There are numerous decisions to be made while considering attending college. Is it better to live in or out of a state?
What kind of program are you going to follow?
And the main question for many students is: How will you pay for your four years of college?
If you suffer from epilepsy, you may be eligible for epilepsy scholarships.
Charitable groups, businesses, and philanthropists have set aside funds to assist those with epilepsy with the costs of attending college.
When you’re a student, this money might be beneficial.
Here is everything you need to know about epilepsy scholarships.
Win Awards for Your Epilepsy Scholarship Academic Achievements
Students with disabilities encounter numerous problems, the most significant of which is successfully integrating into a typical academic environment.
The many forms of repeated seizures that epileptics suffer might make participation in a classroom experience difficult.
However, many epileptics continue to tackle these problems head-on and achieve success in both elementary and secondary education.
After all of that effort, it seems more than unjust that they should be thwarted by the universal hurdle that all college-bound students face: tuition prices.
Fortunately, there are some scholarships available that are expressly designed to meet the financial needs of students with epilepsy.
These programs are intended to recognize and honor the hard work and academic achievements of students seeking higher education while dealing with epilepsy symptoms.
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What Are Epilepsy Scholarships For?
Most epilepsy scholarships are intended for college students or graduate students (but some may be available for students of other educational levels as well).
They are typically intended to assist with the regular costs of attending college, such as computers and software, books, pens and paper, food, transport, and lodging.
Scholarships for epilepsy students are typically funded by charity foundations, advocacy groups, and corporations.
Some may be related to a specific school or region of the country, but others may be generic scholarships that can be used at any approved institution of higher learning.
Students with epilepsy may find it difficult to locate suitable scholarship opportunities. We recommend starting the search as soon as possible, but no later than the junior year of high school.
Start by contacting school counselors, doctors, and local support groups. These can be excellent sources of information on programs devoted to meeting the needs of people suffering from epilepsy.
The Internet and public libraries are also excellent sources of information on active scholarship programs aimed at assisting students with epilepsy in achieving their educational objectives.
Who Is Eligible To Apply For Epilepsy Scholarships?
Epilepsy scholarships are available to anyone who is attending college and has epilepsy. Depending on the organization, the scholarship may be restricted by factors such as household income or location (you may be required to reside or study in a specific state or region, for example).
What is the application process like?
Because each scholarship is unique, it will have its own application process. However, you may be required to do the following:
- Give facts about your epilepsy, such as how it is controlled, what medications or other treatments you use, and information about your seizures.
- A letter from your doctor confirming that you have epilepsy
- A personal statement in which you explain how your epilepsy interferes with your ability to learn It may also include details about how you intend to use the scholarship funds.
- Some scholarships demand that you prepare an essay about a specific topic.
- Your grade point average and academic record
- Details about the college program to which you are applying
- You may be required to attend an interview.
It is critical to understand that epilepsy scholarships might be competitive. There may be tens or even hundreds of other people applying for each award, so financial assistance is not guaranteed.
Finding and applying for scholarships might take time. Setting aside enough time to complete your application is worthwhile.
To improve your chances, start applying for scholarships during your junior year of high school. This will give you at least 12 months to apply for and perhaps get a scholarship.
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Where can I find epilepsy scholarships?
Finding epilepsy scholarships can take time. Begin your search with the following sources to save time:
- Scholarship search engines like Scholarships.com and CollegeScholarships.org
- For information on possible scholarships, contact the school to which you are applying directly.
- Contact the Epilepsy Foundation in your state to see if they have any related scholarships.
- Consult your doctor or the epilepsy treatment team.
- Speak with others in area epilepsy support organizations who may have heard of scholarships.
- On social media, follow scholarship programs and epilepsy organizations.
- Expand your search; many scholarship programs are available to anyone with any condition, including epilepsy.
What Kinds of College Scholarships Are Available For Students With Epilepsy?
There are several types of epilepsy scholarships available:
1. Scholarships at the Regional Level
Students with epilepsy who are looking for scholarships may discover that many programs are related to certain institutions or communities.
Some may be funded by private endowments to a specific school, while others may be funded by regional advocacy groups and will require the student to attend any accredited state-supported college or university.
The following are examples of regional or college-specific epilepsy scholarships.
- The David S. Izard Epilepsy Scholarship Fund
The Community Foundation of Central Illinois manages the David S. Izard Epilepsy Scholarship Fund. The $500 award is open to graduating seniors from a high school in the Peoria area.
Students must be enrolled in a state-supported technical school, vocational school, or community college to be eligible.
Applicants must provide two recommendation letters, one from a teacher and one from a physician.
- The Epilepsy Foundation of Western and Central Pennsylvania
The Epilepsy Foundation of Western and Central Pennsylvania has a scholarship fund that is funded each year.
$1,000 scholarships are granted each year to outstanding students with epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Students must be graduates of a Western or Central Pennsylvania high school and enrolled in or planning to enroll in a state college or university to be eligible.
- The Elam Baer and Janis Clay Educational Scholarship
The Elam Baer and Janis Clay Educational Scholarship is administered by the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota each year.
Every year, ten $1000 scholarships are awarded to academically gifted kids with epilepsy. Students must have graduated from a Minnesota high school and be enrolled in a participating state college, university, or vocational school to be eligible.
For more information, students should contact the EFM directly.
- The Mark Richard Music Memorial Scholarship
The Mark Richard Music Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Epilepsy Foundation of Idaho for outstanding high school graduates with epilepsy.
Students with good academic records and career objectives are eligible for the $500 annual award.
Applicants must be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a college, university, or vocational school that is accredited.
The award is accessible to students around the country, but those in the Idaho educational system are given special consideration.
- The Sara Elizabeth Stubblefield Foundation Scholarship
The Sara Elizabeth Stubblefield Foundation Scholarship is administered by the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago.
This program provides a one-time $2,000 scholarship to students who have epilepsy and are enrolled in or planning to enroll in a college or vocational institution in the state of Illinois.
- The Stephan A. Segar Scholarship Program for Epileptic
The Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton administers the Stephan A. Segar Scholarship Program for epileptic high school graduates and current college students.
Three $1,500 scholarships are given out each year to students who have proven a high degree of academic accomplishment as well as a commitment to community service.
Applicants must live in one of the Epilepsy Foundation of Rochester-Syracuse-Binghamton’s 22 New York counties.
These are just a few examples of the programs that are accessible to students at the state level. Students with epilepsy should start their scholarship quest close to home by looking for area charities committed to the rights and needs of people with seizure disorders.
In many circumstances, physicians, school counselors, and epilepsy support groups can connect students to these advocacy organizations.
2. National Scholarships for Students with Epilepsy
After researching the regional scholarship opportunities, students can broaden their search to include what may be available nationwide.
While regional scholarships are more plentiful, there are a handful of significant national scholarship programs accessible to students with epilepsy.
While these nationwide scholarship programs typically pay out more than their regional counterparts, students should keep in mind that competition for these grants will be proportionately stronger.
The programs listed below are examples of national scholarships available to students with epilepsy.
- The Pfizer Epilepsy Scholarship
Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, one of the world’s major pharmaceutical research and development firms, has donated to the Pfizer Epilepsy Scholarship.
The Pfizer Epilepsy Scholarship grants 25 annual prizes of $3000 each to college students with epilepsy. Applicants must be currently under the supervision of a doctor and have a good academic record.
Students must submit one essay, high school transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Interested students may contact the Pfizer Epilepsy Scholarship Award for more information and application materials.
- The UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
The UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program assists students with epilepsy who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree at an approved institution or university in the United States.
Applicants must be high school graduates with a history of community service and a high degree of academic proficiency. The value of the award varies depending on the college and course. The current annual maximum award limit is $5000.
- The Tony and Jan Viessman Memorial Scholarship
The Epilepsy Foundation’s national offices administer the Tony and Jan Viessman Memorial Scholarship.
Each year, four $1,000 scholarships are awarded to excellent students who serve as positive role models for people with epilepsy. Students must be enrolled in, or awaiting acceptance from, a recognized US institution or university to be eligible.
Students dealing with the regular seizures associated with epilepsy have numerous hurdles, but paying for college should not be one of them.
Students with epilepsy can apply for regional and national scholarships to help them afford their post-secondary education and achieve their personal and professional goals.
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