What is the Students of the Year Program?

The Students of the Year program is a seven-week campaign in which select high school students participate in a fundraising competition to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The candidates/teams who raise the most money at the end of the competition earn the title Student(s) of the Year. The students raise money in honor of a local patient hero who is currently battling or is in remission from a blood cancer.

For motivated high school students, this is the leadership development and philanthropy program that ensures they stand out among their peers when engaging with colleges and/or future employers. Through guidance and mentoring from experienced professionals at LLS – the non-profit with a track record of innovation and success – they will make a real impact in the fight against blood cancers.

Students of the Year nominees/applicants must submit an application and along with a parent or adult mentor, meet with LLS staff in order to be considered for selection.

How to Participate

Students of the Year nominees/applicants must submit an application and along with a parent or adult mentor, meet with LLS staff in order to be considered for selection. 

When does the campaign take place?

Each LLS chapter designates a seven-week period between January and June in which their local campaign will be held. Contact your local chapter for timing in your community or type your zip code on the "Find your chapter"  page to visit your local chapter web site for more information.

What kind of students make good Students of the Year candidates?

Candidates come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. But they also have characteristics in common: They are all compassionate and relentless in their desire to find cures for blood cancers and driven to reach their own personal fundraising best. They also tend to be dynamic, outgoing and well-connected, which helps them in their fundraising campaign.

How do I nominate a candidate? May I nominate myself?

Simply click on the Nominate a Candidate button below and follow the directions. Self-nominations are welcome. Someone from your chapter will get back to you to discuss the nominee's qualifications for Students of the Year. If you're not ready to nominate someone but would like more information, please fill out the form and someone will call you back to discuss it before it's formally submitted.

How and when can I donate to someone's campaign?

Donations to a candidate's campaign may begin at campaign kickoff and continue throughout the 7-week period. Just click on the Donate tab and follow the instructions to donate online using a credit card. If you prefer not to donate online, you may also write a check payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and give/mail it directly to the candidate, or send it to your local chapter (be sure to add your candidate's name and "SOY" to the memo line so they'll receive credit for your donation).

How is the money raised through Students of the Year used?

Funds raised from Students of the Year help find cures and ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients.

• LLS funds research to advance breakthrough therapies for blood cancer patients.
• LLS is the leading source of free blood cancer information, education and patient support.
• LLS is the voice for blood cancer patients and survivors today.

May I participate in Students of the Year without actually being a candidate?

Yes. Local community leaders, business owners and others may participate. There are a number of ways for people to participate, including nominating a candidate, being part of the Nominating Committee that selects the final candidates, by donating, becoming part of a candidate's campaign support team or becoming a national sponsor. To see more about these opportunities, click on the How to Participate tab at the top of this page.

How can I find out more information about Students of the Year in my area?

Click here to "Find your chapter"  to visit your local chapter website for more information.

What is a Candidate Campaign Team?

Candidates put together campaign teams made up of their friends and family to create a support team, expand networking opportunities, and make the campaign even more fun. All participants want to raise as many dollars as possible for the mission, and work with LLS to brainstorm and develop fundraising campaign teams.

When are the Winners Announced?

Local winners are announced at the end of their campaign's 7-week period, at a Grand Finale celebration.  The national winner(s) will be announced in June.

How can I join a student’s support team?

Beginning in October, find your local Students of the Year candidates, then visit their pages and follow the instructions to join their team.