The Chicago Bears are accepting applications for a $25,000 scholarship aimed at young people affected by pediatric cancer, with a Jan. 15, 2027, deadline.
The Collin Wehr Scholarship, now in its 14th year, is open to pediatric cancer survivors, those in treatment and siblings of children who lost their battle with the disease, according to the Bears' community page. The one-time award can cover tuition, books and room and board at any accredited college, university, community college or vocational technical school.
Since launching in 2014, the program has awarded more than $245,000 to 12 students, according to the Bears' announcement.
The scholarship honors Collin Wehr, a young Bears fan who died in March 2013 after battling pediatric cancer. Collin first visited Halas Hall in Lake Forest in 2011 to fulfill his wish of reporting live for NFL Network alongside former Bears wide receiver Tom Waddle.
Who can apply
Applicants must be U.S. citizens residing in Illinois or northwest Indiana and younger than 23 when applying. Eligible applicants include pediatric cancer survivors, people receiving treatment for pediatric cancer and siblings of children who died from the disease. High school seniors scheduled to graduate during the current school year and students already enrolled in an accredited postsecondary program are eligible. Applicants must have been accepted to a school and plan to attend full time during the upcoming academic year.
Official high school transcripts with a signature or school seal are required. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to apply
Applications can be completed online or downloaded as a PDF and mailed to the Bears' Lake Forest headquarters at 1920 Football Drive, Lake Forest, IL 60045, attention: Collin Wehr Scholarship.
The scholarship is paid directly to the student's academic institution once enrollment is confirmed.
Applications close Jan. 15, 2027, and full details are available at chicagobears.com/community/collin-wehr-scholarship.
