Asbestos.com awards $5,000 in scholarships to students who bring awareness to asbestos-related cancers.

Asbestos.com scholarship badge
  • Winners
    Each Fall
  • $3,000
    1st Place Scholarship
  • $2,000
    2nd Place Scholarship

Rules & Requirements

  • Essay Topics
    Asbestos is a toxic mineral that causes mesothelioma, an often terminal cancer affecting more than 3,000 Americans annually. The topic you choose should bring light to the issues surrounding mesothelioma and help raise awareness about the disease, research, promising clinical trials, survivors and caregivers.
  • Winning Entries
    We will publish the winning entries on our scholarship page and promote them exclusively on our social media accounts.
  • Scholarship Payment
    One-time payment will be sent directly to the winners’ schools.

Requirements

  • Any undergraduate and graduate students
  • 18 years and older
  • Enrolled full-time in U.S. institution
  • Essay must be between 750 and 1,500 words
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Deadline: Aug. 31, 2024

2022 Scholarship Winners

  • Scholarship winner Ella Savage
    1st Place: Ella Savage, Clemson University
    Ella Savage is enrolled in the Animal and Veterinary Science Program at Clemson University with plans to attend veterinary school after completing her undergraduate degree. Her grandfather was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 1992, and lived with the disease for 30 years.
    Read More
  • Scholarship winner Catalina Valdez
    2nd Place: Catalina Valdez, Brigham Young University
    Catalina Valdez is pursuing a Master of Science degree in sociology at Brigham Young University. She is studying immigration, race and ethnicity, family and language. She has written about mesothelioma and its effect on women in their roles as caregivers and patients.
    Read More

How to Apply

  • outline of white keyboard icon
    Write Your Essay
    The essay must explore the mesothelioma topics listed in the rules. Please keep the essay between 750 and 1,500 words.
  • white computer mouse icon
    Submit Entry Online
    When you’ve finished your essay, please fill out the online application and include your essay, picture and letters of recommendation.
  • white graduation cap on computer screen
    Provide Proof of Enrollment
    Asbestos.com will contact finalists and ask them to request their official college transcript from their school and mail it to us.

Selection Process and Winners

  • How Will Winners Be Chosen?
    Our judges will evaluate essays on style, grammar, level of research and quality of content. They will then select the two submissions that best capture the essence of the essay topics.
  • When Will Winners Be Announced?
    After the judges submit their recommendations and come to a decision, we will notify winners by email and phone by the end of September 2021.

What Are the Judges Looking For?

  • Joe Lahav, Esquire, author for The Mesothelioma Center
    Joe Lahav
    An essay writer who shows real knowledge about the subject based on facts and figures, not an opinion.
  • Karen Selby, RN, patient advocate for the Mesothelioma Center
    Karen Selby
    A personal story reflecting a family connection to mesothelioma or one that shows a promise in treatment.
  • Missy Miller, Medical Outreach Director at The Mesothelioma Center
    Missy Miller
    An entry written from the heart, showing the human element of how asbestos affects the community.
  • Michelle Whitmer, writer for Asbestos.com
    Michelle Whitmer
    A passionate, clearly written essay with thorough research, genuine interest and fueled by progressive thought.

Scholarships from Other Cancer-Related Organizations

  • American Cancer Society logo
    American Cancer Society
    Awards up to $10,000 annually to graduate students pursuing master’s degree in cancer nursing or doctorate of nursing practice.
    Learn More
  • Cancer for College logo
    Cancer for College
    Open to cancer survivors enrolled in college. The California-based charity offers various scholarships from $250 to $4,000.
    Learn More
  • National College of Cancer Foundation logo
    National Collegiate Cancer Foundation
    Awards $1,000 to college students who lost a parent or guardian to cancer.
    Learn More
  • Susan G. Komen logo
    Susan G. Komen for the Cure Scholarship
    Students receive up to $10,000 annually over a four period.
    Learn More

Want to donate to a mesothelioma charity or research facility?