The ScholarshipExperts Blog: Your Scholarship Voice

Many of you may have experienced struggles in your lives. You may have lost a parent (or both) far too soon or battled a life-threatening illness. Maybe you struggled with learning disabilities that made it difficult to succeed in school or have had family issues that are too painful to even mention. These obstacles can either break you or make you stronger. Personally, I believe our struggles help build character and allow us to face new obstacles with resolve. If you have dealt with some serious issues in your life, you might be surprised to find that your ability to face those obstacles may lead to free money for college. There are several organizations that recognize and reward students who have struggled to succeed. Regardless of your past, your future could look a whole lot brighter with the help of one of these scholarship programs.

1. Sophia L. Gokey Scholarship

U.S. high school seniors, who have experienced a significant setback or roadblock of any nature, are eligible to apply for this $1,000 scholarship. Up to three awards are offered annually. Deadline: January 2, 2013.

2. Rodger and Rhea Weaver Catastrophic Diseases Survivor Endowment

This award is open to U.S. and international high school seniors (or older) who have survived a catastrophic disease. One $500 scholarship will be awarded. Deadline: February 1, 2013.

3. Jake Jones Memorial Scholarship for the Learning Disabled

Texas high school seniors, who have a learning disability and plan to enroll in a Texas college, may apply for this award. One $500 scholarship will be offered annually. Deadline: February 15, 2013.

4. Denise Davis Teen Parent Scholarship

Any teen parent, who will be graduating from an Aurora, Colorado public high school, is eligible to apply. One $500 scholarship will be awarded. Deadline: March 5, 2013.

5. Cystic Fibrosis Scholarship Foundation Award

Students who plan to enroll in college for the 2013-2014 academic year, and have been diagnosed with and treated for cystic fibrosis, may be eligible for this award. The number of available awards varies. Each scholarship is valued at $1,000. The scholarship provider will begin accepting applications on January 16, 2013. Deadline: March 18, 2013.

6. Shire ADHD Scholarship Program

Shire US Inc. is offering fifty $2,000 scholarships to U.S. students diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Deadline: March 27, 2013.

7. Family Matters Scholarship for Children of Divorce

Arizona high school seniors and college freshmen, whose parents are divorced, may be eligible for this award. Students must have a grade point average above a 3.0 (3.3 for high school). The scholarship may be used for meal plans, housing, tuition and other fees. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded (one each semester). Deadline: March 31, 2013.

We’ve all had obstacles in our lives, big and small, but it’s our choice whether we allow those ‘bumps in the road’ to derail our dreams. You can choose to dwell on the negative aspects of your past or look forward to the future with a positive attitude. It’s really up to you, but I prefer the latter. It’s like Nietzsche said, ‘that which does not kill us only makes us stronger.’

Tags: ADHD Scholarships, Breast Cancer Scholarships, Learning Disability Scholarships
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