The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America just handed out $46,000 in college scholarships to high school seniors touched by Alzheimer’s disease. This national contest lets teens share personal stories through essays or videos to raise awareness and earn funds for their education.
What the Scholarship Program Offers
This year’s Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship Contest drew entries from students across the country. Each winner showed how Alzheimer’s has shaped their lives, from family struggles to future career goals in health care.
The top prize went to a student who created a moving video about caring for a grandparent with dementia. Other awards ranged from $500 to $5,000, helping cover tuition and books.
Organizers say the program started over a decade ago to support young people dealing with this tough illness. It has given out more than $1 million total since it began.
How Teens Can Apply and Win
Students apply by submitting an essay up to 1,500 words or a short video. They describe the impact of Alzheimer’s on their family, community, or personal growth.
Judges look for honest stories that highlight challenges and hope. Past winners include teens who lost parents to the disease or volunteered at care centers.
Here are key steps to apply:
- Check eligibility: Open to high school seniors heading to college.
- Choose format: Essay or video entry.
- Meet deadline: Applications often close in early spring.
- Submit online: Use the official foundation website.
Many applicants say the process helps them process emotions and connect with others facing similar issues.
The contest also spreads facts about Alzheimer’s, which affects over 6 million Americans today. Recent studies show cases could double by 2050 without new treatments.
Stories from This Year’s Winners
One standout winner from Boca Raton, Florida, took second place in the essay category with a $2,500 award. The teen wrote about watching a loved one fade away and vowing to study neuroscience.
Another recipient shared a video on community efforts to support dementia patients. These stories show the wide reach of Alzheimer’s beyond just older adults.
Winners come from various states, proving the disease touches families everywhere. A Colorado student mentioned how the scholarship eases financial stress while honoring lost relatives.
| Award Level | Amount | Number of Winners | Entry Type Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Place | $5,000 | 1 | Video on family care |
| Second Place | $2,500 | 1 | Essay on personal loss |
| Honorable Mentions | $500-$1,000 | Several | Mix of essays and videos |
This table shows the breakdown of prizes from the 2025 contest.
Why This Matters in Today’s World
Alzheimer’s remains a top health concern, with new research from the 2025 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference highlighting better diagnostics and treatments. Events like this scholarship tie into broader efforts to fight the disease.
Teens involved often go on to careers in medicine or advocacy. The foundation notes that sharing stories reduces stigma and encourages early detection.
Recent news shows rising awareness, with walks and fundraisers drawing record crowds this year. Government funding for research hit $3.8 billion in 2025, up from last year.
Families benefit too, as winners inspire others to seek support services.
Impact on Education and Awareness
The scholarships not only help with college costs but also build a network of young leaders. Many past winners now work in Alzheimer’s research or care.
One example is a 2023 winner who started a school club to educate peers. Such actions create lasting change.
With college tuition averaging $10,000 per year for in-state public schools, these awards make a real difference. They reward resilience and turn pain into purpose.
Experts predict more teen involvement as dementia rates climb among aging populations.
As Alzheimer’s touches more lives, programs like this offer hope and action. Readers, share your own stories in the comments or spread the word on social media to help raise awareness.
