College Scholarships

“I made a promise to my mother to continue to excel in school in the hopes of going to a great college... My mother’s death only heightened my passion to want to succeed in each one of my goals. There is no way that I will let my mother’s death go in vain. She spent 14 years raising me to be the best person that I can be. I will not stop until I know I have made her proud.”
-- Michael Costley, 2012 Komen Scholarship Recipient

Program Overview

Since its inception in 2001, the Komen College Scholarship program has awarded over fifty scholarships to students who have lost parents to breast cancer. Each student receives $10,000 per year for up to four years while pursuing an undergraduate degree. Scholarship recipients serve as Komen Ambassadors, engaging their campuses and social networks in raising breast cancer awareness by participating at local Race for the Cure events and volunteering with local Affiliates. Current scholarship recipients are attending universities such as University of Texas at Austin, University of California, Los Angeles and the College of Charleston in South Carolina.

College Scholarship Recipients (from left to right) Shiroo Ashtari, Emily Moore,
Amber Heyward, Michael Costley and Teddy Reich, with long time
Scholarship Program supporters Margaret and David Leavenworth at the
2012 Komen Leadership Conference.

Applicant Qualifications

Must have lost a parent/guardian to breast cancer OR Must be a breast cancer survivor diagnosed at 25 years or younger Must be no older than 25 years old Must be a high school senior, college freshman, sophomore or junior Must plan to attend a state-supported college or university in the state where they permanently reside (students in Washington DC can attend state-supported schools in Maryland and Virginia) Must have a high school and/or college GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale Must be a U.S. citizen, or documented permanent resident of the U.S. (or US Territory) Never at any time have been subject to any disciplinary action by any institution or entity, including, but not limited to, any educational or law enforcement agency

Shiroo Ashtari and Amber Heyward, 2 of 5 2012 Scholarship Recipients

Our Need

For the 2013-2014 school year, we are actively seeking financial support so we can expand the program by awarding up to seven scholarships for deserving students with the opportunity to fulfill their academic dreams and achieve what most parents would consider their ultimate wish—to give their children the opportunity to discover their passions and pursue their dreams.

Visit komen.org for more information or to make a gift