Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship: Empowering the Next Generation of Advocates

Application Deadline: May 30, 2025, at 8:59 PM PDT

If you’re a student passionate about making a difference in the fight against ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), the Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship offers a unique opportunity. This scholarship aims to support students dedicated to raising awareness and contributing to the fight against ALS.

What Is the Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship?

The Sandra West ALS Foundation was born from a deeply personal mission to make a difference. Founded by Sandy West and her family, the organization is dedicated to supporting families affected by ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that impacts physical abilities while leaving the mind intact. Sandy, a devoted Christian, wife, mother of three, and elementary school teacher, was diagnosed with ALS in 2022. Despite the profound challenges of her diagnosis, Sandy’s faith and determination to help others remain unshaken.

The foundation’s flagship initiative, the Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship, reflects Sandy’s lifelong commitment to education. As a teacher, she understands the transformative power of learning and believes that no student should have to sacrifice their academic aspirations due to the financial strain caused by ALS. The scholarship provides critical funding to college students whose families are facing financial hardship as a result of a parent’s ALS diagnosis. As Sandy herself has said, “ALS can take away a family’s ability to provide the things that so many of us take for granted—a child’s college education should not be one of those things.”

Who is Sandra West?

To understand the heart of this scholarship, you need to know Sandy West. A Holliston, Massachusetts, resident, Sandy is a woman of remarkable strength and compassion. Before her ALS diagnosis, she was an active elementary school teacher, a fitness enthusiast, and a pillar of her community. Her life was defined by her love for her family—her husband, Mike, and their three children, Sydney, Avery, and Michael—and her unwavering faith.

In 2022, Sandy’s world changed when she received her ALS diagnosis. The disease, which gradually weakens muscles and limits physical abilities, posed a significant challenge to her active lifestyle. Tragically, Sandy had already witnessed the toll of ALS through the loss of her close friend Marsha, who fought the disease for six years before passing away in 2022. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, Sandy chose to channel her energy into creating something meaningful.

Her foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a testament to her resilience and her desire to give back. Sandy’s vision is clear: to provide financial support to families impacted by ALS, particularly through scholarships that empower students to pursue their educational goals. Her story is one of hope, faith, and an unyielding commitment to making a positive impact, even in the face of adversity.

Scholarship Benefits

• Financial Support: The scholarship provides financial assistance to help cover educational expenses.
• Recognition: Recipients are recognized for their commitment to raising awareness about ALS.
• Opportunity to Make a Difference: The scholarship encourages students to engage in activities that contribute to the fight against ALS.

Eligibility Criteria for the Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

The Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship is designed to support students who are navigating the unique challenges of having a parent with ALS. To ensure that the scholarship reaches those who need it most, the foundation has established clear eligibility criteria:

• Parental ALS Diagnosis: Applicants must be the child of a parent who has been diagnosed with ALS.

• Financial Hardship: The applicant’s family must be experiencing financial difficulties due to the costs associated with ALS, such as medical expenses or caregiving needs.

• College Enrollment: Applicants must be current or prospective college students, including those enrolled in undergraduate programs, community colleges, or trade schools.

• Application Submission: Applicants are required to submit a personal essay detailing their experience as a child of a parent with ALS, the impact on their educational journey, their financial circumstances, and how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals.

These criteria ensure that the scholarship is awarded to students who are not only facing significant challenges but are also committed to their education. The application process is designed to be accessible, allowing students to share their stories and demonstrate their resilience.

How to Apply

1. Visit the Scholarship Page: Go to the official scholarship page.
2. Create an Account: Sign up for a free account to access the application.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form with accurate information.
4. Submit Supporting Documents: Provide any required documents, such as transcripts or letters of recommendation.
5. Submit the Application: Ensure all sections are complete and submit the application before the deadline.

Step by step Application Process

Applying for the Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail. The application is hosted on Bold.org, a trusted platform for scholarship management. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Visit the Application Page: Go to the official scholarship page.

2. Create a Bold.org Account: If you don’t already have an account, sign up for free. This will allow you to access the application and track your submission.

3. Complete the Application Form: Provide basic information about yourself, including your contact details, educational background, and enrollment status.

4. Write Your Personal Essay: The essay is the heart of your application. In it, you should:

   • Share your personal experience as a child of a parent with ALS.

   • Explain how this experience has impacted your educational journey.

   • Describe your family’s financial circumstances and the challenges you face.

   • Articulate how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic and career goals.

5. Submit by the Deadline: Ensure that your application is submitted by May 30, 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

6. Await Notification: Winners will be announced on June 30, 2025. Finalists may be contacted prior to the announcement for additional information.

The essay is your opportunity to tell your story authentically. Be honest, reflective, and specific about how ALS has shaped your life and your aspirations. The selection committee values sincerity and looks for applicants who demonstrate both need and determination.

Why the Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship Matters

ALS is a devastating disease that affects not only the individual diagnosed but their entire family. The financial burdens are staggering—medical expenses, home modifications, and assistive devices can quickly drain savings. For college students or prospective students whose parents have ALS, these costs often mean putting their education on hold or taking on significant debt to continue.

The Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship addresses this critical need by providing financial relief to eligible students. With an award amount of up to $15,890, the scholarship helps cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses, allowing recipients to focus on their studies rather than financial stress. By alleviating some of the economic pressure, the scholarship empowers students to pursue their dreams and build brighter futures.

Beyond the financial support, the scholarship carries a deeper significance. It’s a symbol of hope and a reminder that communities can come together to uplift those facing unimaginable challenges. For recipients like Kaiti, a biology major aspiring to become a physical therapist, the scholarship has made it possible to balance her education with the demands of supporting her father, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2016. Stories like Kaiti’s highlight the scholarship’s transformative impact.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: May 30, 2025, at 8:59 PM PDT
• Award Notification: Recipients will be notified following the application review process.

The Impact of the Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

Since its inception, the Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship has already made a tangible difference in the lives of students. In its inaugural year, the scholarship awarded funds to two remarkable students, including Kaiti, who is pursuing a biology degree with plans to enter physical therapy. Her father’s ALS diagnosis in 2016 created significant financial and emotional challenges, but the scholarship has allowed her to continue her education while supporting her family.

The scholarship’s impact extends beyond financial support. For recipients, it represents validation of their struggles and a reminder that they are not alone. The West family, who actively manage the foundation, are deeply involved in the selection process and take pride in celebrating the achievements of each scholar. Their commitment to ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to the scholarship fund underscores the foundation’s integrity and dedication to its mission.

How the Scholarship is Funded

The Sandra West ALS Foundation is a family-run organization, with Sandy, Mike, and their children at the helm. They work tirelessly to raise funds through donations, community events, and partnerships. One notable event is the annual gathering on the Cape Playhouse Lawn, hosted in collaboration with the Lambton Family and CCALS founder Ron Hoffman. These events not only raise money but also build awareness about ALS and the foundation’s mission.

The foundation is committed to transparency and efficiency. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, it ensures that every dollar donated to the scholarship fund is used to support deserving students. The West family also plans to establish a future endowment to sustain the scholarship program for years to come, ensuring that more students can benefit from this vital support.

Why Education Matters to Sandy West

Education is at the core of Sandy West’s identity. As an elementary school teacher, she has spent her career nurturing young minds and instilling a love of learning. Even after her ALS diagnosis, her passion for education remains unwavering. The scholarship is an extension of this passion, reflecting her belief that education is a cornerstone of personal growth and societal progress.

Sandy’s commitment to education is also deeply personal. As a mother, she wants to ensure that her own children and others like them have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. By creating the scholarship, she is leaving a legacy that will empower future generations to overcome the challenges of ALS and achieve their full potential.

How ALS Affects Families

ALS, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and eventual paralysis. The average lifespan after diagnosis is two to five years, though some individuals, like Sandy, continue to live with the disease for longer. The emotional toll of watching a loved one battle ALS is profound, and for children, it can be especially formative.

Financially, ALS is a heavy burden. Costs for medical care, mobility aids, home modifications, and caregiving can quickly add up, often forcing families to make difficult choices. For students, this might mean working multiple jobs, taking out loans, or pausing their education altogether. The Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship steps in to alleviate some of this pressure, allowing students to focus on their studies and personal growth.

How You Can Support the Sandra West ALS Foundation

The Sandra West ALS Foundation relies on the generosity of donors and community members to sustain its scholarship program. There are several ways you can get involved:

• Donate: Contributions to the scholarship fund are 100% tax-deductible and go directly to supporting students. Visit sandrawestalsfoundation.com to make a donation.

• Attend Events: Participate in fundraising events like the annual Cape Playhouse Lawn gathering to show your support and connect with others affected by ALS.

• Spread the Word: Share the scholarship opportunity with students, educators, and community organizations to ensure that those who need it most are aware of the opportunity.

• Volunteer: Reach out to the foundation to learn about volunteer opportunities or ways to contribute your time and skills.

Every small action counts, and together, we can help more students achieve their educational dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship

Who can apply for the scholarship?

Any child of a parent with ALS whose family is facing financial hardship is eligible to apply. Applicants must be current or prospective college students.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for the 2025 scholarship cycle is May 30, 2025. Winners will be announced on June 30, 2025.

How much is the scholarship award?

The scholarship offers up to $15,890 to cover tuition, books, and other educational expenses.

Where can I apply?

Applications are submitted through Bold.org

How are winners selected?

Winners are chosen based on the merit of their application, with a focus on their personal essay, financial need, and commitment to education.

Conclusion

The Sandra West ALS Foundation Scholarship offers a valuable opportunity for students dedicated to raising awareness about ALS. By supporting education and advocacy, this scholarship honours Sandra West’s legacy and contributes to the ongoing fight against ALS.

APPLY HERE.

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