The Mesothelioma Center Scholarship Essay Contest

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.

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.
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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.
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Write Your Essay
The essay must explore the mesothelioma topics listed in the rules. Please keep the essay between 750 and 1,500 words.
Submit Entry Online
When you’ve finished your essay, please fill out the online application and include your essay, picture and letters of recommendation.
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.

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.

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

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

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