Foundation Awards $125K to 9/11 Families' Children

Twenty-five years after September 11th, a new generation is receiving support to build their futures despite losses they never saw coming.

The Barasch & McGarry Charitable Foundation just opened applications for five $25,000 scholarships specifically for high school seniors whose families lost loved ones to 9/11-related illnesses. The total $125,000 will go directly to recipients' colleges, universities, trade schools, or vocational programs.

What makes this scholarship unique is who it serves. Today's graduating seniors weren't even born when the Twin Towers fell, yet many grew up without a parent because of illnesses linked to Ground Zero exposure.

"While this year's graduating seniors were not yet born when the attacks occurred, many grew up experiencing the loss of a parent or loved one to a 9/11-related illness," said Michael Barasch, managing partner of the law firm behind the foundation. His firm has represented 9/11 first responders, survivors, and families since 2001.

The numbers tell a sobering story. More than 140,000 people nationwide have been certified with 9/11-related health conditions through the World Trade Center Health Program. Over 9,000 deaths have been linked to those illnesses, a toll that continues growing decades after the attacks.

Students must be accepted to an accredited educational institution when awards are issued. Winners will be announced by August 3rd and honored at a benefit event on September 2nd.

The Ripple Effect

The scholarship represents just one part of the foundation's work. They also provide grants to nonprofit organizations serving the entire 9/11 community, creating a network of support that extends far beyond individual families.

These five scholarships acknowledge a difficult truth: September 11th didn't end on September 11th. For thousands of families, the losses kept coming through the years as parents, first responders, and survivors developed fatal illnesses from toxic exposure.

By investing in education for the next generation, the foundation helps transform loss into opportunity and grief into forward momentum.