Survivor Scholarships
Investing in Hard-Won Futures
About Our Survivor 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 young adult survivors, helping reduce the financial barriers that stand between them and the futures they've worked hard to reach. Looking for scholarships for siblings? Click here.
Program At a Glance
Who
Covers
Tuition and school fees
Award
Varies, $1,000 - $3,500
Payment
Applications
Scholarship Students Say...
Who this is for
Kay/Moore Scholarships are available to young adult cancer survivors who have participated in Special Love programming.
To be eligible, applicants must have participated in at least one in-person Special Love program. This includes Camp Fantastic, Ski Family weekend, Summer Family Day and the Young Adult Survivors Retreat (Formerly Moving Forward Forum), and others. Virtual programs do not count toward eligibility on their own.
Financial need, academic promise, and Special Love program involvement are considered as part of the review process. Past recipients are encouraged to reapply each year.
What the Scholarships Cover
Awards range from $1,000 to $3,500 and are applied toward tuition and school fees at accredited colleges, universities, and vocational or trade programs. Payments are sent directly to the recipient's institution.
Special Love awards multiple named scholarships each cycle, each made possible by a donor or organization committed to the futures of young people impacted by childhood cancer.
Named scholarships have included:
- Dennis Chastain Memorial Scholarship
- Hayden's Journey of Inspiration Educational Scholarship
- Karen Neilson Memorial Scholarship
- Kay/Moore Scholarship Fund
- Malloy Toyota Educational Scholarship
- Quantum Real Estate Management Educational Scholarship
- Ryan Tomoff Scholarship
- Yuen Foundation Scholarship
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?
Young adult survivors (Kay/Moore) who have participated in at least one in-person Special Love program.
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.