Are you wondering if there is anything like rare disease scholarships? Yes, they exist! This article contains all you need to know concerning rare disease scholarships including the eligibility requirements, duration, award amount, requirements, and so on. I urge you to read with undivided attention.
After treatment, the next thing you can give to those diagnosed with rare diseases is support. A support that will help them feel among again in society. A support that will help them pursue the dreams they had before being diagnosed with the illness.
This support can come in many forms, but for the purpose of this article, we will focus on educational support offered by government, organizations, foundations, schools, and philanthropists- scholarships and grants.
These scholarships are offered to help offset the tuition fees and other educational costs of those suffering from rare diseases. All you have to do is to find them and shoot in your application. Are you still with me?
So, just as I said earlier, we will be exploring all you need to know about the rare disease scholarships. I will advise that you follow me closely. Do you know anyone suffering from autoimmune diseases? Do recommend him or her to these scholarships for autoimmune diseases
Table of Contents
What are Rare Diseases?
I wanted to delve into our topic immediately, but I thought it wise to refresh our memory on what you can actually call a rare disease. Rare diseases according to National Library of Medicine are progressive life-threatening medical conditions that affect a low percentage of the population compared with other diseases.
Studies have it that it takes some amount of years before a person can be diagnosed with rare diseases. Some examples of these diseases are allergic and immunologic disorders, cancers, gastroenterological conditions, benign neoplasms, infectious diseases, pediatric diseases, skin and soft tissue conditions, ophthalmologic conditions, etc.
Rare Disease Scholarships
Here are the various rare disease scholarships that you can apply to if you are diagnosed with rare diseases. I will list and give a brief overview of them so you can gain full insight.
It is worthy of note that our data is obtained from deep research about the topic from trusted sources. Let’s take the ride.
- RAREis Scholarship Fund
- Rare Scholars Program
- PDSA College Scholarship Program
- Healthline Stronger Scholarship
- Guthrie-Koch Scholarship
- Eric Dostie Memorial College Scholarship
- Brothers Healthcare Scholarship
- Medexus B More Scholarship Program
- Beth Carew Memorial Scholarship Program
- Infucare Rx Scholarship Program
1. RAREis Scholarship Fund
RAREis Scholarship Fund is the first on our list of rare disease scholarships. It was established by EveryLife Foundation to provide financial support to those living with rare diseases in order to study without hassle. This scholarship is open to anyone who has been diagnosed with any form or rare disease, living in the United States.
The scholarship amount is valued at about $5000, and up to 35 students are awarded yearly. It is important to note that this scholarship is not renewable, however, one can always reapply as long as the eligibility requirements are met.
The eligibility requirements include;
- You must be 17 years old or above and must be diagnosed with a rare disease by a physician.
- You must plan or be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a two or four-year accredited institution, vocational or trade school.
- You must demonstrate excellence in academics and also have some work experience.
- You must be involved in leadership and community activities.
- You must provide all official transcripts from past colleges attended.
2. Rare Scholars Program
Rare Scholars Program is the next on our list. It gears at empowering students living with a genetic condition by providing scholarships to offset tuition fees and other educational costs. It is sponsored by BioMarin.
Since its inception, the RARE Scholars program has awarded about $105,000 in scholarships to deserving students, and it is usually done in two categories. About $5,000 to students in four-year undergraduate or graduate programs, and then $2,500 to students in two-year programs or vocational schools.
The eligibility criteria for applying include;
- You must be a high school senior or high school graduate.
- You must be diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), phenylketonuria (PKU), Batten disease, achondroplasia, etc.
- You must be a resident of the United States, and attending one of the accredited U.S.-based schools, whether two-year or four-year college.
- You must possess a minimum grade point of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- You must be enrolled as a full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student.
3. PDSA College Scholarship Program
This is another scholarship available for those living with rare diseases. It is offered by the Platelet Disorder Support Association, and gears at assisting high school students, college students, and adults who are pursuing their education in the United States and Canada.
The scholarship amount is valued at about $1,500 for first place, $1,000 for second place, and $750 for third place. About five students too will receive $250 book awards. It is good to know that winners are announced in the quarterly newsletter, and at the annual ITP conference.
4. Healthline Stronger Scholarship
Healthline Stronger Scholarship aims at assisting college students with their tuition fees, and other educational costs. This is a scholarship open to all those living with rare diseases. It is funded and sponsored by Healthline.
For the past six years, the Healthline Stronger Scholarship has awarded over $100,000 in scholarship funds to 21 deserving students. It is good to note that selection is done through assessment of coursework, extracurriculars, career goals, and community outreach.
5. Guthrie-Koch Scholarship
This scholarship caters to the financial needs of college students who are on diet treatment. It is open to only undergraduates from any country provided the application is done in English. To apply, you must attend or plan to attend an accredited college or technical school.
It is good to note that this scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and financial need, even though financial need is not a prerequisite. Each year, the application starts by November 15th. This scholarship is offered in memory of Dr. Robert Guthrie.
6. Eric Dostie Memorial College Scholarship
This scholarship is open to all those suffering from Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease bleeding disorders. To apply for this scholarship, you must provide a doctor’s proof of diagnosis, recommendation letters, official transcripts from institutions attended, etc.
Eligibility are; you must be enrolled to study full-time in an accredited two or four-year institution in the U.S., you must possess a minimum GPA of 2.5, you must be a citizen or resident in the United States, etc.
7. Brothers Healthcare Scholarship
Brothers Healthcare provides scholarships to those diagnosed with bleeding disorders like hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease. This scholarship is awarded based on academic performance, letters of reference, narrative, etc.
The scholarship amount is valued at about $2,000, and to be eligible, you must be enrolled in an accredited institution, you must be diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, you must possess a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0, and others.
8. Medexus B More Scholarship Program
Medexus B More Scholarship is sponsored and funded by Medexus Pharma. It was established to provide financial assistance to students with hemophilia B. This scholarship can be used for undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and trade school programs in the United States.
It is worthy of note that this scholarship does not have any age limit. Get started with the link below.
9. Beth Carew Memorial Scholarship Program
The Colburn-Keenan Foundation sponsors the Beth Carew Memorial Scholarship Program in honor of Beth Carew. The scholarship aims at catering to the educational costs of anyone living with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, or related inherited bleeding disorder.
To apply, you must be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident, you must be diagnosed with an inherited bleeding disorder, you must have been involved in community service or volunteered for organizations within your community, you must be enrolled to study in an accredited institution, and many others.
The scholarship amount is valued at about $500 to $6,000 annually and is not renewable.
10. Infucare Rx Scholarship Program
This scholarship is open to all those living with chronic and complex medical conditions, and are pursuing higher education. It is among the rare disease scholarships.
To apply, you must be a resident of the United States, you must be diagnosed with a chronic or complex condition, you must possess a minimum GPA of 3.5, you must display satisfactory conduct, and be willing to act as an ambassador of the scholarship program, etc.
Conclusion
If you are living with a rare disease and still studying, apply for any of the scholarships I listed above. They will help offset some of your educational fees, and make you study without hassles.
I carefully explained what each of the scholarships entails so that you can gain full insight. I wish you the best of luck as you send in your applications.
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