Giving Back: Past, Present, and Future

No. You do not need to be represented by Barasch & McGarry, P.C. to apply, and if you are a current or former client, continued representation is not required. Ending your relationship with the firm does not affect your eligibility. Applications will be reviewed by an Independent Selection Committee without knowledge or consideration of any existing or past attorney-client relationship between the Firm and an applicant or any member of that applicant’s family.

To be eligible, an applicant must meet all of the following criteria:

1. The applicant is a student who either will graduate or has graduated from high school during the same calendar year in which the scholarship is to be awarded.
2. The applicant is a descendant of an individual whose death was caused or contributed to by a September 11-related Eligible Illness, as supported by required supporting documentation described below.
3. The applicant has been accepted to an accredited college, university, two-year community college, or accredited vocational or trade school at the time the scholarship is awarded.
4. The applicant is not (a) a substantial contributor to the Foundation, (b) a board member, officer, or employee of the Foundation or the Firm, or (c) an ancestor of, descendant of, spouse of, or spouse of a descendant of any individual described in (a) or (b).

You do not need to be represented by Barasch & McGarry, P.C. to apply, and if you are a current or former client, continued representation is not required. Ending your relationship with the firm does not affect your eligibility. Applications will be reviewed by an Independent Selection Committee without knowledge or consideration of any existing or past attorney-client relationship between the Firm and an applicant or any member of that applicant’s family.

Completed applications, including all required attachments, must be uploaded by June 30 at 11:59 PM to be considered for scholarships awarded in Fall 2026. Applicants will be notified of results by August 3, 2026.

Please provide two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic ability, character, or community involvement. Letters must be written by a teacher, school counselor, coach, clergy member, community leader, or other non-family adult who knows you well. Letters from family members will not be accepted.

Letters should be submitted via email directly to info@baraschfoundation.org by each recommender from the recommender’s official or personal email address by June 30 at 11:59 PM. The subject line should include the applicant’s first and last name, followed by “Ltr of Recommendation”. e.g. “John Doe/Ltr of Recommendation”.

As we approach the 25th Remembrance of the September 11th Attacks, a new generation is coming of age. Today’s high school seniors were not yet born when the events of that day transpired. Yet for many families, the impact of 9/11 did not end in 2001. In the years that followed, thousands of rescue, recovery, and community members developed serious illnesses linked to their exposure at the World Trade Center exposure zone and related sites.

For descendants who have lost a loved one to a 9/11-related illness, the legacy of that day is both historical and deeply personal. You belong to the first generation carrying forward the memory of 9/11 not through firsthand experience, but through family stories, sacrifice, resilience, and the life of the loved one you lost.

In this 25th Remembrance year, we recognize that your generation will help shape how the story and lessons of 9/11 are remembered in the future.

TOPIC QUESTION:

How has growing up in the shadow of a 9/11-related illness shaped your values, goals, and understanding of resilience, service, and community? How do you see yourself and your generation carrying these forward while honoring your loved one’s legacy?

Formatting requirements:

• Length: 500–750 words
• Font: Times New Roman, 12pt

This essay must be your own original work. The use of artificial intelligence tools to draft, generate, or substantially revise your submission is not permitted and will result in disqualification from consideration.

Please include the following certification and your signature at the end of your essay:

“I certify that this essay was written entirely by me and does not contain material generated by artificial intelligence.”

You must upload documentation establishing the following:

1. That the deceased suffered from a September 11-related Eligible Illness*, as evidenced by either: (a) certification from the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), OR (b) a finding of eligibility of the illness by the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund (VCF);
   and
2. That the same September 11-related Eligible Illness caused or contributed to the deceased death, evidenced by either (a) the Eligible Illness appearing as one of the causes or contributing factors to the death on the deceased’s official death certificate, OR (b) a finding by the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund that the September 11-related Eligible Illness caused/contributed to the cause of death.

*An Eligible Illness includes a physical illness or disease fitting these requirements. Please note that mental health conditions, including PTSD, are not eligible illnesses for purposes of this application, even if certified by the WTCHP.

No, this is a one-time scholarship in honor of the 25th Remembrance of 9/11. It is not renewable.

Please direct all inquiries to info@baraschfoundation.org. Please state the nature of your inquiry in the subject line and allow 24–48 hours for a response after submitting your request.