Honoring a Life Lived with Passion, Supporting Young Hearts Walking Through Loss
The Meagan Joy Bennett Memorial Scholarship provides $5,000 awards to Hays County, Texas high school seniors who have experienced the profound loss of a parent or guardian to cancer.
Meagan Joy Bennett
1979 – 2023
About Meagan
The Meagan Joy Bennett Foundation was established to carry forward the vibrant, loving legacy of a remarkable woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. In 2023, Meagan passed away from cancer at the age of 44. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother to two beautiful children, and a beacon of light to her community.
Meagan didn't just live life; she embraced it with every fiber of her being. Her spirit was magnetic, characterized by an infectious joy, deep warmth, and an unconditional love for people. Everyone who knew Meagan was touched by her light, and it is that very light we aim to keep burning.
“Education is the one thing no one can take from you.”— Meagan Joy Bennett, Educator & Mother
Meaganhomeschooled both of her children for five years, personally managing curriculum design, dual-credit coordination, and college readiness. She fought cancer for two years with grace, humor, and an unwavering focus on her children's futures.
The Meagan Joy Bennett Memorial Scholarship
Our core program is dedicated to easing the burden of college expenses, championing academic dreams, and reminding resilient young scholars that they are surrounded by a community that believes in their future.
The Need
Losing a parent or guardian to cancer is a devastating emotional and financial trauma. During the critical transition to higher education, these students often fall through the cracks—not “low-income enough” for standard need-based aid, nor carrying the perfect profile for merit-based aid, but shoulder to shoulder with invisible grief.
Who Qualifies
- Residency: Hays County, Texas resident (utility bill, lease, or enrollment record)
- Academic Status: Graduating high school senior
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 cumulative unweighted GPA
- Loss: Lost a parent or legal guardian to cancer
- Destination: Accepted or applied to an accredited college or university
Fair & Blind Selection
To guarantee absolute equity, applications are redacted of names, schools, and addresses. An independent selection committee consisting of a high school counselor, an oncology nurse, and a college financial aid officer grades submissions against a rigid 100-point rubric. Board members and major donors have zero selection power.
Ready to Submit Your Application?
Gather your transcripts, proof of residency, and write your essay. Applications for the next academic year are open from January 1st until March 1st.
Go to Online Application PortalJoin Us in Honoring Her Legacy
By supporting these resilient young scholars, we transform our grief into a lasting force for good. Partner with us as an individual or corporate sponsor.
Funds 1 Full Scholarship
- Named scholarship award
- Invitation to the annual selection ceremony
- Logo & name on foundation materials
- Dedicated social media recognition
1 Scholarship + 1 Workshop Series
- All Memorial Scholar benefits
- Exclusive naming rights to 1 College Readiness Workshop
- Speaking opportunity at workshop event
- Corporate employee volunteer slots
2+ Scholarships + Full Workshop Series
- All Legacy Partner benefits
- Presenting sponsor title at annual award gala
- Corporate video feature in foundation outreach
- Optional honorary Board Advisory seat
Our Stewardship Principles
Scholarship-First: At least 80% of all expenses go directly to programs (scholarships + workshops).
Tax-Deductible: As a 501(c)(3) / 509(a)(2) public charity, contributions earn maximum deductions (up to 60% AGI for cash, 30% AGI for appreciated stock).