hope education scholarships

Thanks to a transformational investment from Susan Hitch-Zint and her brother David Hitch in memory of Susan’s son Andrew David Zint, Bear Necessities launched a scholarship program in 2022 for pediatric cancer patients, survivors, and their siblings.

We award at least two scholarships annually, including the Andrew David Zint Memorial Scholarship, to give those touched by pediatric cancer hope for a brighter future.

The scholarship program is designed to ease the financial and emotional hardships associated with fighting pediatric cancer and to provide the opportunity for young people affected by pediatric cancer to pursue their post-secondary education from an accredited university, college, community college, or vocational-technical school.

who is eligible?

  • A pediatric cancer patient or survivor, or the sibling of someone who experienced pediatric cancer Cancer diagnosis occurred before age 20 and the applicant is younger than age 23 at the time of application
  • Currently scheduled to begin their first year as a full-time or part-time student at an accredited university, college, community college, or vocational-technical school in the U.S. during the upcoming academic year
  • Must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Illinois

Please email [email protected] with any questions or to request an application. 2025 applications must be received by April 15, 2025.

how can you support the program?

You can donate any amount to the Bear Necessities Hope Scholarship Program. Every gift, big or small, makes a resounding difference in assuring the sustainability of our Hope Scholarship Program, and most importantly, to our Hope Scholars.

With a $5,000 investment, you can create a scholarship in your name, family name, or company name. A $100,000 donation empowers you to create a named scholarship that can be given to deserving students for the next 20 years. Donate today or email our CEO, Kate Tillotson, at [email protected] to learn more.

help make kids feel like kids again.