The Chicago Bears announced that applications are now open for the 2027 Collin Wehr Scholarship, an annual $25,000 scholarship established in memory of Collin Wehr, a young lifelong Chicago Bears fan who bravely battled pediatric cancer until his passing in 2013. The scholarship provides financial support to pediatric cancer survivors, those currently undergoing treatment and siblings of children who have lost their battle with the disease, helping them pursue higher education.
The one-time, non-renewable scholarship may be used toward tuition, books or room and board at an accredited university, college, community college or vocational technical school. Eligible applicants must be younger than 23, be U.S. citizens and reside in Illinois or northwest Indiana. Applicants must also be completing their senior year of high school or currently enrolled in post-secondary education, have been officially accepted to an accredited institution and plan to attend full-time during the upcoming academic year.
How to Apply
- Review the eligibility criteria to ensure applicants meet the requirements.
- Complete the application online or download and mail the PDF form along with the required documents to the address below:
Chicago Bears Football Club, Inc.
ATTN: Collin Wehr Scholarship
1920 Football Drive
Lake Forest, IL 60045
- Applications are being accepted through Friday, January 15, 2027.
The Collin Wehr Scholarship honors Collin's courage and his special bond with the Chicago Bears, first formed during a 2011 visit to Halas Hall, where he fulfilled his wish of reporting live for NFL Network alongside former Bears wide receiver Tom Waddle. Collin and the Wehr family became part of the Bears family that day, and the scholarship continues to honor his legacy by supporting young people and families impacted by pediatric cancer.
Since its launch in 2014, the Collin Wehr Scholarship program has awarded more than $245,000 to 12 students, helping young people impacted by pediatric cancer pursue their educational goals.
The 2026 recipient, Paris Strickland, a graduate of Yorkville High School in Yorkville, Ill., was awarded the Chicago Bears Collin Wehr Scholarship to support her post-secondary education. Diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just nine days old, Paris overcame pediatric cancer and developed a passion for helping others facing similar challenges. With support from the scholarship, she planned to pursue sonography at the College of DuPage, working toward a career in diagnostic medical imaging to help detect cancer and other serious medical conditions early.
Beyond her academic achievements, Paris has remained committed to serving others through volunteer work and mentorship with Camp One Step, a program supporting children affected by cancer. Her journey reflects the scholarship's lasting impact in helping young survivors turn their experiences into opportunities to make a difference.
To learn more about the scholarship's eligibility requirements, application process and Collin's story, visit ChicagoBears.com/Community/Collin-Wehr-Scholarship.
