Accepting Applications for Fall 2026
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Accepting Applications for Fall 2026 🏫
2026 Paid Care Student Caregiver Scholarship Fund
Supporting students affected by caregiving during their pursuit of education. Ten total $1,000 essay scholarships to help brighten the futures of student caregivers.
AWARD AMOUNT
💰 $1,000 per student
$10,000
DEADLINE
⏳ July 1st 2026
AWARD DATE
📅 August 1st 2026
TYPE
📝 Essay Competition
Why We're Offering This Scholarship In 2026
01 / Many Students Also Are Struggling Caregivers
According to a joint Lumina Foundation and Gallup study, 20% of all currently enrolled college students are either parents of minor children or caregivers to adults. In fact, student caregivers make up 5 million college students nationwide.
02 / Student Caregivers Are More Likely to Stop Classes
Caregiving students are highly vulnerable to leaving school. They are significantly more likely to consider dropping out (44%) compared to students without caregiving responsibilities (31%). In fact, young caregivers are estimated to be four times more likely to drop out of college altogether.
03 / Massive Financial Strain of Student Caregivers
Financial Strain: 60% of student caregivers say caregiving directly hurts their ability to pay for their education.
Indiana
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Purdue
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Ivy Tech
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Indiana State
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Depauw
Indiana 〰️ Purdue 〰️ Ivy Tech 〰️ Indiana State 〰️ Depauw
Michigan
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Michigan State
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Grand Valley State
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Western Michigan
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Michigan 〰️ Michigan State 〰️ Grand Valley State 〰️ Western Michigan 〰️
Initial Eligible Universities
Student-CaregiverScholarship FAQs
$1,000
Scholarship
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Award Amount: $1,000 (One-time award). 10 selections will be made across multiple universities!
Application Deadline: July 1, 2026.
Winner Announced: August 1, 2026.
Purpose: To provide financial relief to students who serve as primary or secondary caregivers for family members while pursuing a degree.
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Current Enrollment: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year college or university within the United States.
Academic Standing: Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Caregiver Status: Must be a current or recent (within the last 12 months) family caregiver for a loved one with a chronic illness, disability, or age-related need.
All Majors Welcome: While we love future healthcare pros, this is open to all fields of study!
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Personal Statement
Your response to the "Heart of the Home" prompt below.
The Prompt: "The Heart of the Home"In 500–800 words, please share your story by addressing the following:
Describe your experience as a family caregiver while balancing your academic goals. How has this responsibility shaped your perspective on the healthcare system, and how will you use the lessons learned from caregiving to impact your future career or community?"
Proof of Enrollment
A recent transcript or acceptance letter.
Contact Info
Full name, phone number, and .edu email address.
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• Application Deadline: July, 1st, 2026
• Winner Announced: August, 1st, 2026
Your Application
🏠The Heart of the Home🏠 In 500–800 words, please share your story by addressing the following:
Describe your experience as a family caregiver while balancing your academic goals. How has this responsibility shaped your perspective on the healthcare system, and how will you use the lessons learned from caregiving to impact your future career or community?
There is no application fee and we do not sell student data. Questions? Email scholarships@paid.care.