SEED Scholars
SEED Scholars are a growing movement of high school students across Northeast Ohio who are earning service hours, developing leadership skills, and strengthening their resumes — all while making a real difference for children all over the world battling brain cancer.
As a SEED Scholar, you will build a team of peers who lead awareness and fundraising initiatives to support the Prayers From Maria Foundation with guidance from an experienced mentor. You can bring hope to children and families facing this devastating disease by advancing the most meaningful brain cancer research.
Applications for this year are due Friday, September 25, 2026.
FAQs
What is a SEED Scholar?
As a SEED Scholar, you will build a team of peers who lead awareness and fundraising initiatives with guidance from an experienced mentor. You can bring hope to children and families facing this devastating disease by advancing the most meaningful brain cancer research.
Why become a SEED Scholar?
Childhood brain cancer remains one of the most underfunded areas of cancer research. Your leadership can change that. By raising awareness and securing vital research funds, you directly support brave children and their families.
You’ll gain experience in:
- Public speaking and presentation skills
- Project planning and execution
- Team leadership and collaboration
- Marketing, financial planning, fundraising, and community outreach
Plus!
Build experience that strengthens college, scholarship, and future job applications
Receive verified community service hours
Receive mentorship & support
What does a SEED Scholar do?
- Form a team of peers
- Attend one kick-off meeting (either virtual or in person)
- Participate in coaching sessions with a mentor (either virtual or in person)
- Plan creative awareness and fundraising initiatives with your team
- Serve as a trusted ambassador for Prayers From Maria with integrity, professionalism, and compassion
- Celebrate your achievements at the Capstone Celebration
When are applications due?
Applications due: September 25, 2026
Other key dates
- Applications due: September 25, 2026
- Applicants notified of acceptance: October 2, 2026
- Virtual/in-person kick-off meeting: Week of October 19, 2026
- Campaign planning and activities: October 2026 – April 2027
- Final recap submissions due: April 2, 2027
- Capstone Celebration: TBD mid-April 2027
What is the Capstone Celebration?
Celebrate your achievements at the Capstone Celebration where 2026-27 award recipients will be announced:
SEED Scholar of the Year
Awarded to the student who raised the most funds in support of the PFM mission
SEED Leadership Award
Celebrates a student who inspired and mobilized others to support the PFM mission
Community Roots Award
Honors outstanding partnership-building and meaningful community connections
Maria’s Advocate Award
Recognizes exceptional efforts to raise awareness about PFM and its mission
Who should apply?
Students who are:
- Wanting to earn community service hours
- Passionate about helping others and motivated to help end childhood brain cancer
- Have approximately one hour a week to bring hope to children battling this deadly disease
- Looking for a meaningful leadership and service extracurricular experience that strengthens college, scholarship, and future job applications
Questions?
If you have any questions, reach out to Valerie, School Programs Coordinator, at vschuster@PrayersFromMaria.org
Share Our Program
Are you an administrator? Download the PDF flyer to pass out to your faculty and students!