The Ari’s Bears Collegiate Scholarship for childhood cancer survivors was established by Ari’s Bears, a 501(c)(3) organization, to carry on the legacy of its founder, Ariella Stein. At nine years of age, Ariella Stein knew firsthand how hard a hospital stay could be. Although she herself was undergoing grueling treatments for Ewing’s Sarcoma, Ariella wanted to start a foundation, Ari’s Bears, to bring comfort and joy to other children in the hospital. Her idea was simple: she used her own money to purchase and make stuffed animals that she later delivered to pediatric patients.
Applicants must enroll in an accredited college or university in the fall the scholarship is awarded and must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 through the prior calendar year (high school seniors may submit high school transcripts; college students must submit college transcripts). Applicants must provide evidence of a cancer diagnosis and must have demonstrated community service in the area of childhood cancer. Dollar amounts will vary.
Additionally, applicants must provide an official transcript through the year prior to applying (minimum 2.5 GPA required), a signed statement from the applicant’s physician verifying the cancer diagnosis, two letters of recommendation from non-relatives, proof of enrollment in a college/university for the fall and a high resolution photo of just yourself submitted electronically, for our website. Applications run from the Winter until the due date.