Educational Incentive Awards for Children of Individuals with Thalassemia
Offered by Cooley's Anemia Foundation
About This Scholarship
Thalassemia is a lifelong condition, and its financial weight lands on households, not just patients. The Cooley's Anemia Foundation's Educational Incentive Awards recognize that reality by funding the college educations of children whose parent lives with thalassemia.
Students enrolled in bachelor's, master's, or doctorate programs receive $1,000, while students pursuing a two-year associate degree receive $500. As with CAF's patient-facing awards, the application is documentation-driven rather than a high-stakes competition: an official bursar receipt, class registration, course requirements, and a 250-word essay about your goals.
The qualifying parent must be registered with the Cooley's Anemia Foundation and have a diagnosis of thalassemia major, thalassemia intermedia, beta thalassemia, hemoglobin H disease, or hemoglobin H constant spring. If your family is affected but not yet registered, that step is worth completing well before the February deadline.
Eligibility
- Be the child of a U.S. individual living with thalassemia (thalassemia major, thalassemia intermedia, beta thalassemia, hemoglobin H disease, or hemoglobin H constant spring)
- The parent must be registered with the Cooley's Anemia Foundation
- Be enrolled in an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctorate program
- Submit an official bursar receipt, class registration, course requirements, and a 250-word goals essay
How To Apply
- Confirm your parent is registered with the Cooley's Anemia Foundation
- Complete the 2026-2027 Educational Incentive Award application from the CAF website
- Gather your bursar receipt, class registration, course requirements, and a double-spaced, typed 250-word essay explaining your goals
- Submit the complete application so CAF receives it by February 5, 2027 — no extensions are granted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for this award?
Children of U.S. individuals with thalassemia. The parent must be registered with the Cooley's Anemia Foundation and have a qualifying diagnosis such as thalassemia major, thalassemia intermedia, beta thalassemia, hemoglobin H disease, or hemoglobin H constant spring.
How much is the award?
$1,000 for students in bachelor's, master's, or doctorate programs, and $500 for students working toward a two-year associate degree.
When will I hear back?
The foundation notifies recipients and disburses funds in March 2027, following the February 5, 2027 application deadline.