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: Submissions open on August 1, 2026 and cloase on January 31, 2027
- 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
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
