Sofia Blanco College Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Sofia’s Hope

Introduction
Sofia’s Hope was founded in memory of Sofia Blanco, who passed away at age 13 after having survived Non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a toddler. The organization honors her life by combating pediatric cancer through three primary efforts: increasing awareness that although survival rates have improved, 95% of childhood cancer survivors experience a major treatment‑related health issue by age 45; offering support programs for patients and their families; and funding research in pediatric cardio‑oncology to study the long‑term cardiac effects of cancer therapies.

In tribute to Sofia and to her sister Gabriela’s passion for learning and academic achievement, Sofia’s Hope annually awards college scholarships to childhood cancer survivors and to their siblings.

Important dates
- 2026–2027 application cycle opens: January 1, 2026 (the application portal will be available then).
- Application deadline: March 15, 2026 (all materials must be submitted by this date).
- Award notifications: by April 15, 2026.
- Funds and devices distributed: awards will be issued by August 1, 2026 once all requirements are fulfilled.

Please create your account now so you can log in and begin your application immediately when the cycle opens.

Program overview
Three Gabriela Blanco College Scholarships will be awarded to siblings of childhood cancer patients/survivors. Each recipient will receive a $2,000 award to be applied toward tuition and/or room and board, plus a laptop or tablet (device provided to first‑time awardees only).

Eligibility (2026–2027)
To be considered, an applicant must meet all of the following:
- Be the sibling of a child who has been diagnosed with cancer (this includes siblings of current patients in treatment, siblings of survivors, and siblings of children who did not survive). The sibling must have lived in the same household as the patient, specifically during the patient’s treatment period.
- Be enrolled in, or accepted to, an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in the United States.
- Not be a prior recipient of this scholarship program (previous awardees are ineligible to apply again).

Required application materials
All items below must be submitted by March 15, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
1. Completed Scholarship Application form.
2. Proof of college enrollment or acceptance: an acceptance letter from the institution or a letter of good standing from the registrar. (If selected, the recipient may update the college/university attending.)
3. At least one letter of recommendation from an academic teacher on official school letterhead (maximum of three letters accepted).
4. A letter on official medical letterhead from the attending physician of the patient/survivor verifying the medical history and current medical status. Medical information will remain confidential and will only be used to verify eligibility for the scholarship.
5. Essay (maximum 500 words) addressing: “Describe a moment during your experience with childhood cancer that changed how you see the world. How does that moment continue to influence your decisions today?” Shorter personality essays are also required—details will be provided in the application portal.
6. Signed release form (applicant and parent/guardian if applicant is a minor) permitting Sofia’s Hope to publish the recipient’s name, photo, and success story on Sofia’s Hope materials, including the website and news media.

Award distribution
- Devices (laptop or tablet) will be delivered in the summer by mail or presented in person.
- The $2,000 scholarship payment will be sent directly to the recipient’s accredited college or university by August 1, 2026 to assist with tuition and/or room and board, once all documentation and requirements have been satisfied.

Why these scholarships matter
Siblings of children with cancer are frequently overlooked despite the emotional and financial strain cancer places on families. These scholarships are intended to honor siblings’ contributions and help ease the financial burden of higher education so college can be a realistic goal for these deserving young people.

If you have questions about eligibility or required documents, contact Sofia’s Hope through the application portal prior to the March 15, 2026 deadline.