $185,000 has been given to deserving students since our incorporation in 2008.

National Excellence in Academics & Community Service Award This one-time scholarship, in an amount up to $2,500, will be awarded to one or two (2) successful candidates annually. Candidates must be brain tumor patients/survivors or closely related to someone diagnosed with a brain tumor. Relationships are limited to spouse, biological children, biological parents, and biological siblings.

Candidates must also be US residents who are entering or currently enrolled in an advanced educational program at a college, university, vocational school, or other setting within the fifty United States or District of Columbia that demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Amount of award will be paid directly to the student’s school if for tuition, or directly to the recipient to assist with living expenses, books, travel, etc.

Award applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be available by October 1, 2026. The scholarship application deadline is in February. Your completed application must be submitted or postmarked by that date. We will notify the 2027 recipients in March 2027. Local winners must be prepared to participate in the Annual Scholarship Gala in the spring (April 2027) and the Annual Brain Tumor Awareness Fun Run/Walk ceremony in June/July 2027. All winners will be listed on our site in May 2027.

National Excellence in Science & Medicine Award This one-time scholarship, in an amount up to $2,500, will be awarded to one or two (2) successful candidates annually. Candidates must also be US residents who are entering or currently enrolled in an advanced educational program within health sciences (including biology, chemistry, nursing, etc.) with the intent to enter the field of oncology or neurology (including neuroscience, neurosurgery, and neuropathology) at a college or four-year university within the fifty United States or District of Columbia. Amount of award will be paid directly to the student’s school if for tuition, or directly to the recipient to assist with living expenses, books, travel, etc.

CHICAGO ONLY Karen Lewis CTU-CPS Excellence in Science Award Created in honor of Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Karen Lewis, this one time scholarship, in an amount up to $2,500, will be awarded to one or four (4) successful Chicago Public School (CPS) candidates annually (determined by funds availability). Candidates must be a graduate or current CPS student entering or currently enrolled in an advanced educational program within the health sciences (including biology, chemistry, nursing, etc.); pursuing a technical certification, associate or bachelor level degree; with an emphasis in science and/or screening and research in the areas of oncology or neurology (including neuroscience, neurosurgery, and neuropathology) at a college or four-year university within the fifty United States or District of Columbia. Amount of award will be paid directly to the student’s school if for tuition, or directly to the recipient to assist with living expenses, books, travel, etc.

#GIVING TUESDAY Award

This special award will be granted to a student or students that have previously applied for our scholarships. On #GIVING TUESDAY the board of directors will select a student to receive this book scholarship in an amount of $200 – $500 to be used to support a student pursing or planning to pursue a career within health science. Award is subject to enrollment verification.

Award is payable during the current school year for students already enrolled in a college/medical school or technical certification program for the 2026-2027 academic term. Amount of award will either be paid directly to the student’s school or directly to the recipient with acceptable documentation of text book fees. Local winners will participate in either the Annual Scholarship Gala in May or the Annual Brain Tumor Awareness Fun Run/Walk ceremony in July.

MESF is dedicated to winning the fight against brain tumors. We vow to SAVE-A-LIFE by providing financial support for vital screenings utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors. We eagerly provide monetary support to families coping with a brain tumor diagnosis.

Medical Screening/Financial Assistance Grant

This grant is also referred to as “A Husbands Hope” for Mary’s widow Arthur Smith III. The Mary E. Smith Foundation encourages and supports brain tumor patients and their families on their journey from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. This includes offsetting the cost of MRI and CT Scanning services at any point. Funding for financial assistance grants are available on a first come first serve basis and depend upon funds availability.

Candidates must be the brain tumor patient/survivor or a financially bound relative of someone diagnosed with a brain tumor. Relationships are limited to spouse, children, parents, and siblings. All applications must be accompanied by proof of a brain tumor diagnosis. Supporting documentation regarding financial hardships during and/or following the diagnosis should also accompany the application (ex. past due hospital bills). All request are reviewed and approved by an internal grant committee, who then make recommendations to the Board of Directors. Board members may request additional information if needed. Once approved, funds will be immediately available.

How to Apply:

Go To Scholarship Application