The Recover Michiana Szweda Scholarship

The Szweda Scholarship, created by Jillian Szweda and Beth Szweda, board members of Recover Michiana, a South Bend, Indiana-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, pays tribute to families affected by the loss of a loved one to overdose or related substance use. 


Recover Michiana of South Bend, IN, has established a scholarship in honor of parents who have lost their battle with substance misuse. Our goal is to ensure the children of those lost are not forgotten.

Propelled by the profound impact of her father's lost battle with opioid dependance, Jillian played a pivotal role in shaping the scholarship's mission. With the support of her community, she is continually navigating through challenges. Jillian graduated from Purdue University in 2024 with a degree in Public Health focused on substance use resources. The mission that evolved is to ensure that the children of those who have passed away are not overlooked, enabling them to pursue their aspirations despite the grief they endure. 

You May Be Eligible for a Scholarship

We recognize the hardships faced by children who have suffered through the loss of a parent's life and who suffered in silence during their parent's active addiction. This scholarship was established to help students pursuing higher education, be it a trade school or university, who have lost a parent to an overdose or related loss of life.

Please write a 300–500 word essay detailing how addiction has impacted your life, as well as your academic/professional goals and dreams. There are no academic requirements other than acceptance into an institution at the time of award disbursal in the spring. Do not feel obligated to include any details you don't feel comfortable sharing. Your voice, your story, deserves to be heard. Tell it.

Apply Here

  • Learn More About Scholarship

    This scholarship in the amount of $1000 each is offered to high school seniors in Indiana and Michigan pursuing higher education, be it a trade school or university, who have lost a parent to an overdose or related loss of life. Because we acknowledge the difficulties faced by children who have experienced the loss of a parent and endured the silent struggles during their parent's active addiction, there are no academic requirements other than acceptance into an institution at the time of award disbursal in the spring. 


    Above all, we want to reassure you that your narrative is yours alone to share. There is no obligation to disclose details that make you uncomfortable. Your voice is paramount, your story deserving to be heard, regardless of the extent to which you choose to reveal your experiences. 

  • Scholarship Specifics

    We invite you to embrace this opportunity, to express your story, your dreams, and your aspirations. Please write a 300-500 word essay detailing how addiction has impacted your life, as well as your academic/professional goals and dreams. Your courage in sharing your journey will not only honor the memory of those we have lost but also serve as a beacon of hope for others who may be walking a similar path. Together, let us forge a legacy of resilience, determination, and compassion, illuminating the way for a new generation of scholars. 

  • Scholarship Deadline

    The deadline to apply for the fall 2025 semester is January 31, 2025. Recipients will receive notification of award by June 1, 2025.

If you’d like to know more about our scholarship program before applying, contact us today!