Sibling Scholarships
Investing in Hard-Won Futures
About Our Sibling Scholarship Program
Special Love's scholarship programs exist because the impact of childhood cancer extends far beyond treatment — and so does our commitment to the families we serve. Each year, we award educational scholarships to siblings of children with cancer, helping reduce the financial barriers that stand between them and the futures they've worked hard to reach.
Program At a Glance
Who
Covers
Tuition and school fees
Award
Hope Scholarship up to $2,000 and Sunder Rajan Scholarship $500.
Payment
Applications
Scholarship Students Say...
Who this is for
If you are the sibling of someone who has faced childhood cancer and have attended BRASS Camp or BRASS Camp Weekend, Special Love offers scholarship opportunities to help support your educational goals.
Hope Scholarship
Award: Up to $2,000
The Hope Scholarship is available to undergraduate juniors and seniors and graduate students pursuing a degree in agriculture, science, medicine, and/or nonprofit management.
Created by Jodi DeOms McKay, BRASS Camp Director, and Bryan DeOms, this scholarship honors the memory of their parents, Gary and Dianne “Mama D” DeOms. Both were passionate supporters of Special Love and shared a special dedication to the brothers and sisters of children with cancer.
Sunder Rajan Memorial Scholarship
Award: $500
The Sunder Rajan Memorial Scholarship was created by Special Love Board Member Jyothi Raghavan in memory of her brother, Sunder—an extraordinary man whose spirit continues to inspire others.
Education was one of Sunder’s greatest passions. This scholarship carries forward his belief in opportunity, learning, and hope by helping young people pursue their educational goals.
What the Scholarships Cover
Scholarship awards may be applied toward tuition and school fees at accredited colleges, universities, vocational schools, and trade programs. Payments are made directly to the recipient’s institution.
Special Love awards multiple named scholarships each cycle, made possible by generous donors and organizations committed to supporting the futures of young people impacted by childhood cancer.
Financial need, academic promise, and involvement in Special Love programs are considered during the review process. Past scholarship recipients are encouraged to reapply each year.
How to Apply
Scholarship applications are accepted annually each spring, with awards announced over the summer.
To apply, you'll typically need:
- A transcript signed by a school official (or sent directly by your school)
- Financial information (your own, or your parent/guardian's if you live at home)
- Documentation of your planned enrollment
- A one-page essay covering: why you should be considered, the role Special Love played in your treatment or recovery, any residual effects of cancer, and your educational goals
Past recipients are eligible to reapply each year.
Questions? Contact Elena Jeannotte at scholarships@specialove.org or (888) 930-2707.
Applications for this year have closed. The next application cycle opens in spring 2027.
Frequent Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Siblings of children with cancer who have participated in BRASS Camp or BRASS Camp Weekend.
Do virtual programs count toward Special Love participation?
Virtual programming alone does not count toward eligibility. Applicants must have participated in at least one in-person Special Love program.
Can I apply if I've received a scholarship from Special Love before?
Yes. Past recipients are eligible to reapply each year.
What does the scholarship cover?
Tuition and school fees for accredited colleges, universities and vocational or trade programs. Payments are sent directly to your institution.
When will I find out if I've been selected?
Recipients are notified over the summer following the spring application deadline
Does the scholarship automatically renew?
No, but recipients may reapply each year.
Can the scholarship be used for vocational or trade school?
Yes. Accredited colleges, universities, and vocational or trade programs are eligible.
Cost & How It's Made Possible
There is no cost to apply. Scholarship funds are made possible entirely through the generosity of donors, foundations, and community partners who believe in the potential of the young people Special Love serves.