Applications Are Open for the 2026 Eleanor Foundation Scholarships
Applications are now open for the 2026 Eleanor Foundation scholarships. We are accepting applications from September 1 through December 1, 2026.
The Eleanor Foundation awards college scholarships to NICU graduates — students who spent time in a neonatal intensive care unit as infants. We started the foundation in memory of our daughter, Eleanor, who spent most of her two and a half months of life in the NICU. This is our first scholarship cycle, and our first-year scholarships will be $1,000. Scholarships may be used toward tuition, fees, books, and required supplies.
Who can apply
Applicants must meet all three of these requirements:
- Be a graduating high school senior or a college student.
- Have been accepted to, or be currently enrolled at, a public college or university, or an accredited trade school.
- Have spent time in a NICU as an infant — whether because of premature birth, another newborn condition, or an injury at birth.
Key dates
- September 1, 2026: Applications open.
- December 1, 2026: Applications close. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
- December 12, 2026: Scholarship recipients are announced on Eleanor’s birthday.
How to apply
Read the full requirements, including how to verify your NICU stay, and start your application on our Apply page. If you have questions, check the scholarship FAQ or email info@eleanorfoundation.org.
Help spread the word
If you know a NICU graduate who is a high school senior or already in college — or a high school counselor, college advisor, NICU family, or parent group who does — please share these scholarships with them.