College-bound high school students can describe how Alzheimer’s has affected their life for a chance to win up to $5,000 in college scholarships.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America asks seniors to apply for its Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship Contest by submitting an essay of no more than 1,500 words or a four-minute video about how Alzheimer’s disease has affected their lives.
According to the foundation’s news release, applicants should respond to what they have learned about themselves, their family, or their community as a result of their Alzheimer’s experience.
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By 2026, this figure is predicted to more than double.
Some examples of experiences that students can write about include:
- Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness;
- Helping care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness;
- Volunteering or working in a care setting that serves people with dementia;
- Raising Alzheimer’s awareness in their school or community;
- Conducting Alzheimer’s research.
The first-place winner will get a $5,000 scholarship, according to the statement. Runners-up and honorable mentions will be awarded additional prizes.
Since its beginning, the program has awarded more than $428,000 in college scholarships thanks to the generosity of charitable contributors.
Students must enter their submissions by 5 p.m. April 1 at www.alzfdn.org/scholarship.
Those wishing to support the scholarship program or other services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease can go to www.alzfdn.org/donate or call AFA at (866) 232-8484.