The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is offering scholarships of up to $5,000 to college-bound high school seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses as part of its annual Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship Contest.

Entries can be submitted at alzfdn.org/scholarship and must be received by April 1 at 5 p.m.

“Whether they’ve had a loved one with the disease, volunteered or worked as a caregiver, or are just passionate about the cause, teens across the country are involved in the fight against Alzheimer’s, and many of them have very moving and powerful stories to tell,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., president & CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. 

“Every student who shares their experiences helps raise Alzheimer’s awareness among people of all ages.  We encourage teens who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease to submit an essay or video and tell their story.”

Eligible teens are invited to apply for the scholarship by submitting an essay (1,500 words maximum) or submitting a video (no more than four minutes) describing how Alzheimer’s disease has impacted their lives and what they have learned about themselves, their family and/or their community through their experience with Alzheimer’s. 

Examples of ways that Alzheimer’s impacted a student’s life can include:

• Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness
• Helping care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness
• Volunteering or working in a care setting that serves individuals with dementia
• Raising Alzheimer’s awareness in their school or community
• Conducting Alzheimer’s research

The program is open to current high school seniors living in the United States who will be attending a U.S. college or university this fall. Students already attending college are not eligible to participate. 

The top prize awarded is a $5,000 scholarship. Additional prizes are awarded for runners up and honorable mentions. More than $428,000 in college scholarships have been awarded since the program’s inception.   

AFA has been able to provide these scholarship funds with the generous support of charitable donors. Individuals wishing to support this and other programs and services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease can do so by visiting alzfdn.org/donate or calling AFA at 866-232-8484.