Boomer Esiason Foundation Academic Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Boomer Esiason Foundation

Introduction
The Boomer Esiason Foundation Academic Scholarship exists to lessen the financial strain for students living with cystic fibrosis so they can concentrate on their studies and pursue their ambitions. Each year, BEF grants scholarships to remarkable students who show perseverance, drive, and academic commitment. Applicants who meet certain designation criteria and complete the optional long-form essay may be considered for extra financial awards linked to those distinctions.

Scholarship Designations (optional essay)
Applicants may elect to write a long-form essay answering a prompt associated with one of the designations below. Submitting that essay makes the applicant automatically eligible for additional funding under the chosen designation.

- Bonnie Strangio Memorial Scholarship
- For a student who reflects Bonnie’s upbeat, can-do outlook—someone who approaches life with enthusiasm, treasures family and friends, and pursues goals passionately despite living with CF.

- Rosemary Quigley Memorial Scholarship
- Honors a student who won’t let CF define their limits and who is especially drawn to academics in medicine, health policy, or law—the fields Rosemary cared about.

- Jerry Cahill You Cannot Fail Distinction
- Recognizes a student on a path of self-discovery who embraces challenges, shares their journey to inspire others, and celebrates the individuality shaped by their experiences.

- Lea Faraone Memorial Scholarship
- Celebrates a student who lives boldly and with conviction, demonstrates a strong commitment to the CF community, and—like Lea—has a love of travel and advocacy.

- Tiffany Rich Memorial Scholarship
- In memory of Tiffany Rich, who valued friendship above all and created joyful, safe spaces. This award honors a student who lifts others through kindness, connection, and steady encouragement, particularly during hard times. In keeping with Tiffany’s spirit, applicants are encouraged to text or call a friend to express appreciation before submitting their application.

- Team Boomer Distinction
- For a student who prioritizes physical fitness and participates in athletics as part of their CF care and overall wellness.

- Exemplary Graduate Student Distinction
- For students with CF pursuing graduate-level study; ideal candidates are well-rounded, academically driven, and open about living with CF.

Eligibility
To be considered, applicants must:
- Have a confirmed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis
- Be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. lawful permanent resident
- Be enrolled in or accepted to an undergraduate or graduate program
- Demonstrate academic achievement, strong character and leadership, community service, and financial need

Application Requirements
Submit all of the following for an application to be reviewed:
- The completed BEF scholarship application
- A physician’s letter on official letterhead verifying a CF diagnosis and describing the treatment/therapy regimen
- Academic transcript(s) (high school, college, or graduate school as applicable)
- A detailed tuition cost breakdown from the institution (required only for incoming freshmen)
- W-2 forms for both parents, or a tax return if the parent(s) or applicant are self-employed

Selection Process
Semi-finalists will be contacted and scheduled for a phone interview with a member of the BEF Scholarship Committee.