Mary E. Smith Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Mary E. Smith Foundation

Introduction
MESF invites students to AIM HIGH and apply for academic scholarships available to high school students, college and medical students, and adult learners. Since our founding in 2008, we have awarded more than $180,000 to deserving recipients. Visit the AIM HIGH INITIATIVE to view both local and national scholarship opportunities.

National Excellence in Science & Medicine Award — Overview and Eligibility
- Award: A one-time scholarship of up to $2,500. One or two (2) recipients will be chosen each year.
- Who may apply: U.S. residents who are entering or are currently enrolled in an advanced program in the health sciences (examples: biology, chemistry, nursing, etc.) at a college or four-year university within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia.
- Field focus: Applicants should intend to pursue careers in oncology or neurology (including neuroscience, neurosurgery, and neuropathology).
- Payment: Funds will be paid either directly to the recipient’s school for tuition or to the recipient to help cover living expenses, books, travel, or similar costs.

National Excellence in Academics & Community Service Award — Overview and Eligibility
- Award: A one-time scholarship of up to $2,500. One or two (2) recipients will be selected annually.
- Who may apply: Applicants must be brain tumor patients/survivors or immediate family members of someone diagnosed with a brain tumor. Eligible relationships are limited to spouse, biological children, biological parents, and biological siblings.
- Additional requirements: Applicants must be U.S. residents who are entering or currently enrolled in an advanced educational program at a college, university, vocational school, or other accredited setting within the fifty United States or the District of Columbia, and demonstrate financial need.
- Payment: The scholarship will be disbursed either directly to the school for tuition or to the recipient to assist with living expenses, books, travel, etc.

Application Timeline and Important Dates (both awards)
- Applications for the 2025–2026 academic year will be posted by October 1, 2025.
- Application deadline: February 1, 2026. Completed applications must be submitted or postmarked by this date.
- Notification of recipients: March 2026.
- Public listing of winners: All winners will be posted on our website in May 2026.
- Required participation for local winners: Local awardees should be prepared to take part in the Annual Scholarship Gala on April 26, 2026 and the Annual Brain Tumor Awareness Fun Run/Walk ceremony held in June/July.

For full application instructions and forms, please visit the AIM HIGH INITIATIVE page on our website.