Young people play an important role in helping New York Blood Center build the next generation of blood donors and advocates. Through our student programs, scholarships, and recognition opportunities, students of all ages can learn about blood donation, develop leadership skills, support their communities, and help save lives.
Explore the opportunities below to find the program that’s right for you or your school.
Bloodstock® Scholarship Program
Host a blood drive. Help save lives. Earn scholarship funds.
The Bloodstock® Scholarship Program gives students an opportunity to make a lifesaving impact in their communities while earning money toward their education.
Students who host a qualifying Bloodstock Scholarship Blood Drive during designated winter and summer periods can earn $10 in scholarship funds for every successful blood donation, up to $1,000.
A minimum of 30 completed blood donations is required to qualify for scholarship funds. Blood drive hosts who do not reach the minimum will receive a $50 electronic gift card.
Interested in learning more? Contact [email protected]
Little Doctors Program®
Bringing the science of blood donation to the classroom.
The Little Doctors Program® introduces elementary and middle school students to the science of blood, the importance of blood donation, and the value of community service.
Created by sixth-grade teacher Karen Brothers, the program gives students an opportunity to learn about blood and the circulatory system while helping organize and promote a community blood drive. Hundreds of schools have participated in the program, which can complement science curriculum for students in grades 5–8.
Interested in learning more? Contact [email protected]
High School Scholarship Program
Turn your school blood drive into an opportunity for student scholarships.
High schools that host at least one New York Blood Center blood drive during the academic year may be eligible to participate in our High School Scholarship Program.
Schools can award scholarships to students who demonstrate leadership and volunteerism in organizing and supporting their school’s blood drives. Scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 are available based on the number of blood drives hosted and total donations collected during the academic year.
Interested in learning more? Contact [email protected]
New York Yankees High School Blood Drive Championship
Celebrating high schools that step up to the plate for patients in need.
For nearly 30 years, New York Blood Center and the New York Yankees have partnered to recognize high schools that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to blood donation.
Through the New York Yankees High School Blood Drive Championship, high-performing schools throughout the tri-state area are recognized for hosting and promoting blood drives and inspiring young people to donate. Championship schools are invited to Yankee Stadium for a special recognition experience, including an on-field pregame celebration.
The program celebrates the students, faculty, and school communities helping to strengthen our region’s blood supply while inspiring the next generation of blood donors and advocates.
Interested in learning more? Contact [email protected]
Heather McNamara Leadership and Blood Donation Advocacy Scholarship
Recognizing the next generation of blood donation advocates.
The Heather McNamara Leadership and Blood Donation Advocacy Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Heather McNamara, a longtime friend of New York Blood Center, volunteer EMT, and passionate advocate for blood donation.
Heather relied on blood transfusions throughout her battle with cancer and became a dedicated voice for blood donation, sharing her story and encouraging others to give.
In her memory, NYBC awards a $2,500 scholarship to a high school senior or undergraduate student who demonstrates exceptional leadership and commitment to blood donation advocacy and community service. Students can make an impact in many ways, from organizing blood drives and recruiting donors to raising awareness and inspiring others to support the lifesaving mission.