High school seniors who have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease could earn a college scholarship by sharing their story. 

First prize is $5,000, followed by $2,500 for second prize. Since the program started, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has awarded more than $300,000 in college scholarships.

Chris Schneider is with the AFA. He says the assignment is really a personal one.

"The contest just asks them to describe how Alzheimer’s has impacted their lives, whether they’ve been a caregiver for a loved one, whether volunteering in care setting, whether they’re raising awareness, whether they’re conducting research," he said.

Last year’s winner wrote about his grandfather who frequently wandered away from home, and his family’s efforts to find him.