Scholarships for Grieving Youth and Young Adults
Students who are grieving the death of a parent, sibling, or caregiver often face emotional and financial challenges as they plan for their future. To help ease these burdens, Eluna has gathered a list of scholarships for grieving youth and young adults designed to provide financial assistance, honor their resilience, and support their educational or vocational goals.
These scholarship opportunities offer meaningful support during a difficult time and help ensure teens and young adults have access to the resources they need moving forward.
Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund Scholarship
For students enrolled in a college, university, or trade school who have lost a parent/guardian, grandparent, sibling, or spouse to alcohol, drug, or prescription drug abuse.
- Amount: 1st Place $1,000; 2nd Place $500; 3rd Place $250
- Deadline: May 31, 2026
- Learn more and apply
Life Lessons Scholarship Program
Life Happens sponsors the annual Life Lessons Scholarship Program for college students and college-bound high school seniors. Qualified entrants who submit essays or videos about how the death of a parent impacted their lives are eligible for scholarship money. Over $3.7 million dollars in college scholarships have been awarded over the years. Applications are accepted each year from February 1 to March 1.
- Amount: Estimated total value of all scholarships awarded is approximately $250,000.
- Deadline: March 1, 2027 (Applications are accepted each year from February 1 to March 1.)
- Learn More and Apply
Eluna’s Joshua William Beam Scholarship Program (Camp Erin campers only)
Supported by Amy Beam and the Beam family in memory of Joshua William Beam, this annual Eluna scholarship honors Josh’s compassion, dedication to family, and willingness to help others. It supports current and former Camp Erin campers who are pursuing post‑secondary education, including graduating high school seniors in 2026 or current students enrolled in a 2‑ or 4‑year college/university or a vocational or technical program. Through this scholarship, Eluna is honored to help keep Josh’s memory alive while supporting youth impacted by grief as they work toward their educational goals.
- Amount: One $3,000 educational scholarship
- Deadline: May 8, 2026
- Learn more and Apply
Eluna’s Team Jesse Scholarship Program (Eluna campers only)
Funded by the Ronald A. Mincio Education Fund, this annual Eluna scholarship supports current and former Camp Erin or Camp Mariposa campers who have a military‑affiliated household member and are pursuing post‑secondary education. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors in 2026 or current students enrolled in a 2‑ or 4‑year college/university or a vocational or technical program. A longtime partner of Eluna, Team Jesse was created to honor the legacy of SSG Jesse Williams, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2007, and to support military families navigating grief or the impact of addiction.
- Amount: One $3,000 educational scholarship
- Deadline: May 8, 2026
- Learn more and Apply
Eluna’s Jason Clark Memorial Scholarship Program (personalized support recipients only)
Offered in memory of Jason Clark, this annual Eluna scholarship supports students who have received Personalized Support from the Eluna Resource Center—either through their own direct request or through a request made by a caregiver—and are pursuing post‑secondary education. Eligible applicants include graduating high school seniors in 2026 or current post‑high school students enrolled in a 2‑ or 4‑year college/university or a vocational or technical program. Jason was deeply committed to expanding access to education and believed in the power of learning to strengthen individuals and communities. This scholarship honors his legacy by helping more students continue their educational journey.
- Amount: One $3,000 educational scholarship
- Deadline: May 8, 2026
- Learn more and Apply
More Scholarship Listing Sites
Here some additional scholarship guides and platforms to consider:
- Love to Know has put together a list of financial aid and scholarship opportunities for children who have a deceased parent.
- Owlcation has a great list of College Scholarships for children with a deceased parent.
- Bold.org is a site to create or apply to exclusive scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
- Eluna’s list of Scholarships for Youth & Young Adults Impacted by Addiction
- Eluna’s Camper Alumni Scholarships
