Scholarship
The Voices of Hope Scholarship application window has closed. Applications were due 5/31/23. The next cycle will open early 2024.
Voices of Hope Scholarships for Individuals Affected by a Brain Tumor
Purpose: The Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation’s Voices of Hope Scholarship Awards are intended to provide individuals, whose life has been impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis, the opportunity to pursue post-secondary education at an accredited college, university, or technical school. Student applicants may be enrolled in online and/or in-person classes for the academic year.
How to support the scholarship program: Donate to the general fund or create a named scholarship
Voices of Hope Academic scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors, like yourself. Donations provide an educational opportunity to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education. Donations may be made to the "general" Voices of Hope scholarship fund or to the Voices of Hope "named" scholarship fund ($3,000 minimum donation) by clicking the donate button below.
Please contact us at scholarships@sbtf.org with any additional questions.
Award Distribution
Voices of Hope scholarship awards are distributed in the form of a check made payable and delivered directly to the Bursar/Financial Aid Office of the accredited post-secondary institution of higher education attended (or to be attended) by the scholarship recipient. Funds will be disbursed when the scholarship recipient has submitted proof of enrollment in an accredited post-secondary institution of higher education and provided respective remittance details (e.g. payee, address, student ID) to the SBTF, included in the scholarship application. The scholarship may not be assigned, transferred, or changed, except at the sole discretion of the SBTF. No cash equivalent prize or monies will be awarded. The SBTF’s Voices of Hope (VOH) scholarship award amount shall be no less than $1,500. The award will be paid to the bursar or the scholarship/financial aid office of the educational institution where the recipient will be in attendance.
How do I apply for a Scholarship?
Application Submission: Applications for the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation Voices of Hope Scholarship Program for Academic Year 2023/2024 are closed. Application for Academic Year 2024/2025 will open beginning April 1, 2024; the application will be made available on this website on that date.
Application Deadline: Must be received via a single email with all necessary documentation by 11:59 pm EST on May 31 of the current year.
Questions: email us at scholarships@sbtf.org
Application Timeline: Scholarship award recipients for the 2023/2024 Academic year will be notified by the end of June 2023. Award monies will be disbursed directly to the scholarship recipient’s educational institution for the 2023/2024 academic year.
Official Rules: By applying for this Voices of Hope Academic Scholarship, you acknowledge having read, and agree to abide by, the SBTF Voices of Hope Academic Scholarship Rules.
APPLICATION
Applications will be accepted in the following formats (PDF, Word, Apache OpenOffice, WordPerfect, LibreOffice or JPEG) and must be sent in ONE complete email to scholarships@sbtf.org. Screenshots from a smartphone or computer will not be accepted.
SBTF Voices of Hope Scholarship Application
Click to read more and apply.
The Scholarship provides an opportunity for individuals impacted by a brain tumor or brain cancer, to fulfill a dream of pursuing a post secondary education including trade school, bachelor degrees, graduate programs or associates degrees.
Applications will be considered for either a general VOH Scholarship or one of our named VOH Scholarships.
This application is open to all areas of study. Application will be made available beginning April 1, 2023 and will close May 31, 2023 at midnight eastern.
Eligibility
- 1 The applicant must have been directly impacted by their own brain tumor diagnosis or the diagnosis of another individual. Please see the Official Rules for details.
- 2 The applicant must be a legal resident of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia.
- 3 The applicant must be enrolled in an accredited United States post-secondary educational program.
- 4 Proof of enrollment must be verified before funds are disbursed.
- 5 This online scholarship application will be available on April 1 and must be submitted by 11:59 pm EST on May 31st.
- 6 SBTF Staff, Board Members, Officers of the Board, and their respective family members are NOT eligible for the Voices of Hope Educational Scholarship. Please see the Official Rules for details.
Questions: Please email us at scholarships@sbtf.org
Voices of Hope Scholarship Awards
Twenty-seven VOH Scholarships were awarded this year to students and included the following named scholarships: Heyward House, Faulkenberry Family, Karen Herman Legacy, Jeff Epperson and Donna L. Chandler.
Awards allowed 27 students to attend schools including Georgia Institute of Technology, Scripps College, University of South Carolina, College of Charleston, Campbell University, University of Michigan, Grove City College, Emory University School of Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Kentucky, Auburn University, University of Toledo, Purdue University, University of Pennsylvania, Morgan State University, Ohio University, Colorado State University, Santa Rosa Junior College, North Carolina State University, Southern University at New Orleans, Texas Christian University, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, Fairleigh Dickinson University, and University of Alabama.
Eighteen Voices of Hope Scholarships were awarded including the named scholarship awards; five Heyward House Voices of Hope Awards, the Faulkenberry Family Voices of Hope Award and two Will Pridgen Voices of Hope Awards.
Awards allowed students to attend schools including Mercer University, Grand View University, Wichita State. University, Appalachian State University, The Ohio State University, Emory University, Grove City College, University of Wisconsin-Stout, Texas A&M University, University of Mississippi, New York University, Piedmont University, Spelman College, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, NC State University, and Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Twelve Voices of Hope Scholarships were awarded including the named scholarship awards; three Heyward House Voices of Hope Awards, the Faulkenberry Family Voices of Hope Award and the Will Pridgen Voices of Hope Award. Awards allowed students to attend schools including Villanova University, Truett McConnell University, Middle Tennessee State University, Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Wichita State University, Columbus State University, ASA College, Brenau University, Lackawanna College, Georgia State University, and Westminster College.
Eleven Voices of Hope Scholarships were awarded including the Will Pridgen Voices of Hope Award which was open to applicants pursuing an education in the field of Fine Arts. Awards allowed students to attend schools including Wichita State University, Columbus State University, University of South Carolina, University of Georgia, Georgia College and State University, Lackawanna College, Truett McConnell University, University of North Dakota, and Mineral Area Community College.
Six Voices of Hope scholarships were awarded. Schools attended by our recipients include: Wichita State University, Georgia State, Georgia College, Lone Star College, and
The University of Georgia.
Thoughts from our Recipients
Annie R.,
"Having been an active participant in the SBTF and team member in the Race for Research for a decade now, I have seen the amazing things the Foundation does for families affected by brain cancer, including myself, and I'm so honored to have been chosen for this award. Thank you SBTF for everything you do!"
Katelynn B.,
"This scholarship has truly impacted my life. It has helped jumpstart my career in the medical field. The Voices of Hope Academic Scholarship will help me be the kind of quality doctor inspired by the quality doctors I've continuously seen throughout my life."
Katelynn B, 2022 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"This scholarship has truly impacted my life. It has helped jumpstart my career in the medical field. Voices of Hope Academic Scholarship will help me be the kind of quality doctor inspired by the quality doctors I've continuously seen throughout my life."
"Receiving this scholarship will help to ease some of the burden of loans that I will be taking on and positively impact my future. It will allow me to spend less time worrying about repayment, and more time focusing on my studies so I can make a difference in people's lives the way the SBTF has made a difference in mine."
~Bella V, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I am honored to be a recipient of the Karen Herman Voices of Hope Academic Scholarship as I begin a new chapter of my life. With the help of this generous scholarship, I plan to study neuroscience at Scripps College and spread hope for other survivors like myself. Thank you to SBTF for helping me take one step toward my future academic endeavors that I hope can one day aid survivors and families affected by brain cancer."
~Nitya C, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"Receiving this scholarship for the second year in a row is a blessing to me as I enter my last year of nursing school. I am grateful for this scholarship and the financial help as I work to pursue my dreams and become a nurse."
~Jordan H, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"The SBTF Voices of Hope Academic Scholarship will help reduce the financial burden of pursuing graduate studies for a Master of Architecture degree, thus making it more financially feasible to start my own architecture firm after I graduate. Thank you SBTF for helping students turn a life-altering experience into something positive!"
~Katerina G, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"This scholarship is a true blessing, I will not let you all down.”
~Michael H, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"This award is allowing me to honor my mom and soon make an impact in others' lives, in the same way that Occupational Therapy impacted her while she battled Glioblastoma in 2015.”
~Noelle O, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"This Scholarship has made a big difference in me getting my education and achieving my dream of working in the medical field."
~Samantha S, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I am so thankful to be selected as a recipient of the Voices of Hope Craig "Ironhead" Heyward Scholarship. I was thrilled to have learned of my selection and deeply honored. Receiving this scholarship will help to ease some of the burden of loans that I will be taking on and positively impact my future.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your dedication to helping pediatric patients with brain tumors and their families. I am truly humbled to have been recognized by such a wonderful foundation and will be forever grateful for your generosity."
~Bella V, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"When I found out that my mother had a malignant brain tumor the first question that came to mind was how many of my milestones will she be around for. I am grateful for the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation, because this scholarship will help me to complete my senior year in college and share this milestone with my mother. "
~Tamerra M, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"Anything is possible by the grace of God. When my mother was going through her treatments we could only pray that everything would be alright. And by receiving this scholarship I am blessed that I am able to get my college degree."
~Tamiyah M, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"Receiving this scholarship is so special to me, but even more special for the younger me who dreamed of studying theater in college. The biggest supporters of these dreams have always been my parents. My education has always been their number one priority. Growing up I always admired how I had two incredibly intelligent parents that wanted my future to not only be filled with success, but also an abundance of happiness. Participating in the SBTF’s race for research is such a fond memory and I know my dad would be so proud that I am able to begin this next chapter of my life and continue my education."
~Parker M, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"To be awarded this scholarship means so much to me financially and reminds me daily of my Dad and how proud he would be of me pursuing my college and baseball dreams.”
~Trenton M, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"The Will Prigden Voices of Hope scholarship award means the world to me! From the first time I ever picked up a guitar, my Father was always there to support my dream. He made sure I was where I needed to be for practice, lessons, and everything else. He came to every single show to make sure he could support me however he could. I want to do the same thing for other musicians with my audio degree. My goal is to help small/local artists get their music written, recorded, and released to follow their dreams. This award will help me do just that. Thank you so much for selecting me for this award."
~ Josh G, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"Thank you for your continued support in my education through the Voices of Hope Scholarship. I just finished my manufacturing engineering summer internship at Spirit AeroSystems and I'm looking forward to learning more about engineering in my junior year this Fall!"
~Kenna B, 2021 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"Receiving this award means the world to me because it will enable me to follow my dream of becoming a pediatric oncology nurse! This scholarship will lessen the financial burden that college can bring and will allow me to pursue my Bachelors of Science degree in Nursing at Piedmont University. I am beyond excited and truly grateful for this opportunity. As you know fighting brain cancer is expensive so this scholarship is a true blessing to my family."
~Annalee K, 2022 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"This scholarship gives me the opportunity to achieve my goals in college. Even though my mom is battling cancer she wants to see me be successful in college. This scholarship allows me to accomplish my greatest challenges in college. I want to make my mom proud!!"
~Brooke H, 2022 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I’m pleased to share that I was awarded the Faulkenberry Family Voices of Hope Academic Scholarship! The Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation’s Voices of Hope Scholarships are awarded to individuals who have been impacted by a brain tumor diagnosis. This scholarship will give me the opportunity to continue my education at the University of Michigan this fall.
This award also allows me to honor my father’s life and make an impact on those of others, just as I promised him I would. I am truly humbled to be recognized by such an incredible foundation; I know my dad would be proud if he were here today. I am beyond thankful for the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation, and the incredible things they do to help families like mine. It truly makes the biggest difference. "
~Meaghan E, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I am grateful for the honor of being chosen to receive this SBTF scholarship. It is both validating and empowering my life experiences and educational pursuit. This scholarship helps alleviate a financial burden and will therefore allow me to slow down and spend more time with my family while I am studying to earn my doctorate. I thank God for the privilege of returning to school and the ways He is making this possible. Thank you to all who support SBTF and provide this opportunity for scholarships"
~Jessie P, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I am so grateful for being awarded the Craig “Ironhead” Heyward Voices of Hope Academic Scholarship.
Receiving this scholarship will help pay for college and ultimately help me make a difference in the world around me. I plan to use my college education to help the environment, which makes this scholarship incredibly important, as it will help fund that education. After I developed a brain tumor, most of my college funds went into paying off medical bills, many of which have yet to be completely paid off. For the last few years, my family and I have worried about how we would be able to pay for college and the loans that would undoubtedly come with it. We are incredibly grateful for this scholarship and those who recognize the struggle of children who go through hardship and continue to push towards an education and a bright future. Thank you to SBTF and the Cameron Heyward Foundation for helping to give me the means to achieve my educational goals."
~Bryn M, 2022 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"Receiving the Ironhead Heyward Voices of Hope scholarship from the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation is such an honor. Having been personally affected by my mother's brain tumor, I truly appreciate everything your foundation stands for and the work you do to assist people who, unfortunately, have to battle through such adversity. Thank you so much for your efforts and the scholarship!!!"
~Christopher H, 2022 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I am honored and humbled to be selected as the recipient of your scholarship. By giving me your scholarship, you are supporting us not just financially, but emotionally as you believe us to be worth supporting. Thank you so much for making my chance for a bright future easier for me and my family to obtain."
~Emily H, 2022 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"Every bit of support has helped me through the challenge of having a brain tumor. I'm grateful now that the SBTF is supporting me in my education."
~Gideon J, 2022 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I am excited to return to school this fall and it is such a blessing to receive this scholarship and it gives me hope that this year will be able to attend for the full year and excel in my academics"
~Jasmine M, 2022 VOH Scholarship Recipient
“I am so blessed to receive this award so that a large financial burden can be taken off of my family and so that I can honor my dad through this scholarship and my education.”
~Jillian C, 2022 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"This scholarship has truly impacted my life. It has helped jumpstart my career in the medical field. Voices of Hope Academic Scholarship will help me be the kind of quality doctor inspired by the quality doctors I've continuously seen throughout my life."
~Katelynn B, 2022 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"Receiving this award is such an honor. I have been so blessed to share my journey with you. This scholarship makes me feel more fulfilled and excited about my future and education."
~Lauren B, 2022 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"This scholarship isn't just money to help pay for my college education, it's an acknowledgement of the struggle that I was forced to endure at a young age and how I bounced back. Of course I'm glad to receive financial assistance, but that isn't all this means to me. My life was undoubtedly changed for the worse by my diagnosis, and this award gives me assistance in setting up my future to be as fruitful as possible!"
~DJ K, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I am very grateful for being awarded the Craig “Ironhead” Heyward Voices of Hope Academic Scholarship. Receiving this scholarship will help me pay for college to the school of my dreams. When I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, there was a time I didn’t think college would be part of my future. I am thankful for this scholarship for recognizing the hard work and dedication needed to pursue a college education. Thank you to SBTF and the Cameron Heyward Foundation for helping me with the means to achieve my educational goals."
~Anthony T, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"This scholarship holds immense value, not just for me, but for my entire family. My sister's diagnosis and treatment have led to difficult situations for all of us, and being able to honor her and the struggle that she went through with this scholarship is a truly exceptional opportunity. Furthermore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the creation of this scholarship. Your immense generosity is intensely appreciated."
~Kyle G, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I'm so grateful to the Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation for supporting my education at Georgia Tech. SBTF has supported my family and I over the past three years since my astrocytoma diagnosis; between support groups, resources and research, I'm so blessed to be part of this community. This scholarship serves as a reminder and encouragement to remain committed to my goals, no matter what challenges I face."
~Joey M, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I am so excited to hear that I have received this scholarship. I can't thank you enough for believing in me. I will be using this to further my education in the field of psychology. After going through this "brain tumor" journey, I have learned to be grateful for each gift I am given, and this is truly a gift. I will work very hard and make sure this money you have entrusted me with will be a great benefit to not only me but also this organization."
Preslyn H, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I want to thank SBTF for this scholarship opportunity. I am beyond grateful to receive this scholarship. It allows me to go away to school to pursue a degree in medicine. It has helped take some of the financial burden in paying for school. Thank you SBTF for making my journey to college a reality."
~Jordyne N, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
“After entering remission, I felt like my brain tumor journey had become hidden. This award from the SBTF makes me feel seen. The recognition validates my decision to pursue a higher education at Purdue University despite its hardships financially, physically, and mentally. It’s extra special that the award I received was in memory of a previous Purdue student (Boiler Up!). I feel empowered to finish my undergraduate degree in engineering and use it to show the world just how much I am capable of. Thank you SBTF for giving me more hope for my future!"
~Rylee H, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"Receiving the Craig “Ironhead” Heyward Scholarship is more than monetary support to me; it also validates my experiences over the past few years and what I’ve overcome thus far. I am truly honored to have been chosen as a recipient of this scholarship as it will significantly help me pursue my education. Thank you for believing in my abilities and investing in my future. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and contributing positively to society, inspired by the belief you have shown in me.”
~Teagan M, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"This scholarship is truly going to help me on my journey to becoming a great patient advocating doctor. I couldn't be more grateful.”
~ Amelia S, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"Being selected to receive a Will Pridgen Voices of Hope Scholarship from SBTF is an honor and I am so thankful. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor 10 years ago and it has been a long road for my family and myself physically, mentally, and financially. This award will help make it easier to continue studying for a degree in graphic design, and I want to express my thanks to SBTF and to the family of Will Pridgen for creating a scholarship for students working towards a degree in the Arts."
~Matthew Y, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"Receiving The Jeff Epperson Memorial Scholarship means everything to me! I was so inspired by Jeff’s story and his fight with his brain tumor. When I found out about my brain tumor, I had just finished my first year of nursing school. After spending time in the hospital after my craniotomy to have my tumor removed, I was inspired by the care I received from all of my nurses, and it has made love the field of nursing even more. This scholarship will help me finish my last year of nursing school, so that I can become a registered nurse and provide compassionate care to other people, like all of my nurses provided for me."
~Hayley M, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
"I am humbled to receive the SBTF Voices of Hope Scholarship. I am able to honor my grandmother while pursuing my future goals and dreams of supporting under served communities in the areas of mental health and brain injuries. Thank you so much for this honor."
~Riley D, 2023 VOH Scholarship Recipient
How to support the scholarship program: Donate to the general fund or create a named scholarship
Voices of Hope Academic scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors, like yourself. Donations provide an educational opportunity to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue a post-secondary education. Donations may be made to the "general" Voices of Hope scholarship fund or to the Voices of Hope "named" scholarship fund ($3,000 minimum donation) by clicking the donate button below or download the "Donation Commitment Form".
Please contact us at scholarships@sbtf.org with any additional questions.
OUR SCHOLARSHIPS:
The Cameron Heyward Foundation
Since 2019, the Cameron Heyward Foundation has pledged their support of our Voices of Hope scholarship program. Dedicated to impacting the lives of today's youth, the Heyward Foundation's Founder and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end, Cameron Heyward, knows "every kid needs to have someone in their corner."
Supporting the SBTF Voices of Hope Scholarship program is one small way to have a big impact on the lives of children. Learn more about the Cameron Heyward Foundation and their initiatives by visiting their website.
The Will Pridgen VOH Scholarship
Will Pridgen loved life and people, and the mantra “Live Life to the Willest” was penned by his friends and family to describe the example he set for us. Will, who lost his battle with brain cancer at the tender age of 34, was an amazing graphic artist and a wonderful soul. His personality was larger than life and his impact on others was tremendous.
In keeping with his passion for helping others, the “Will Pridgen Voices of Hope (VOH) Scholarship” was created. It is the HOPE of Will’s Family and the SBTF to carry on the scholarship in his honor. The award is meant to assist students, whose lives have been affected by either their own brain tumor diagnosis, or that of a close family member; to obtain a post-secondary education at an accredited College, University, or Technical school in the field of Fine Arts.
The Faulkenberry Family VOH Scholarship
The Faulkenberry Family Scholarship is in honor of Ann Faulkenberry lost in 2008 to a GBM. Ann was a teacher who valued education and the family knew this was the perfect way to honor her memory. The award is meant to assist students to obtain post-secondary education.
The Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation’s Voices of Hope (VOH) Scholarship is made possible by the support of donors and constituents. It is the hope of the foundation for the scholarship to provide an opportunity to those stricken by a brain tumor and brain cancer, whether as a patient, caregiver, or family member, to fulfill a dream of receiving a higher education.
This Award is meant to assist trade school or college (bound or current) students, whose lives have been affected by either their own brain tumor diagnosis, or that of a close family member; in order to obtain a post-secondary education. The funds are intended to be used for general educational expenses, such as tuition, dining plans, or/and books for the current academic year. Each Scholarship award will be no less than $1,500.