Sofia Blanco College Scholarships

Sofia did not have the chance to graduate high school or attend college so through these college scholarships Sofia's Hope aspires to help make that dream a reality for other childhood cancer patients, survivors, and warriors.

How it Works

Childhood cancer patients/survivors can apply to receive one of three (3) scholarships toward their college education. Recipients of the Sofia Blanco College Scholarships will receive a $2,000 allowance for tuition/room and board, plus a laptop or tablet (first-time awardees only).

Timeline

Applications will open on January 1, 2025.

Applications will close on March 15, 2025.

Applicants will be notified if awarded a scholarship by April 15, 2025.

Awards will be distributed annually by August 1, after all requirements are met.

Eligibility Requirements 2025 - 2026

• The applicant must be a childhood cancer survivor (does not have to be receiving treatment to qualify), or someone currently diagnosed with a childhood cancer.
• The applicant is enrolled in or accepted for enrollment to an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in the U.S.
• Sofia's Hope requires the recipient of a scholarship to submit a copy of an acceptance letter from the college/university of their choice or a letter of good standing from the registrar. NOTE: If chosen as a recipient, the college/university attending can be updated.
• The applicant must submit the completed Scholarship Application. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
• The applicant must submit at least one letter of recommendation from academic teacher addressing why they should receive the scholarship. Must be on official school letterhead. Applicant can submit a maximum of three letters of recommendation.
• A letter on official letterhead from survivor/patient's attending physician verifying medical history and current medical situation must also be submitted. Medical information will be kept confidential and will only be utilized to support the qualification of consideration for the scholarship.
• The applicant must submit an essay discussing the following question. HOW HAS MY EXPERIENCE WITH CHILDHOOD CANCER IMPACTED MY LIFE AND CAREER GOALS? Essay must be a maximum of 500 words.
• Awardees will be eligible to apply for funding every year, so long as they provide a testimonial and photo or video. More details will be provided to awardees.
• The applicants and their parents if they are minors, must sign a release, that they agree to have their name and photo published in the news media or any Sofia’s Hope publication as a recipient of a Sofia Blanco scholarship and that they agree to have their name, photo and success story published on Sofia’s Hope website or any other Sofia’s Hope publication.
• Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by March 15, 2025 to be considered for the 2025 Fall Semester. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
• Previous recipients with no longer be eligible to apply.

Scholarship recipients will receive the laptop or tablet in the summer either via mail or in-person presentation. The $2,000 awards will be paid directly to their accredited college/university by August 1, 2025 to help with tuition and/or room and board.