Asbestos.com awards $5,000 in scholarships to students who bring awareness to asbestos-related cancers.
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WinnersEach Fall
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$3,0001st Place Scholarship
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$2,0002nd Place Scholarship
Rules & Requirements
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Essay TopicsAsbestos is a toxic mineral that causes mesothelioma, an often terminal cancer affecting more than 3,000 Americans annually. The topic you choose should bring light to the issues surrounding mesothelioma and help raise awareness about the disease, research, promising clinical trials, survivors and caregivers.
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Winning EntriesWe will publish the winning entries on our scholarship page and promote them exclusively on our social media accounts.
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Scholarship PaymentOne-time payment will be sent directly to the winners’ schools.
Requirements
- Any undergraduate and graduate students
- 18 years and older
- Enrolled full-time in U.S. institution
- Essay must be between 750 and 1,500 words
- Two letters of recommendation
- Deadline: Aug. 31, 2025
2024 Scholarship Winners
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1st Place: Thomas J. Coyne, Penn State AbingtonThomas Coyne is a business major with aspirations to pursue a career in sports management upon graduating. Influenced by his grandfather, a Vietnam veteran who faced pleural mesothelioma with unwavering courage, Thomas has developed a deep appreciation for resilience and perseverance. His academic and athletic pursuits are driven by a commitment to honor his grandfather's legacy of determination and hope, embodying the values of strength and purpose in overcoming life's challenges. -
2nd Place: Trey Quintanilla, Western Governors UniversityTrey Quintanilla, MS, is a senior clinical research coordinator specializing in dermatology, neuromuscular and endocrinology clinical trials. With a passion for patient advocacy and bridging healthcare gaps, Trey has worked to connect underserved populations with clinical trial resources. Trey combines his work in clinical research and experience with mesothelioma patients to improve the relationships between patients, caregivers and researchers.
How to Apply
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Write Your EssayThe essay must explore the mesothelioma topics listed in the rules. Please keep the essay between 750 and 1,500 words. -
Submit Entry OnlineWhen you’ve finished your essay, please fill out the online application and include your essay, picture and letters of recommendation. -
Provide Proof of EnrollmentAsbestos.com will contact finalists and ask them to request their official college transcript from their school and mail it to us.
Selection Process and Winners
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How Will Winners Be Chosen?Our judges will evaluate essays on style, grammar, level of research and quality of content. They will then select the two submissions that best capture the essence of the essay topics.
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When Will Winners Be Announced?After the judges submit their recommendations and come to a decision, we will notify winners by email and phone by the end of September 2025.
What Are the Judges Looking For?
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Joe LahavAn essay writer who shows real knowledge about the subject based on facts and figures, not an opinion. -
Karen SelbyA personal story reflecting a family connection to mesothelioma or one that shows a promise in treatment. -
Missy MillerAn entry written from the heart, showing the human element of how asbestos affects the community. -
Michelle WhitmerA passionate, clearly written essay with thorough research, genuine interest and fueled by progressive thought.
