BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) -- The application process is open for Northwestern Mutual's 2025 Childhood Cancer Scholarship Program, which has $500,000 in college scholarships available to any family affected by childhood cancer. The program was created in 2017 to help parents and children alleviate the major expense of a college education. Studies show that 60% of families lose significant household income, and they are hit with financial hardships as a result of a cancer diagnosis. For the 2024-25 academic year, 25 childhood cancer survivors and 25 siblings were awarded college scholarships in the program. Each student received a $5,000 scholarship, with the option to renew for a total of up to $10,000 per student.  Scholarships will be awarded to cancer survivors as well as siblings. Applications close on Feb. 3, 2025. Bird flu virus likely mutated within a Louisiana patient, CDC says Latest News How Trump changed America’s legal landscape Onion-wielding man disrupts Christmas church services, pours whiskey into holy water: deputies Furry Friends Friday: Meet Bobbie, a dog up for adoption 'Music is universal': Jacksons set for NYE performance Scholarships available for Louisiana families affected by childhood cancer