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The Heartbeat Forward Scholarship | Heartbeat Forward
Heartbeat Forward

The Heartbeat Forward
Scholarship

Children born with congenital heart disease fight battles most people will never see. This scholarship exists to honor that strength and help ensure that survival leads to opportunity.

Award: $1,000  |  Awarded Annually  |  Open to CHD Survivors
A young person who grows up with congenital heart disease learns early that life is precious, that time matters, and that the future is something worth fighting for.
The Heartbeat Forward Scholarship invests in the futures of CHD survivors as they take their next step forward into college, university, or vocational training.
Scholarship Overview

At a Glance

The Heartbeat Forward Scholarship — Annual Award
Award Amount
$1,000
Recipients Per Year
One recipient, awarded annually
Who It Serves
High school seniors living with CHD
Administered By
Heartbeat Forward, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Who Can Apply

Eligibility Requirements

We believe every CHD survivor who has made it this far deserves to be seen. Our eligibility requirements are intentionally accessible, because we understand that congenital heart disease does not pause for academic timelines.

  • Diagnosed with congenital heart disease in any form
  • Currently enrolled as a high school senior in the United States
  • Accepted to, or actively applying to, an accredited college, university, or vocational or trade program
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 (we recognize that CHD often disrupts schooling through no fault of the student)
  • No restriction on intended major or field of study
How to Apply

Application Components

We kept the application simple on purpose. Three components. No more. We want the process to be completable by a student who has real demands on their time and energy.

Component 01

Personal Essay

500 to 750 words. This is the heart of your application. Write in your own voice, as honestly as you can.

"Tell us what living with congenital heart disease has taught you, and what you hope to build with the life you have fought for."
Component 02

One Letter of Recommendation

From a teacher, school counselor, coach, or medical professional who can speak to your character and resilience, not only your academic record.

Component 03

Proof of CHD Diagnosis

A brief letter or documentation from a physician or cardiologist confirming your diagnosis. All medical documentation is kept strictly confidential and used only to verify eligibility.

Selection

How We Choose

Our selection process centers on the human being behind the application, not on grades or accolades alone.

Strength of Essay

The personal essay carries the greatest weight. Authenticity and honesty matter more than polish.

Demonstrated Resilience

We look for evidence of perseverance in the face of CHD-related challenges, academic or otherwise.

Forward Momentum

A commitment to moving forward, whether into a four-year college, a community college, or a trade program.

Financial Need

Financial need is considered as part of the full picture, though it is not a required factor for selection.

Timeline

Annual Schedule

Applications open each year on a fixed cycle. Check back here for the current year's dates, or follow Heartbeat Forward on social media to be notified when applications open.

1
Scholarship Announced
Applications open publicly. The scholarship is announced across all Heartbeat Forward channels.
2
Application Deadline
All materials must be submitted by the posted deadline, approximately eight weeks after opening.
3
Review Period
Applications are reviewed over a two-week period following the deadline.
4
Recipient Notified
The selected recipient is contacted privately before any public announcement is made.
5
Public Announcement
With the recipient's permission, their story is shared publicly through Heartbeat Forward, honoring their journey.

The Heartbeat Forward Scholarship is the beginning of a long-term commitment to supporting the educational journeys of congenital heart disease survivors. As Heartbeat Forward grows, our goal is to expand this program to support more students each year.

Ready to Apply?

Applications for the current cycle are open. If you are a high school senior living with congenital heart disease, we want to hear your story.

Apply Now Contact Us

Questions? Reach us at info@heartbeatforward.org