Manchester Juniors and Seniors Eligible for New Scholarship for Students Interested in Healthcare

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, today 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.”

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.