February 27, 2027
Cancer Pathways Teen Writing Contest
Direct application
$1,000
20 winners
Eligibility
Education level
High school
About this scholarship
U.S. students in grades 9-12 personally affected by cancer, either their own diagnosis or a loved one's, may submit an original English essay up to 1,500 words about that experience. Twenty winners each receive a $1,000 cash prize.
Essays must be the author's own work. Poems, fiction, and essays about pets are not accepted. Winners attend a virtual reception to read their essays and must complete an IRS W-9 form. Each student may win only once.
Cancer Pathways has run this teen writing contest since 2006 to encourage honest reflection on the cancer experience.
Essay question
What else to submit
- Original English essay of no more than 1,500 words about the applicant's cancer experience.
- Open to U.S. teens in grades 9-12 who have been impacted by cancer (personally, or through a loved one or friend)
- Essay must not exceed 1,500 words; essays over this length will not be considered
- Must be original content written in the author's own voice
- Not eligible: poems, essays about a pet, or fiction
- May be submitted in Spanish (translated to English for judging)
- Each teen may win the contest only once
- Submission deadline: midnight PST Friday, February 27, 2026
- Prize: $1,000 (winners must complete IRS W-9); winners invited to a virtual celebration
- Essays must be the author's own work.
- Poems, fiction, and essays about pets are not eligible.
- Spanish submissions may be translated to English for judging.
- Winners must complete an IRS W-9 form and are invited to a virtual reception.