Sofia's Hope College Scholarship Awards
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 2024-2025 application cycle will open on January 1, 2024.
NOTE: Please register your account NOW so when cycle opens you can immediately log in and start your application.
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Sofia Blanco College Scholarships
Presented by
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 fortuition/room and board, plus a laptop or tablet (first-time awardees only).
Timeline
Applications will open on January 1, 2024.
Applications will close on March 15, 2024.
Applicants will be notified if awarded a scholarship by April 15, 2024.
Awards will be distributed annually by August 1, after all requirements are met.
Eligibility Requirements 2024 - 2025
- 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, 2024 to be considered for the 2025 Fall Semester. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
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, 2024 to help with tuition and/or room and board.
Gabriela Blanco College Scholarships
Presented by
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, 2024.
Applications will close on March 15, 2024.
Applicants will be notified if awarded a scholarship by April 15, 2024.
Awards will be distributed annually by August 1, after all requirements are met.
Eligibility Requirements 2024 - 2025
- 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. 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 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, 2024 to be considered for the 2025 Fall Semester. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
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, 2024 to help with tuition and/or room and board.
Process
1. Register
Click on the "Register" link and complete and submit the registration form.
2. Login
Login to the award with your email and password.
3. Create
Create your online application.
4. Save
During the Call for Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all the required information is completed and attachments uploaded. As each section is complete, you will see a 
appear in the category tab when the application is saved. At any time, you can download and print your application by clicking on the 
icon in the Application Summary section.
5. Submit
Upon completion, save your Nomination as FINAL. Download and print a copy of your application for your records by clicking on the icon in the Application Summary section in the right column. Note: If an update is required prior to the Call for Applications period, you can make the update and resave as FINAL.
If you require assistance or additional information, please contact the Award Administrator.
