Young cancer survivors preparing for higher education may be eligible for scholarships from the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society.

The Society’s Mid-South Division will award $1,000 scholarships to eligible individuals who have fought cancer and are attending an accredited university, college or vocational/technical school.

Awards for the 2009-2010 academic year will be announced in April 2009.

“Childhood cancer survivors have faced incredible challenges and overcome them,” said Angel Strange, quality of life director for the Mid-South Division of the American Cancer Society. “Awarding these scholarships is our way of saying congratulations on winning your fight and keep up the good work.”

To be eligible, applicants must be under 25, have had a cancer diagnosis before age 21 and be a resident of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, or Floyd or Clark counties in Indiana and a United States citizen. Candidates must also have a GPA of at least 2.5 and been accepted to an accredited school.

Since the inception of the American Cancer Society college scholarship program in 2000, more than 1,388 scholarships have been awarded. Last year, 218 survivors were awarded the scholarship.

Applications are due by February 1, 2009. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need, leadership, academic achievement and community service.

For more information on the scholarship program or to obtain an application, call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org/midsouthnews.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.