Sofia Blanco College Scholarships

Sofia's Hope was inspired by the life and death of Sofia Blanco at the age of thirteen after surviving Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as a toddler. It is in her memory that Sofia's Hope fights cancer by: raising awareness of childhood cancer, specifically that while more children are surviving their diagnoses, 95% of them are facing a significant side effect by the time they are 45 years old; providing programs for patients and families currently in the journey; and funding research in the area of pediatric cardio-oncology which studies the effects of treatments on these children's hearts.

In recognition of Sofia and her sister, Gabriela's love of learning as well as their achievements in academic excellence in school, Sofia's Hope is proud to offer the following annual college scholarship opportunities for both childhood cancer survivors and their siblings.

The 2026-2027 application cycle will open on January 1, 2026.

NOTE: Please register your account NOW so when cycle opens you can immediately log in and start your application.

Siblings of childhood cancer warriors are just as important as the patient, yet they are often overlooked as people tend to focus on the patient. For the Founder and President of Sofia's Hope this was never an option as her daughter, Gabriela, is as important as her sister Sofia. Sofia's Hope also recognizes that the financial impact on families with a child with cancer is dramatic and hopes these scholarships can help alleviate that burden making attending college a reality for these deserving warriors.

How it Works

Siblings of a childhood cancer patient/survivor can apply to receive one of three (3) scholarships toward their college education. Recipients of the Gabriela 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, 2026.

Applications will close on March 15, 2026.

Applicants will be notified if awarded a scholarship by April 15, 2026.

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

Eligibility Requirements 2026 - 2027

• The applicant must be the SIBLING of a childhood cancer survivor (does not have to be receiving treatment to qualify), or of a patient that is currently diagnosed with a childhood cancer and is in treatment. Sibling must live in same household as childhood cancer patient, and specifically during their treatment. Siblings of childhood cancer patients that have not survived the diagnosis or their treatment are also eligible.
• 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. Tell us about a moment during your experience with childhood cancer that changed how you see the world. How does that moment continue to influence your decisions today? Essay must be a maximum of 500 words. Shorter personality essays are also required.
• 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 Gabriela 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, 2026 to be considered for the 2026 Fall Semester. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
• Previous recipients will 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 award willl be paid directly to their accredited college/university by August 1, 2026 to help with tuition and/or room and board.