Creating Bright Futures for Cancer Survivors!

The Nation’s Leading Provider of College Scholarships, Medical Debt Relief, and Educational Experiences for Cancer Survivors

Welcome to Cancer for College, a beacon of hope and support for cancer survivors pursuing their dreams of higher education since 1993. In a world where over 15,000 children face a cancer diagnosis each year, and where 1 in 5 of them are already grappling with the challenges of poverty, our mission becomes more critical than ever. Bright Futures is our campaign to achieve our goals for scholarship, educational experiences and medical debt relief for cancer survivors now and into the future!

We understand the staggering financial burdens that accompany a cancer diagnosis – from the exorbitant medical costs to the indirect expenses for travel, meals, accommodation, and childcare during treatment.

We stand as a pillar of support for cancer survivors nationwide. To date, our organization has provided high achieving cancer survivors with:

More than 2,000 scholarships totaling $8 million
Medical debt relief
Life-changing experiences
Educational workshops
Mentorship groups
Networking opportunities

It is our mission to empower these cancer survivors on their journeys to recovery and success.

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Why Choose Cancer for College

Impactful Giving

Make a difference by supporting our proven legacy. Over 98% of our scholars graduate, well above the national average of 57%. Your contribution directly empowers the academic success of cancer survivors.

Diverse Ways to Support

Tailor your involvement. Choose from various avenues, including direct donations, establishing a family scholarship in your name, participating in one-on-one mentorships, connecting scholars with job opportunities, or even becoming a guest speaker for mentor groups.

Impactful Scholar Statistics

Our scholars defy the odds, with 1 in 3 being the first in their families to attend college. With an average family income of $49,000 per year, your support directly contributes to breaking socio-economic barriers.

Inspiring Career Paths

Post-cancer, more than 80% of our scholars express a desire to give back through their chosen career paths. Your involvement helps shape futures and create a ripple effect of positive change.

Academic Excellence

Scholars boast an impressive average GPA of 3.78, showcasing not only their resilience but the high standards we uphold in our commitment to educational success.

About Us

Cancer For College

Inspiring Dreams and Transforming Lives

Since 1993, Cancer for College has empowered cancer survivors through need-based scholarships and transformative educational experiences. In 2023, we expanded our impact to include medical debt relief. Building on this momentum, our 2024 Bright Futures Campaign aims to grow our endowment from $17M to $25M by 2026—and ultimately $30M by 2030.

This campaign is a culmination of the feedback we’ve received from survivor families and the cancer community. It has helped us establish the three pillars of support we will provide now and in the future: Enhanced Scholarships, Medical Debt Relief and Expanded Educational Programming.

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CURRENT FUNDRAISING

STATUS

Increased Scholarships

Increasing scholarship funds from $1 million to $1.5 million annually ensures more cancer survivors can access the financial support needed for higher education.

Expanded Medical Debt Relief

The Bright Futures Campaign expands our program to alleviate the staggering medical debt burden on cancer-stricken families, providing further relief and support for healing.

Enhanced Educational Programming

With increased educational support opportunities, including workshops and mentorship programs, we empower our scholars to succeed academically and beyond.

Creation of CFC Headquarters

We plan to build a corporate headquarters, providing a home base for the CFC family and staff, as well as the opportunity to host future events.

Scholarship Programs

Explore our diverse range of special scholarships designed to support cancer survivors in pursuing higher education. Our single application determines eligibility for multiple opportunities.

Medical Debt Relief

Partnering with Goodroot’s Emry Health, we assist CFC scholars and young survivors in addressing medical debt, aiming to eliminate barriers to recovery.

Inspire Project

Monthly meet-ups, virtual mentorship groups, field trips, and one-on-one mentoring provide scholars with diverse educational experiences, professional insights, and networking opportunities.

Luminaries Partnership

Our collaboration with Luminaries delivers wellness kits and support to scholars, addressing life’s complexities beyond finances. Generously funded by an anonymous supporter for our 2023 Scholars.

Donate to the Cause

Sure, we love big donations.
But we love small, thoughtful ones, too.
Every dollar puts deserving cancer survivors closer to realizing their dreams.

Donate

Apply for a Scholarship

A fast and easy process.
Because you’ve been through enough challenges. Share your story, make your case and we’ll do our best to help.

Apply

Volunteer Your Time

It takes more than money.
So we’re always looking for enthusiastic, caring volunteers to help with events, planning & behind the scenes work.

Volunteer