Teens Invited to Share How Alzheimer’s Has Impacted Their Lives for the Chance to Win Scholarships from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
January 12, 2026— The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is offering scholarships of up to $5,000 to college-bound high school seniors affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia-related illnesses as part of its annual Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship. Entries can be submitted at www.alzfdn.org/scholarship and must be received by Sunday, March 1 at 5 pm ET.
Eligible teens are invited to apply for the scholarship by submitting an essay (1,500 words maximum) or submitting a video (no more than four minutes long) describing how Alzheimer’s disease has shaped their lives, what they have learned about themselves, their family and/or their community through their experience with Alzheimer’s, and how they plan to advocate or raise awareness in the future.
The contest recognizes the emotional, academic, and personal challenges young people often face when a loved one is living with the disease. By amplifying student voices, the program aims to raise awareness, foster empathy, and support the next generation as they pursue higher education while honoring the resilience shown by families affected by Alzheimer’s.
Examples of ways that Alzheimer’s impacted a student’s life can include:
· Having a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness
· Helping care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia-related illness
· Volunteering or working in a care setting that serves individuals with dementia
· Raising Alzheimer’s awareness in their school or community
· Conducting Alzheimer’s research
The program is open to current high school seniors living in the United States who will be attending a U.S. college or university this Fall. Students already attending college are not eligible to participate.
The top prize awarded is a $5,000 scholarship. Additional prizes are awarded for runners up and honorable mentions. More than $527,000 in college scholarships have been awarded since the program’s inception.
AFA provides these scholarship funds through the generous support of charitable donors. Individuals wishing to support this and other programs and services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease can do so by visiting www.alzfdn.org/donate or calling AFA at 866-232-8484.