Epilepsy Talk

Epilepsy College Scholarships | December 12, 2015

When I first started this article, I thought I was whistling in the wind.  But I was happily surprised.

Epilepsy scholarships do exist!

Some foundations and businesses award thousands of dollars towards your college education, others provide a few hundred.  But the sooner you apply, the better chances you’ll have of getting at least some kind of assistance with your college tuition.

Here are also Epilepsy Scholarships which reward your achievements. These programs have been designed to reward the hard work, and academic achievements, of students who are pursuing their higher education while coping with the symptoms of epilepsy.

For a general overview, click on:  http://www.collegescholarships.org/health/epileptic-students.htm

Your local chapter of the Epilepsy Foundation might have scholarship monies available. Here are some examples of funding available to residents of specific geographic areas:

Dakota Pequeno Memorial Scholarship (Michigan)

The recipient of the $1,00 Dakota Pequeno Memorial Scholarship will be a student who has shown perseverance in eliminating obstacles that epilepsy and seizures may present, courage in dealing with epilepsy/seizures, community involvement, and commitment to their education. http://www.epilepsymichigan.org/page.php?id=223

Elam Baer and Janis Clay Educational Scholarship (Minnesota)

Ten $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded annually to high school seniors or graduates already accepted into a post-secondary course of study. This scholarship is available to Minnesota and Eastern North Dakota residents who have been diagnosed with epilepsy or any seizure disorder. http://www.epilepsyfoundationmn.org/programs/adults/scholarships/

The Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central Pennsylvania

Offers five $1,000 scholarships for people with epilepsy. To qualify for this award, the applicant must have a diagnosis of epilepsy or seizure disorder, be a legal resident of Western/Central Pennsylvania and have just graduated from high school and already accepted to a college/university and able to attend full-time in the coming year. For more details and to download an application, visit the website at  https://www.cappex.com/scholarship/listings/Epilepsy-Foundation-Western/Central-Pennsylvania-Scholarship-Program/-s-d-39627

The Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania

The Eric Burton Osberg Scholarship Fund was formed to help students with epilepsy reach their full academic potential.  Those who receive this scholarship are recognized for their determination to achieve in school while living with epilepsy.  Recipients of the scholarship exemplify the spirit of hope and perseverance to overcome the challenges created by epilepsy communicated by the Foundation’s mission.

Students attending a computer, trade, technical, or culinary school are preferred during the review process, but students who are attending traditional schools are also encouraged to apply.  Priority will be given to applicants within the EFEPA service area. EFEPA’s service area includes the counties of: Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming.

For further information, call (215) 629-5003 or in PA only: (800) 887-7165 or email at efepa@efepa.org

Scholarship applications are due by May 1st, 2015.

Stephen A. Segar Scholarship Program (Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton)

Thanks to the generosity of this Rochester lawyer and a board-designated allocation, three $1,500 scholarships are available for high school seniors who reside within the 22-county territory served by the Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton.  http://epiny.org/epilepsy-scholarship.php

Yavapai Epilepsy Scholarship (Arizona)

The scholarship is in memory of Amber Sweeney, a Prescott resident who died as a result of a seizure. College students from Yavapai County and students at Northern Arizona University are eligible to apply for this scholarship which provides up to $500.  http://www.yc.edu/webtools/apps/financialaid/scholarships/view.asp?sid=34

Check also to see if there is a chapter of the Epilepsy Foundation in your area. If there is, there may be scholarship opportunities in your area through the Foundation.

In addition to the above scholarship offers, persons with epilepsy may be eligible for several scholarships set aside for persons with disabilities. Apply for as many scholarships as you can because even though there are thousands of them, competition is stiff in every area.

Above all, apply early and follow the instructions to the letter. Because if you leave something out that was requested, your application won’t even be considered.

OTHER EPILEPSY SCHOLARSHIPS

Finding A Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures (FACES)

FACES will provide financial support for the education of incoming freshmen or currently enrolled college students affected by epilepsy and seizure disorders. They are seeking to recognize the personal accomplishments of those living with epilepsy during their college journey.

Awarded scholarship amounts will vary depending on the applicant’s financial need. If you have any questions or would like for information about the program, please email: http://faces.med.nyu.edu/events-programs/college-scholarship-program or call Heather Wall, the Scholarship Coordinator at 646-558-0839.

UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship

UCB will be awarding UCB will be awarding 30 one-time scholarships of up to $5,000 for people living with epilepsy, their family member, or caregivers who demonstrate academic and personal achievement.

All applicants will be evaluated on the basis of an essay or an artistic presentation setting out why they should be chosen to receive funding, the impact epilepsy has had in his/her life, and how the funds will be of assistance.

In addition, an academic transcript, three letters of recommendation, and a photograph (non-returnable) of the applicant are required. If you or someone you know might be eligible for the scholarship, visit www.ucbepilepsyscholarship.com to find more information and apply.

Pfizer Epilepsy Scholarship

Pfizer provides funds for 1-year, $2,000 scholarship. Students at the high school (seniors) and college (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior who has applied to graduate ) levels are eligible to apply.

Applicants must be under a doctor’s care for epilepsy, have done well in school, and must show that they have participated in community and extracurricular activities.

Interested individuals are required to submit an official school transcript and two letters of recommendation with their application form. http://www.epilepsy-scholarship.com/Default.aspx

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