Joshua L. Finney Perseverance and Resilience Scholarship

Funded by
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
Jul 26, 2025
Winners Announced
Aug 26, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
GPA:
2.5+ GPA
Education Level:
High school junior or senior
State:
North Carolina
Background:
Has been diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening illness at some point
College Goals:
Will attend a two or four-year college

Facing cancer or another life-threatening illness can be a traumatic experience that can understandably derail one’s life and pull focus from other goals.

Young people who face illness during their school years often lose out on friendships, social milestones, in-person learning, and other opportunities that their healthy peers take for granted. Dealing with a health crisis at such a pivotal time in life can easily lead one to get discouraged and lose interest in their educational journey.

This scholarship was created by Joshua L. Finney, an attorney who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia during his sophomore year in high school. This scholarship aims to support students who have faced life-threatening illnesses yet remain focused on their academic goals.

Any high school junior or senior in North Carolina who will attend a two or four-year college with a minimum 2.5 GPA may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they have been diagnosed with cancer or another life-threatening illness at some point (survivor or currently undergoing treatment). However, applicants from the Charlotte area are preferred.

To apply, tell us how your diagnosis has affected your perception of life.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published April 24, 2025
Essay Topic

How has your diagnosis changed your perception of life?

400–600 words

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 26, 2025. Winners will be announced on Aug 26, 2025.