Brave of Heart Scholarship Returns in August 2025: Are You Eligible?
In a time when the cost of higher education continues to rise and many families still feel the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the return of the Brave of Heart Scholarship this August 2025 comes as a ray of hope. Designed specifically to honor and support the families of frontline healthcare workers who gave their all — and in some tragic cases, their lives — during the pandemic, this scholarship is more than just financial aid. It’s a tribute to courage, sacrifice, and resilience.
So, what is the Brave of Heart Scholarship, who qualifies, and how can you apply? In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know, whether you’re a student, parent, or guidance counselor trying to help someone find the right path.
What Is the Brave of Heart Scholarship?
The Brave of Heart Scholarship was established in 2021 by the Brave of Heart Fund, a collaborative initiative from the foundations of New York Life and Cigna, administered by Scholarship America. It was born out of a national effort to support the families of frontline healthcare workers who lost their lives to COVID-19.
The scholarship aims to provide tuition assistance to the children, spouses, and domestic partners of healthcare heroes — doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals — who died due to the virus.
In 2025, the program returns with expanded eligibility and more funding, ensuring that deserving students across the U.S. have a real shot at pursuing higher education without being burdened by debt.
Why This Scholarship Matters
To truly grasp the weight of this scholarship, you have to understand what it represents.
During the height of the pandemic, tens of thousands of healthcare professionals put themselves in harm’s way to care for others. Many contracted the virus themselves, and some tragically passed away. The Brave of Heart Scholarship acknowledges their sacrifice and attempts to lighten the load for the families they left behind.
It’s more than just an award — it’s a public recognition of valor and a commitment to ensuring that the loved ones of these frontline workers are not forgotten.
Who Is Eligible in 2025?
The eligibility requirements for the Brave of Heart Scholarship have remained consistent with previous years, but the 2025 edition includes a few important clarifications and improvements. Here’s a breakdown:
✅ Who Can Apply?
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Children (including adopted children or stepchildren)
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Spouses or domestic partners
of healthcare workers who died due to COVID-19-related causes.
The deceased must have been:
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A frontline healthcare worker (e.g., nurses, doctors, EMTs, hospital staff, caregivers).
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Working in the U.S. healthcare system.
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Directly involved in patient care or hospital/clinical operations during the pandemic.
📚 Education Requirements
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Applicants must be pursuing post-secondary education at an accredited two- or four-year college, vocational-technical school, or graduate program in the United States.
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Both part-time and full-time students are eligible.
💼 Financial Status
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Preference is given to students demonstrating financial need.
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Applicants are encouraged (but not required) to complete the FAFSA form.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Brave of Heart Scholarship provides generous funding — often more than what you’d expect from a traditional scholarship.
Depending on financial need and cost of attendance, scholarship amounts may range from:
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$5,000 to $25,000 per year, renewable for up to four years.
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For graduate students, awards may range from $10,000 to $50,000 total.
The scholarship can be used for:
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Tuition
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Fees
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Room and board
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Books and supplies
This flexibility allows families to truly make use of the funds in a way that makes the most impact.
How to Apply for the 2025 Cycle
The application period for the 2025 Brave of Heart Scholarship opens in August 2025 and will remain open until October 2025. Here’s how to prepare:
📝 Step-by-Step Application Process:
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Visit the Official Application Portal
Applications are hosted and reviewed through Scholarship America. Start at their website or go directly through braveofheartfund.com (official site). -
Prepare Documentation
You’ll need:-
Proof of relationship to the deceased healthcare worker (birth certificate, marriage license, etc.).
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Documentation of the loved one’s employment and death (employer letter, obituary, death certificate, etc.).
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School transcripts
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Personal statement or essay
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Write a Strong Essay
You’ll likely be asked to share your story, goals, and how the pandemic impacted your life. Be honest and personal. The selection committee wants to see who you are, not just what’s on paper. -
Submit by Deadline
Don’t wait until the last minute. Scholarship America recommends submitting at least one week early to avoid server overloads or technical issues.
What Makes a Strong Application?
While meeting eligibility is the first step, crafting a compelling and heartfelt application is what will set you apart. Here are some tips:
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Be authentic. Don’t write what you think they want to hear. Share your real story.
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Explain your educational and career goals. How do you plan to use your degree to honor your loved one’s legacy?
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Show resilience. Talk about challenges you’ve overcome since their passing — emotionally, financially, or academically.
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Ask for recommendations. Letters from teachers, counselors, or community leaders can strengthen your application.
Stories That Inspire
Since its inception, the Brave of Heart Scholarship has funded hundreds of students across the U.S., many of whom have gone on to become nurses, doctors, counselors, and social workers — driven by a passion that stems from personal loss.
Take Jessica, for example. After losing her mother — a nurse — in early 2020, Jessica struggled with depression and financial instability. With the help of the Brave of Heart Scholarship, she not only stayed in college but graduated with honors in social work. Today, she supports children who’ve experienced trauma.
Stories like Jessica’s remind us that scholarships don’t just fund education — they fuel purpose.
Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?
If you’re reading this and you lost a loved one in the healthcare field due to COVID-19, this scholarship was made for you. It’s an opportunity to turn pain into purpose, loss into legacy, and struggle into success.
And even if you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria — apply. There’s no harm in submitting an application. You may find that someone on the other end is ready to listen, understand, and support your journey.
Quick Recap
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opens | August 2025 |
| Deadline | October 2025 |
| Eligibility | Children/spouses/domestic partners of healthcare workers who died of COVID-19 |
| Award Amount | $5,000–$25,000/year (up to $50,000 for grad students) |
| Where to Apply | braveofheartfund.com |
You’re Not Alone
College is expensive. Grief is heavy. But the Brave of Heart Scholarship proves that compassion still exists in this world — and that help is available for those who’ve borne the heaviest burdens.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this scholarship, take the first step. August 2025 is just around the corner — and this could be the beginning of something life-changing.
