Living with sickle cell can be a challenge, not just health-wise, but financially and academically as well. The cost of managing the disease often leaves families with little or no money to fund higher education.
Fortunately, numerous organizations understand these challenges and have set up fully funded scholarships for students living with sickle cell. These scholarships aim to lessen the financial burden, helping students pursue their academic dreams. In this post, we will explore four significant scholarships specifically dedicated to students with sickle cell.
The International Association of Sickle Cell Nurse and Physicians Assistants, Inc.
The International Association of Sickle Cell Nurses and Physician Assistants (IASCNAPA) presents a unique scholarship opportunity for students living with sickle cell disease. This professional organization, consisting of nurses and physicians assistants, focuses on advancing the treatment and care of individuals with sickle cell disease through research, education, and patient advocacy.
Eligibility:
- Enrollment: You must be enrolled in, or accepted by, a recognized and accredited post-secondary school, including college, university, trade school, or other institution of higher learning in the United States.
- Field of study: The scholarship is open to students pursuing any field of study relevant to sickle cell care, such as nursing, physician assisting, social work, public health, or research.
- Financial need: While financial need is not a requirement, it will be considered in the selection process.
- Sponsorship: All applicants must be sponsored by an active IASCNAPA member or a sickle cell disease medical provider.
Application Process:
- The application period typically opens in March and closes in July of each year.
- You can find the online application form and detailed instructions on the IASCNAPA website: https://www.iascnapa.org/scholarships: https://www.iascnapa.org/scholarships
- The application requires transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an essay demonstrating your commitment to working with individuals with sickle cell disease.
With the IASCNAPA scholarship, students living with sickle cell disease are given a fair chance to excel in their academics and attain their career objectives. The association’s unwavering commitment to these students is a beacon of hope and a call to all to support such noble initiatives, facilitating a more inclusive and equitable education system.
Read Also: Fully Funded Scholarships For Students With ADHD
Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association
The Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association is committed to supporting students living with sickle cell disease within Ohio. The association has established a scholarship fund to promote higher education among these students by alleviating the financial pressures that often come with managing the disease.
Eligibility:
- Must reside in Ohio and be an individual with sickle cell disease, or a parent/legal guardian/caregiver/spouse of someone with sickle cell disease.
- No more than two members of the same family can be eligible for scholarship assistance in a given year.
- Open to students enrolled in or accepted to accredited academic programs at various levels, including:
- High school
- Technical schools
- Community colleges
- Four-year universities
Award:
- OSCHA offers eight $500 scholarships annually for full-time students and four $250 scholarships for part-time students.
- The scholarship funds can be used for educational expenses such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
Application Process:
- Application period typically runs from February 1st to March 31st of each year.
- You can download the application form and find detailed instructions on the OSCHA website: https://ohiosicklecell.org/new/scholarships/
- The application requires transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an essay demonstrating your academic goals and how the scholarship would benefit you.
By providing this scholarship, the Ohio Sickle Cell and Health Association reinforces the message that sickle cell disease is not a barrier to achieving educational success. This commitment to academic advancement among students living with sickle cell disease is a testament to the association’s unwavering dedication to their cause.
FAQS
Is there a scholarship for sickle cell patients?
Yes, there are several scholarship opportunities available for sickle cell patients! Here are some examples:
- National:
- Candice’s Sickle Cell Anemia Fund: Awards multiple scholarships each year to students with sickle cell disease pursuing higher education.
- International Association of Sickle Cell Nurses and Professional Associates, Inc.: Offers a $1,500 scholarship for students entering healthcare fields related to sickle cell care.
How rare is a full scholarship?
Full scholarships can be relatively rare, depending on the specific scholarship program and their funding sources. However, many scholarship options exist, offering partial funding or support that can significantly reduce your educational expenses.
What is the autoimmune disease scholarship?
There isn’t a single “autoimmune disease scholarship” offered universally. However, several scholarship programs cater to individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities, which might include certain autoimmune diseases. Some examples include:
- The Steve Fund: Provides scholarships for student-athletes facing mental health challenges, which can sometimes intersect with autoimmune conditions.
- The Arc National Scholarship Program: Offers scholarships for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, which can overlap with some autoimmune diseases.
- Scholarships administered by specific disease advocacy groups: Many organizations dedicated to specific autoimmune diseases, like the Lupus Foundation of America or the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, might offer scholarship opportunities for their members or individuals affected by the disease.
Can you get money for having an autoimmune disease?
While there might not be direct financial assistance solely for having an autoimmune disease, resources and programs can help manage the financial burden associated with the condition. These may include:
- Government disability programs: Depending on the severity and impact of your specific autoimmune disease, you might qualify for government disability benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
- Medical assistance programs: Certain government programs like Medicaid can help cover medical expenses related to your autoimmune disease.
- Patient assistance programs: Several pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs to help with the cost of medications for specific autoimmune diseases.
- Scholarships and grants: As mentioned earlier, various scholarships and grants can help cover educational expenses, which can be especially relevant if your autoimmune disease impacts your ability to work or earn income.
What are the three main autoimmune diseases?
There are numerous autoimmune diseases, each affecting different parts of the body and with varying symptoms. Identifying the “three main” can be difficult due to different prevalence rates and disease severity. However, some of the most commonly diagnosed autoimmune diseases include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Attacks the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
- Lupus: Can affect various organs and tissues throughout the body, causing diverse symptoms like fatigue, pain, rashes, and organ damage.
- Type 1 diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to chronic high blood sugar levels.
It’s important to remember that this is not an exhaustive list, and many other autoimmune diseases exist.
Conclusion
Living with sickle cell disease poses numerous challenges, from health-related hurdles to financial constraints, particularly when it comes to accessing higher education. Yet, in the face of these obstacles, several organizations have stepped forward to offer fully funded scholarships to students living with sickle cell. These scholarships are more than just financial assistance. They are symbols of hope, empowerment, and encouragement, dedicated to breaking down the barriers and paving the way for academic success.
In conclusion, these scholarships for students with sickle cell disease serve as powerful reminders that an individual’s potential should not be limited by their health conditions. They highlight the strength and resilience of these students, underlining the importance of higher education in creating a better future for them. As we continue to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, it’s crucial to also promote these scholarships and support the incredible work they do in championing the academic dreams of students living with sickle cell.
