Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that causes individual red blood cells to die prematurely, so that the body can’t replace them fast enough. Anemia is the term used to describe the shortage of red blood cells. People of Mediterranean, Saudi Arabian, Latin American, African, and Indian heritage are most likely to develop the disease.
The blood disorder impacts people of all ages, and is associated with shortened life spans and complications like stroke, and silent stroke. Scholarships related to the disease assist those afflicted with Sickle Cell, as well as individuals pursuing education associated with blood diseases.
These examples illustrate some avenues worth exploring for Sickle Cell funding, for higher education.
Kermit B. Nash Academic Scholarship
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One scholarship worth $5,000.00 is awarded annually, which is renewable for up to four years of study. US citizens (permanent residents only) diagnosed with sickle cell disease and enrolled in four-year college programs are eligible to apply.
To determine winners, the Scholarship Committee takes into account each applicant’s GPA (3.0 or higher required), SAT scores, and level of community involvement. How sickle cell has impacted his/her life, is another consideration undertaken by the committee to evaluate each candidate. In addition, each applicant’s essay (1,000 words or less) addresses personal Sickle Cell challenges, and those which impact society, as a whole.
Recipients of this scholarship attend the National Convention (airfare and one night’s hotel accommodation will be provided) to accept the award. Winners are also asked to prepare and deliver a brief presentation at the Convention.
The International Association of Sickle Cell Nurse and Physicians Assistants, Inc.
The Association offers $500.00 scholarships to individuals diagnosed with Sickle Cell, who have either enrolled, or been accepted at a post-secondary institution (trade school, college, or university). Successful applicants for this assistance are each sponsored by an active member of the organization.
Applicants will be evaluated based on individual GPA performance, level of financial need demonstrated, and level of participation in extracurricular activities and community service. Applications are available online, at the Association website.
The Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California Scott Zuniga Memorial Scholarship Fund
Individuals afflicted with sickle cell disease who live in Ventura, Riverside, Orange, Los Angeles, or San Bernardino Counties are eligible to apply for assistance from the Zuniga Fund. Successful applicant earn awards valued between $250.00-$500.00, based on demonstrated need and available funding.
The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois
The Illinois Chapter of the Association provides scholarship funding for Illinois residents diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Scholarships are disbursed based on an each applicant’s financial need, and the total cost of attending college.
Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association
An Ohio scholarship fund has been set up to assist post-secondary students within the state diagnosed with sickle cell disease. Students attending technical schools, community colleges and four-year universities are eligible to apply for scholarships that pay costs associated with tuition, books, living expenses, and legal/medical plans.
Eight $500.00 scholarships are awarded to full-time students annually, in addition to four $250.00 awards that are reserved for qualified applicants attending college part-time.
Candice’s Sickle Cell Fund, Inc.
For more than a decade, this Sickle Cell advocacy organization has been active in support of students afflicted with the illness. The group raises awareness and funds, through grassroots efforts aimed at education, enabling the organization to dispense three annual scholarships for higher education. Awards are worth $1000 each, and may be applied to a variety of post-secondary programs.
Taylor Delk Sickle Cell Foundation
The Leslie Delk Sr. Academic Scholarship is awarded to individuals with Sickle Cell disease. Qualified applicants are high-school seniors matriculating to accredited four-year academic programs. The scholarship rewards high academic achievement for U.S. residents, with scholarship awards valued at $1000 each.
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