Ready, Set, Apply to SODA’s 2025 Scholarships

Written by Zoe Engels, Contributing Writer and Editor

It’s that time of year! Applications for SODA’s $1,000 advocacy scholarships are open now through Sunday, June 15th at 11:59 pm PT.

“SODA’s 2025 scholarships are all about recognizing student advocates at every stage of their leadership journey,” Sophia Renner, SODA’s Engagement Manager, shares. “Whether you’re just starting out or have been educating and registering new donors for years, this is your chance to be celebrated for the life-saving impact you’ve already made, and for all that’s still ahead.”

Nicole Nidea, SODA’s Program Director, adds, “Each year, we’re inspired by the passion and creativity our scholarship applicants bring to donation advocacy, and 2025 is especially exciting. We’re proud to continue our HBCU scholarship for the fifth year, grow our partnership with Second Chance Fundraising, and launch a new scholarship with Daniel Gives Back.

"The Perelman family’s connection to donation deeply resonates with us as it reflects the very same personal connection that inspired our founder to start SODA. We can’t wait to see how this year’s recipients continue to lead with purpose.”

Check out and celebrate last year’s winners here.

Eligibility

In addition to any scholarship-specific eligibility requirements, all applicants must:

• Be enrolled in an accredited college or university for the 2025-26 academic year.

• Organize an organ, eye, and tissue donation advocacy event by the end of the Fall 2025 semester.

• Attend a virtual networking session in August 2025 to connect with fellow scholarship recipients.

• Attend a virtual awards ceremony in February of 2026 to celebrate their accomplishments and share the impact of their advocacy event.

• Not have previously been awarded a SODA National scholarship.

HBCU Donation Advocacy Scholarship

We are awarding five $1,000 scholarships to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the 2025-26 school year. This scholarship supports students who are passionate about organ, eye, and tissue donation and want to challenge the myths and misconceptions that contribute to medical mistrust in underserved communities. 

Check out our blog spotlighting organ donation advocate Trish Phillips and the importance of multicultural organ, eye, and tissue donation.

Student Advocacy Scholarship

In partnership with Second Chance Fundraising, we are awarding five $1,000 scholarships to students who are passionate about organ, eye, and tissue donation and are committed to inspiring positive change in their community through peer-to-peer advocacy efforts and beyond.

Daniel Gives Back Scholarship

New this year, Daniel Gives Back is sponsoring one $1,000 scholarship for a student who leads with heart and initiative. Whether they’re sharing a personal story, honoring a loved one, or pursuing their outreach in other ways, this opportunity supports a student who aspires to grow as a leader in organ, eye, and tissue donation advocacy.

We want to hear from you! Don’t miss this opportunity to make a live-saving difference while receiving support toward your academic journey.

To apply, visit https://www.sodanational.org/scholarships.