The Spencer Coy Sandven Memorial Perseverance Scholarship
In Loving Memory of Spencer Coy Sandven
August 31, 2004 – February 7, 2026
Honoring students whose resilience, determination, and perseverance have led them to success through nontraditional educational pathways.
Spencer's Legacy
"Success is not measured by how quickly someone learns or by following a traditional path. Success is found in resilience, in refusing to give up, and in believing in yourself even when the road is difficult."
Spencer's journey taught our family that success is not measured by how quickly someone learns or by following a traditional path. Success is found in resilience, in refusing to give up, and in believing in yourself even when the road is difficult. Spencer proved that learning disabilities do not define a person's intelligence, potential, or ability to achieve great things.
Although Spencer's life was far too short, the impact he made will last forever. His determination, kind heart, quiet strength, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire everyone who knew and loved him. His legacy reminds us that there are many paths to success and that every student deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment where they can thrive.
It is our hope that by sharing Spencer's story, other students pursuing alternative education will find encouragement to keep believing in themselves. We hope they see in Spencer what we were blessed to see every day—a young man who met adversity with courage, worked tirelessly toward his goals, and never let his challenges define him.
We will forever be proud to call Spencer our son. While we miss him every single day, we find comfort in knowing that his story continues to inspire others. It is our sincere hope that this scholarship, and the lives it touches, will ensure that Spencer's legacy of perseverance, resilience, and hope lives on for generations to come. Through this scholarship, we hope that other students who learn differently will be reminded that their challenges do not define them, their dreams are worth pursuing, and they are capable of achieving extraordinary things—just as Spencer did.
About the Scholarship
The Spencer Coy Sandven Memorial Perseverance Scholarship honors Spencer's life by recognizing students who have demonstrated resilience, determination, and perseverance while pursuing an alternative educational pathway.
This scholarship celebrates students who have overcome challenges, embraced their unique journey, and remained committed to their goals. It reflects the belief that there is no single path to success and that every student deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment where they can thrive.
Each year, this scholarship will be awarded to a student whose story reflects the same perseverance, courage, quiet strength, and hope that Spencer demonstrated throughout his life.
We hope every recipient carries Spencer's legacy forward by believing in themselves, continuing to pursue their dreams, and encouraging others to do the same.
Scholarship Details
Award
The Go Far Foundation will award one (1) $500 Spencer Coy Sandven Memorial Perseverance Scholarship each year.
The scholarship is intended to support students who have pursued a nontraditional educational pathway and are preparing for the next step in their journey.
Scholarship funds may be used to support educational or career-related expenses, including:
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Certification or licensing programs
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Trade or technical schools
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GED programs
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Apprenticeships
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Workforce training
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Homeschooling Programing
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Educational supplies or tools needed for training or employment
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Other approved educational expenses
Eligibility
Applicants must:
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Be currently enrolled in a nontraditional educational pathway, including but not limited to:
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Homeschool
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Penn Foster
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Online high school
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Alternative high school
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Workforce Development program
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GED program
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Credit recovery program
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Other accredited nontraditional educational programs
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Be planning their next step after graduation, whether through:
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Employment
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Apprenticeship
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Military service
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Trade or technical school
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Workforce training
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Certification program
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College or university
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Applicants should demonstrate perseverance, resilience, and determination in overcoming educational challenges.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
☐ Completed Scholarship Application
☐ Personal Essay (500–750 words)
☐ Documentation verifying enrollment in or completion of a nontraditional educational pathway (transcript, enrollment verification, diploma, homeschool documentation, Penn Foster or other online schooling transcript, or similar documentation)
Essay Prompt
Tell Us Your Story
Spencer believed there is more than one path to success.
In 500–750 words, share your educational journey.
Please include:
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Tell us about your educational pathway.
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What challenges or obstacles have you overcome?
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How has perseverance shaped who you are?
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What are your goals for the future?
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How will this scholarship help you continue moving forward?
We are not looking for the "best" writer. We are looking for honesty, resilience, determination, and hope.
Selection Process
Recipients will be selected based on:
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Perseverance and resilience
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Character and determination
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Personal story
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Future goals
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Commitment to continued growth
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Overall reflection of Spencer's spirit
This scholarship recognizes perseverance over perfection. Academic performance is only one part of a student's story.
Application Timeline
Applications Open: July 10, 2026
Applications Due: September 1, 2026
Scholarship Recipient Announced: Mid September
Submission Information
Applications must be submitted electronically.
Email: gofarfoundation@gmail.com
Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered.
In Spencer's Honor
This scholarship exists to remind students that there is no single path to success.
Whether your journey has taken you through homeschool, online learning, Penn Foster, an alternative school, a GED program, or another nontraditional educational pathway, your perseverance matters.
We hope every applicant remembers what Spencer's life taught us: