@siobhan5 I think his story will make the difference in admissions at many schools, but unfortunately, no, I don’t think it will make any difference in terms of scholarship $$ unless they are automatic for the test score/GPA. For example, he would qualify for an automatic $2000 scholarship at Truman State. http://www.truman.edu/admission-cost/cost-aid/scholarships/automatic-scholarships/ Or the $2000 Copper scholarship at NM Tech https://www.nmt.edu/finaid/freshmen.php
Fwiw, I disagree with @taloolab. I don’t think a fabulous essay is going to make any difference in terms of competitive scholarship $$, definitely not a full ride.