Sofia Blanco College Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Sofia’s Hope

Sofia’s Hope: Gabriela Blanco College Scholarships — clear, teacher-to-student summary

Background and purpose
Sofia’s Hope was founded in memory of Sofia Blanco, who died at thirteen after having survived Non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a toddler. The organization honors Sofia (and her sister Gabriela) by fighting childhood cancer in three ways: raising awareness (including the hard fact that while survival has improved, 95% of childhood‑cancer survivors face a significant late effect by age 45), providing programs and support for patients and families, and funding research in pediatric cardio‑oncology (the study of how cancer treatments affect children’s hearts).

Because Sofia and Gabriela loved learning and excelled academically, Sofia’s Hope offers annual college scholarships for childhood‑cancer survivors and their siblings. The Gabriela Blanco College Scholarships are specifically intended to ease the financial burden that cancer places on families and to support siblings who are often overlooked.

Key facts — what this scholarship is
- Who can apply: Siblings of a childhood cancer patient or survivor (see eligibility for details).
- Number of awards: Three (3) scholarships for the 2026–2027 cycle.
- Award amount: $2,000 for tuition/room & board paid directly to the college/university.
- Additional award: A laptop or tablet for first‑time awardees.

Important dates — 2026–2027 cycle
- Application opens: January 1, 2026. (Register your account now so you can log in immediately when the cycle opens.)
- Application deadline: March 15, 2026 (all materials must be received by this date).
- Award notifications: By April 15, 2026.
- Funds distributed: By August 1, 2026, after all requirements are met.
- Laptop/tablet delivery: Summer (by mail or in‑person presentation).

Eligibility and required materials
To be considered, applicants must meet the following and submit complete documentation:

Eligibility
- Be the sibling of a childhood cancer survivor or a child currently undergoing treatment. The sibling must have lived in the same household as the patient during treatment. Siblings of patients who did not survive are eligible.
- Be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in the United States.

Required documentation (incomplete applications will not be reviewed)
1. Completed Scholarship Application form.
2. Proof of college enrollment or acceptance: copy of an acceptance letter OR a letter of good standing from the registrar. (If selected, you may update the college/university you will attend.)
3. At least one letter of recommendation from an academic teacher on official school letterhead (maximum of three letters accepted).
4. A physician’s letter on official letterhead from the survivor/patient’s attending physician verifying the medical history and current medical situation. Medical information will be kept confidential and used only to confirm eligibility.
5. An essay (maximum 500 words) answering: “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?” Shorter personality essays are also required—follow the application instructions for those prompts.
6. Signed release: Applicants (and a parent/guardian if the applicant is a minor) must sign a release agreeing that Sofia’s Hope may publish the recipient’s name, photo, and success story in media and on Sofia’s Hope materials and website.
7. Submit all materials by March 15, 2026. Previous recipients are not eligible to reapply.

Distribution of awards
- The $2,000 scholarship will be paid directly to the accredited college/university by August 1, 2026, to help with tuition and/or room and board.
- The laptop or tablet will be provided in the summer either by mail or at an in‑person presentation.

A few practical tips (from a teacher)
- Register your account now so you can begin your application immediately on January 1.
- Request your teacher recommendation(s) early and remind them to use official school letterhead.
- Ask the patient’s attending physician’s office for the verification letter well ahead of the deadline—medical offices can be busy and may require time to prepare documentation.
- Draft your 500‑word essay in advance. Focus on a single moment and its lasting impact—specificity will make your essay stronger.

If you have questions about the application or required documents, contact Sofia’s Hope directly before the deadline so you can submit a complete application. Good luck — and take your time preparing a thoughtful, complete submission.