Michael's Way College Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Michael's Way

Description
**Overview**
Michael’s Way supports families affected by pediatric cancer by helping students access higher education. The organization partners with Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education to provide targeted college support and advising for young survivors. The program focuses on removing financial barriers and guiding students to the college that best fits their academic and personal goals.

Key takeaways:
- Mission: make college accessible for students impacted by pediatric cancer.
- Partnership with Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education provides program support.
- Emphasis on both financial assistance and personalized college guidance.

Eligibility
**Who can apply**
Applicants must be high school students completing their junior year who were diagnosed with cancer before age 18 and live in or receive treatment in the Delaware Valley. Candidates must plan to enroll in college in Fall 2027 and be willing to attend one of the program’s partner institutions. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

Key takeaways:
- Must be completing junior year of high school.
- Diagnosis of pediatric cancer (before age 18) required.
- Residency or treatment in the Delaware Valley required.
- Intended enrollment for Fall 2027 at a partner school required.

Partner Institutions
**Allowed colleges**
The scholarship is limited to students who will enroll at one of the partner schools. Only applicants planning to attend one of these institutions will be eligible for consideration.

Key takeaways:
- Eligible institutions include Community College of Philadelphia, Elizabethtown College, Kutztown University, Neumann University, St. Joseph’s University, University of Delaware, University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, West Chester University, Williamson College of the Trades, and Zip Code Wilmington.
- Applicants must intend to enroll at one of these partner schools for Fall 2027.

Application Timeline
**Important dates**
Applications are accepted during a single annual window in late spring through summer. Students must submit between May and August for consideration for Fall 2027 admission; applications outside this window will not be reviewed. Plan your college application calendar around this timeline to ensure eligibility.

Key takeaways:
- Submission window: May through August.
- Scholarships apply to students entering college in Fall 2027.
- Late or early submissions will not be considered.

Application Process
**How to submit**
The application process is streamlined to reduce stress for students and families. Once you submit, you will receive an automatic confirmation to acknowledge receipt of your materials. If technical issues arise during submission, program staff are available to assist.

Key takeaways:
- Submit application online during the May–August window.
- Automatic confirmation is sent on successful submission.
- Staff assistance is available for technical problems.

Required Documents
**What to include**
Applicants must assemble a defined set of supporting documents to complete their application. Required items are two letters of recommendation (non-family), high school transcripts through junior year, medical confirmation of diagnosis, parents’ 2025 or 2026 tax return, and a one-page personal essay describing how the cancer journey has shaped goals and aspirations.

Key takeaways:
- Two non-family letters of recommendation required.
- High school transcripts (including junior year) required.
- Medical confirmation of pediatric cancer required.
- Parents’ 2025 or 2026 tax return and a one-page personal essay required.

Award Value and Conditions
**Scholarship details**
Michael’s Way, in partnership with Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education, will fund two full four-year scholarships. The award covers tuition only; students are responsible for books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Recipients must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA and complete an annual check-in with the advisory team; completing the FAFSA is required to assess eligibility for other aid.

Key takeaways:
- Two full four-year scholarships awarded.
- Scholarship covers tuition only — other costs are the student’s responsibility.
- Recipients must maintain a 2.5 GPA and participate in annual advisor check-ins.
- FAFSA completion is required for other financial aid consideration.

Contact and Support
**Where to get help**
If you have questions about eligibility, document submission, or technical issues (for example, if a file is too large to upload), contact the program director. The staff will help troubleshoot submission problems and answer application questions.

Key takeaways:
- Contact: Ashley Thompson, Director — athompson@michaelsway.org.
- Email for help with uploads or other application issues.
- Staff can assist with submission troubleshooting and application questions.

History of the Award
**Program origins**
The scholarship program was created to ensure that a pediatric cancer diagnosis does not derail a student’s higher education plans. Michael’s Way designed the award to combine financial support with hands-on advising, and the collaboration with Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education expands resources available to scholars. The initiative reflects the organizations’ shared commitment to long-term opportunity for cancer survivors.

Key takeaways:
- Established to keep higher education accessible for pediatric cancer survivors.
- Combines financial aid with personalized college advising.
- Partnership enhances program reach and resources.