We recognize that families who have faced childhood cancer can amass overwhelming debt in medical bills after years of treatment, follow up appointments, and on-going medical issues caused by treatment. The journey doesn’t stop for families, and Candlelighters' support doesn’t stop either. Financial assistance is awarded to high school seniors or current college students who have previously been or are currently diagnosed with cancer to support their pursuit of a higher education.
Applicants must be a current resident of Oregon or Southwest Washington, or—if attending school elsewhere—must reside in Oregon or Southwest Washington when not actively boarding at school. Applicant must have or have had cancer before age 21 and must be pursuing an undergraduate, technical, or vocational education.
Candlelighters scholarship recipients can only receive the scholarship once. Applicants previously declined may re-apply in subsequent years, as long as they are still attending school and meet applicant criteria. If a student is awarded the scholarship but does not attend school, the scholarship award will be reviewed, which may result in its forfeiture. In that case, the scholarship would be awarded to a runner-up applicant. This scholarship process and the award itself are reviewed annually and are subject to the availability of funds from Candlelighters For Children With Cancer.