When Bruce Schneider passed away on Sept. 9, 2022, St. Louis lost more than a beloved husband, father and friend. It lost a man whose generosity, positivity and passion for helping others left a lasting mark on his community—especially on the students of Lift for Life Academy (LFLA). Now, two scholarships created in his honor aim to carry on that legacy and make dreams possible for students in need.
“Bruce’s deep connection to St. Louis, his happy-go-lucky attitude and his entrepreneurial spirit really shaped the creation of these scholarships,” a family member shared. “He believed in giving back and spent so much time with the students at Lift for Life, whether it was playing games with them, volunteering with their athletic teams or just cheering them on.”
The scholarships include the “Bruce Schneider Extraordinary Citizen Award,” affectionately known as “The Schneides,” which will provide a deserving graduating senior with at least $15,000 to help them pursue higher education.
“We’ll select a student with high character and ethics, someone dedicated to their academics and caring toward others—just like Bruce was,” said Marshall Cohen, executive director and co-founder of LFLA.
Another program, the “Bruce Schneider Extracurricular Fund,” will fill an important gap for students who struggle with the costs of participating in sports, arts and other activities.
“Our budget for sports is limited, and Bruce was always the first to help when we needed it,” Cohen explained. “One year, we didn’t have enough uniforms for a team and Bruce stepped in to make sure every kid felt included. He believed that belonging mattered just as much as winning.”
“Bruce always had a way of bringing people together,” his family added. “We remember one time he organized a neighborhood fundraiser for Pedal the Cause to support cancer research. He brought together friends, family and neighbors for a 3-mile walk and brunch event, raising $25,000. He just had a gift for inspiring people to work toward something bigger than themselves.”
Schneider’s involvement with LFLA extended far beyond financial contributions.
“Bruce’s positivity was contagious,” Cohen said. “We didn’t even have a proper kicking program for our football team until Bruce stepped in. He bought a kicking shoe and even recruited a former Division I player to train our kicker. He wasn’t just about helping—he was about making things better.”
Cohen and Schneider’s family share a common hope: that these scholarships will open doors and inspire the next generation. “Bruce always said Marshall Cohen was his most successful friend,” a family member explained. “Not because of wealth, but because of the impact he had on so many lives. That’s what Bruce valued most—helping others succeed.”
For Cohen, these scholarships are about preserving a legacy of generosity. “Bruce’s kindness, energy and selflessness left a mark on everyone who knew him. Now, through these programs, that impact will ripple across generations. That’s the kind of legacy Bruce deserved.”
To learn more or contribute to the Bruce Schneider Memorial Fund, visit Lift For Life Academy.
