12/02/2025
Today on , we’re honoring Maleiha Carino’s legacy by doing what she cared about most: opening doors for students and fueling the fight against pediatric cancer.
The Maleiha Carino Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in the Chicago area, dedicated to promoting education and research on childhood leukemia and pediatric cancers.
What your support powers:
🎓 Scholarships for first-gen students
Through the Maleiha Carino Scholarship (MCS), we support Mather High School seniors as they take the next step to college, honoring Maleiha’s own dream of pursuing higher education.
🔬 Cancer research, led by undergrads
Our MCF-CRA Scholarship for Cancer Research Advancement provides a $1,000 award and mentorship network for undergraduate researchers at UIUC who are working on basic, translational, clinical, and social/cultural dimensions of cancer.
💼 Career pathways in high-growth fields
Through Grow with Google scholarships, we help learners access Google Career Certificates in fields like cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing, and UX design—building long-term economic opportunity for families impacted by serious illness.
Our impact so far (a snapshot):
- 8 scholarships awarded
- $8,000 granted directly to students
- 4 active mentors, 8 students reached
- 50% of our scholars are future researchers, 100% are first-gen scholars, and 63% are women in STEM
👉 How to help today
Make a one-time or monthly gift at mcarinofdn.org: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/maleiha-carino-foundation
Share this post with your network to amplify the work of our scholars and mentors
Tag someone who cares about cancer research, first-gen students, or health equity
Every gift whether $10 or $100 moves us closer to a future where more young people can turn their courage into opportunity