Eye-Bank Young Ambassador Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by The Eye-Bank

Introduction The Eye-Bank honors exceptional students with the Young Ambassador Scholarship in Memory of Christopher Nordquist. This annual $3,000 award, funded by private donations made to The Eye-Bank in Christopher’s memory, recognizes a student who advances awareness of eye, organ and tissue donation. Christopher was two years old when he passed away and his corneas were donated — a decision his mother, Andrea Nordquist, has shared widely to highlight the positive impact of donation. Christopher served as one of The Eye-Bank’s earliest Young Ambassadors; this scholarship continues his legacy by supporting education and encouraging others to consider the life-changing gift of sight. Eligibility To be considered, applicants must satisfy all of the following: - Live within The Eye-Bank’s service region: New York City, Long Island, or the lower Hudson Valley (Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange counties). - Be 25 years old or younger and enrolled in a 2- or 4-year college, university, trade, or technical school for the current academic year as of the application deadline. - Plan to use the scholarship funds for continuing education at an accredited college, university, trade, or technical-school certificate program. Application deadline - Complete the online Scholarship Application by May 15, 2026. Required project and documentation Applicants must carry out an educational or public-service activity that promotes eye, organ and tissue donation. The project must include eye-donation information and should educate and encourage people to register in the NYS Donate Life Registry. Examples include distributing brochures, speaking to a class or club, tabling, or social media outreach. When submitting your application, include: - A brief, typewritten essay (1–2 pages, double-spaced) describing the project. Describe the outreach methods used (social media, in-person events, tabling), and report the scope of your effort (audience size or number of people reached). Attach photos or screenshots of social media posts that document your work. - Two references from your current school (high school or college). - An official, current transcript. - If you are a high school senior, an acceptance letter from the college, university, or trade/technical school you plan to attend. Support and tracking - Applicants are welcome to contact The Eye-Bank in advance for project ideas and may use the promotional materials provided by The Eye-Bank. - Projects that emphasize social media outreach to encourage New Yorkers to enroll in the NYS Donate Life Registry via smartphone, laptop, or computer are especially encouraged. - If desired, applicants may request a designated URL to track Donate Life Registry enrollments (contact: info@ebsr.org). The tracking URL will be active from the date provided until May 15, 2026. - Applicants may reference information from The Eye-Bank’s website to build their outreach materials. Questions For more information or to request the tracking URL and promotional materials, contact The Eye-Bank at info@ebsr.org.