AFA Invites Teens To Enter Its 2018 “Teens For Alzheimer’s Awareness” College Scholarship Essay Contest

NEW YORK, Dec. 05, 2017 -- The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is inviting high school seniors to take part in its 2018 “Teens for Alzheimer’s Awareness” College Scholarship Essay Contest.  The annual contest, which has awarded over $200,000 in college scholarships to date, asks high school seniors to describe how Alzheimer’s has changed or affected their lives.  The deadline to submit essays is February 15, 2018.

“Whether they’ve had a loved one with the disease, volunteered or worked as a caregivers or are just passionate about the cause, teens across the country are involved in the fight against Alzheimer’s, and many of them have very moving and powerful stories to tell,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., President & CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.  “Every student who shares their experiences helps raise Alzheimer’s awareness among people of all ages.  We encourage teens who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease to submit an essay and tell their story.”

Applicants will be asked to submit a 1,200-1,500 word essay that describes how Alzheimer’s disease has impacted their lives and what they have learned about themselves, their family and/or their community in the face of coping with the illness.  High school seniors who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and entering a four-year accredited college or university within 12 months of the application deadline are welcome to enter the contest. Students already attending college are not eligible to participate.  

The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 college scholarship.  Prizes will also be awarded for first-runner-up ($2,500), second-runner-up ($1,500) and honorable mention ($500).  AFA awarded $25,000 in scholarships as part of last year’s contest, which had over 3,000 submissions. 

Students can learn more about the contest and submit their essays by visiting www.youngleadersofafa.org.   Those with questions can call AFA at 866-232-8484.  All entries and required materials must be received by February 15, 2018.

About Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA):

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, based in New York, is a non-profit organization that unites more than 2,600 member organizations nationwide in the goal of providing optimal care and services to individuals living with dementia, and to their caregivers and families. Its services include a national, toll-free helpline (866-232-8484) staffed by licensed social workers, educational conferences and materials, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers, the National Memory Screening Program, and “AFA Partners in Care” dementia care training for healthcare professionals. For more information about AFA, call 866-232-8484, visit www.alzfdn.org, follow us on Twitter, or connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn. 

CONTACT: Sandy Silverstein
866-232-8484, ext. 104
[email protected]