Mary E. Smith Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Mary E. Smith Foundation
MESF’s AIM HIGH initiative supports scholastic achievement by awarding scholarships to high school students, college and medical students, and adult learners. Since our founding in 2008, we have distributed more than $180,000 to qualified recipients. Below are the national scholarships offered through AIM HIGH. National Excellence in Science & Medicine Award - Award value: Up to $2,500 (one-time). One or two recipients will be selected each year. - Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. residents and either entering or currently enrolled in an advanced program in the health sciences (examples: biology, chemistry, nursing, etc.) at a college or four-year university located in one of the fifty states or the District of Columbia. Applicants should intend to pursue a career in oncology or neurology, including fields such as neuroscience, neurosurgery, or neuropathology. - Payment: Funds will be issued directly to the recipient’s educational institution when used for tuition; alternatively, awards may be paid to the recipient to help cover living costs, books, travel, and related expenses. National Excellence in Academics & Community Service Award - Award value: Up to $2,500 (one-time). One or two recipients will be selected each year. - Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. residents and either entering or currently enrolled in an advanced educational program at a college, university, vocational school, or other accredited setting within the fifty states or the District of Columbia. Candidates must be either brain tumor patients/survivors or immediate relatives of someone diagnosed with a brain tumor — limited to spouse, biological child, biological parent, or biological sibling. Demonstrated financial need is required. - Payment: Awards will be paid to the school for tuition charges or directly to the recipient to assist with living expenses, books, travel, and similar costs. Important dates and requirements (2025–2026 cycle) - Application availability: October 1, 2025. - Application deadline: February 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by this date. - Notification of recipients: March 2026. - Winners posted on our website: May 2026. - In-person participation: Local awardees should be available to take part in the Annual Scholarship Gala on April 26, 2026, and the Annual Brain Tumor Awareness Fun Run/Walk ceremony in June or July 2026. Note: The online application link will be active only during the scholarship application period.
Go to Scholarship Application