APPLICATION DUE DATE: May 1, 2026.

The 2026 Application is now open. We will once again be utilizing a hard copy or an online application, whichever is easier for you to apply.  Thank you.

Making Headway Foundation is proud to provide funding to help select brain tumor survivors achieve their college dreams. Brain or spinal cord tumor survivors residing in NY, NJ, or CT are eligible to apply. In 2026, Making Headway expects to award approximately 15 scholarships of up to $5,000 each, along with a special $15,000 award as part of the 7th annual Michael Schwartz Making Headway Scholarship.

The Making Headway college scholarship program is named in honor of pediatric brain tumor survivor Michael Schwartz. At the age of 2 ½, and again at age 4, Michael received chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant to successfully fight the tumor, but he faced a number of challenges as a result of the treatments. Michael would attend Steven Gaynor, a school for special educational needs, from 4th grade to 8th grade. He also received important educational support from the programs offered by Making Headway. With these supports, and with a lot of hard work and dedication, Michael flourished and achieved academic success. After high school, he attended the business school at American University with a focus in marketing. He is now a Media Supervisor at Heartbeat, an advertising agency servicing the healthcare sector. Michael proved all the naysayers wrong. The Schwartz family decided that all funds raised by the family would be dedicated to college scholarships for brain tumor survivors. There should not be one child who successfully battles a brain tumor, and has the ability to attend college, but is unable to do so because of financial resources.

Click here for more information about past winners.

How to apply

Requirements for applying for the Making Headway Scholarship are as follows:

  • Be a brain or spinal cord tumor survivor (diagnosed before the age of 18)
  • Reside in the New York City metropolitan area (including New Jersey or Connecticut)
  • Have been admitted to, or be currently attending, a two- or four-year college or vocational program.

Interested in applying for a scholarship? Here’s how:

Option #1: Mail in hard copies of the application and required documents. Please review all the links below:

Option #2: Apply Online (Gmail email required*)

For all applications you will need to submit/upload the following:

  • A personal statement
  • Financial information, such as a FAFSA Application, Pell Grant award proof, or the most recent tax return (front page only)
  • Most recent report card/transcript
  • Proof of college acceptance and documentation of costs for your enrollment.
  • You will also need two letters of recommendations (please see guidelines above for more details)

The application deadline is May 1, 2026. For more information or to request an application by mail, email Making Headway at Jennifer@makingheadway.org or call our office at (914) 238-8384. Completed applications can be mailed to: Making Headway Foundation Scholarships, 115 King Street, Chappaqua, NY 10514.

For information on other Making Headway Programs, click on the link

Care – Individual Counseling Program Care – Educational Assistance Program Comfort – In Hospital Services (yoga, massage, etc.) / Playroom Comfort – Scholarship Program Comfort – Family Events Cure – New Medical Research Grants Cure – Facilitating Medical Research and Clinical Trials Cure – Neuro-oncology Fellowship Program