Foundation kicks off ‘Teens for Alzheimer’s’ scholarship contest

NEW YORK — The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is inviting college-bound high school seniors across the country to enter its 2019 “Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness” scholarship essay contest for the chance to earn money for college.

The annual program has awarded more than $250,000 in college scholarships since its inception, officials with AFA said.

The essay competition asks high school seniors to describe how Alzheimer’s has affected their lives, as well as share how they plan to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease in the future. The deadline to submit essays is Feb. 15.

“The next generation of leaders in the fight against Alzheimer’s is already hard at work. Throughout the country, children serve as family caregivers to a loved one with Alzheimer’s, volunteer to help others living with the disease and get involved in raising awareness,” AFA President and CEO Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. said. “Every teen who openly shares their experiences with Alzheimer’s helps to educate others and inspire them to make a difference. We invite high school seniors to enter the contest and tell their stories.”

To participate in the competition, applicants must submit an essay of no more than 1,500 words that describes how Alzheimer’s disease has impacted their lives and what they have learned about themselves, their family and/or their community in the face of coping with the illness. High school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and entering a four-year accredited college or university within 12 months of the application deadline are welcome to enter the contest.

Officials said students already attending college are not eligible to participate.

The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 college scholarship. Prizes will also be awarded for first runner-up, $2,500; second runner-up, $1,500; third runner-up, $1,000; fourth runner-up, $750, and honorable mention at $500. AFA officials said $30,000 was awarded in scholarships to 30 different students through the program last year.

The AFA, based in New York, is a nonprofit organization that unites more than 2,600 member organizations nationwide with the intended goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals living with dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include the National Toll-Free Helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, the National Memory Screening program, educational conferences and materials, and “AFA Partners in Care” dementia care training for health care professionals.

Students can learn more about the contest and submit their essays by visiting www.alzfdn.org and clicking on the “Teen Scholarship Essay Contest” tab in the menu. Those with questions about the contest or the organization can visit the website or call AFA at (866) 232-8484.