Bessie Mathew Foundation Education Assistance Program

About this scholarship

The Bessie Mathew Foundation Education Assistance Program helps U.S. households affected by cancer pay a documented future education expense. An eligible household must include at least one female, have a household member diagnosed with cancer, and have an education-related need for someone in the household. College-level assistance may support tuition, books, uniforms, tutoring, or other documented charges at an accredited U.S. college or university; the broader program also serves daycare, aftercare, Pre-K–12, and vocational education needs. Award amounts depend on the verified expense and available resources, and the sponsor does not promise to cover the full cost. Payments go directly to the school or service provider, not to the family, and cannot reimburse a past expense. Applicants must live in the United States or a U.S. territory, provide an invoice or other cost documentation, and may not have received an Education Assistance Program payment during the previous 12 months. Immediate relatives of the board or selection committee are excluded. The Foundation has three annual distributions, with application cutoffs of May 5, June 30, and November 30. The direct Google Form is currently accepting applications; the next verified deadline is November 30, 2026 for an expected January 5 award date.

Eligibility

• Have a household member who has been diagnosed with cancer
• Have at least one female in the household
• Have a household member with a future education-related financial need
• Live in the United States or a United States territory
• For college support, attend an accredited institution in the United States
• Have received no Education Assistance Program payment during the previous 12 months
• Not be an immediate family member of a board or selection-committee member
• Provide an invoice or other documentation of the education cost
• Submit the online form by November 30, 2026 for the next distribution