New Healthcare Scholarship Opens for Boston High School Juniors and Seniors

WALTHAM, MA. – New England Donor Services (NEDS), the federally designated Organ Procurement Organization responsible for the recovery of organs and tissues for transplant in the New England region, recently announced a new Donate Life Scholars Program. Designed for New England high school juniors and seniors interested in healthcare and public health, the program is now open to applications for the 2026-2027 school year. The free educational program allows students to learn about organ donation and transplantation through insights from healthcare professionals, transplant patients, and donor families.

"New England Donor Services is proud to launch this new program to expand organ and tissue donation educational opportunities to high school students across New England," said Mariah Elder, MPH, Project Specialist at New England Donor Services. "This program is a unique opportunity for students to learn about the importance of donation and transplantation from the top regional experts in the field. The hope is that students will finish the program feeling inspired to carry this work into their adult lives."

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Working in partnership with NEDS, students will engage in activities to raise awareness about organ donation and transplantation in their school. They will also take part in a virtual monthly meeting with a NEDS mentor. In total, participation in the program will require 2-3 hours each month during the school year. Students who complete program requirements will receive a $200 scholarship and a certificate of recognition.

Juniors and seniors attending a high school in New England during the 2026-2027 academic year are eligible to apply at https://neds.org/high-school-scholar-program. Applications are due by midnight on September 11, 2026. The program will kick-off in late September 2026 and run through May 2027.

About New England Donor Services (NEDS)

New England Donor Services is a leading nonprofit organization that coordinates organ and tissue donation in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, the eastern counties of Vermont, and Bermuda. Co-founded in 1968 by Nobel Laureate Dr. Joseph Murray, who performed the world's first successful organ transplant, today NEDS works with thousands of donors and donor families who have generously made the decision to give the gift of life. The organization's highly skilled staff medically screen referrals for potential donations from more than 200 hospitals across the region and lead all donor authorization discussions with families. NEDS is responsible for educating the public about organ donation so they can make informed choices about donor registration. The organization also allocates organs according to the national transplant waiting list and coordinates their transport to ensure the right organs get to the right patients at the right time. As part of its Aftercare Services, NEDS provides ongoing support and resources to donor families by offering opportunities for communication to transplant recipients, and occasions to honor, remember, and celebrate their loved ones who gave the gift of life. Learn more at https://neds.org/ or follow us on LinkedIn or on X at @NEDonorServices.

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