One traditional student with an epilepsy diagnosis; a traditional student is defined as a high school senior OR a high school graduate who has taken no more than two years off before beginning their first year of higher education at a community college, a four year college or university, or a technical / vocational school.

One caregiver of an individual with an epilepsy diagnosis; a caregiver is defined as a person who regularly assists someone with epilepsy with living tasks that a person without epilepsy would normally be able to do on their own. The applicant can be a family member, friend, volunteer, or paid professional.

One non-traditional student with an epilepsy diagnosis: based on the United States Dept. of Education, a non-traditional student is defined as an individual who is at least 22 yrs old (or older) with a high school diploma, a GED, or and HSED, who has never attended an institution of higher education OR enrolled only part time but enrolled right after high school and had never enrolled full time.

The application process will require the following 

• Must be a Wisconsin resident.
• One general information document (submitted online through the selected application). 
• Written response to an essay question (entered within the application form).
• A copy of an acceptance letter (this may be provided at a later date, but before the application deadline).
• Two letters of recommendation.  Applicants may choose two from the following four categories:  A member of the person with epilepsy’s health care team (includes a physician, physician assistant, nurse, or certified health care professional directly involved in treating the person’s epilepsy).  A school official (includes current or former teachers, school administrators, school club advisors, or guidance counselors).  A community member (a person who knows the applicant well. Examples include, but are not limited to, a coach, a church pastor, a current or former school club advisor, etc.  Family members and friends are not permitted).  Work or volunteer work reference (a co-worker or supervisor who you’ve worked with within the last 3 years).

ESSAY QUESTIONS

TRADITIONAL STUDENT: In one clearly written response, please explain why you should be the chosen recipient for this scholarship.  Your answer should include elements of (1) advocacy work you’ve done (how you’ve raised awareness about epilepsy within your community), (2) academic and/or extracurricular activity accomplishments, and (3) at least one example of a difficulty or barrier you’ve encountered and how you overcame or worked through this difficulty. 

CAREGIVER: In one clearly written response, please explain why you should be the chosen recipient for this scholarship.  Your answer should include elements of (1) advocacy work you’ve done (how you’ve raised awareness about epilepsy within your core community, such as friends, family members, co-workers, etc.), (2) specific examples of the ways in which you have helped the person with epilepsy, and (3) at least one example of a difficulty or barrier you’ve encountered that directly relates to the caregiving you’ve done and how you overcame or worked through this difficulty.

NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENT: In one clearly written response, please explain why you should be the chosen recipient for this scholarship.  Your answer should include elements of (1) advocacy work you’ve done (how you’ve raised awareness about epilepsy within your community), (2) unique or special achievements you’ve accomplished (this can be related to your job, volunteer work, special projects you’ve been involved with) and (3) at least one example of a difficulty or barrier you’ve encountered and how you overcame or worked through this difficulty. 

 **IF YOU’VE WON THIS SCHOLARSHIP within the last 3 years, an answer to an additional question will be required. Since you last won this scholarship, please explain to us what newer, more recent  types of accomplishments you’ve achieved.  Your answer should include elements of (1) newer advocacy work you’ve done (how you’ve raised awareness in ways that you had not when you last won the scholarship, (2) specific and more recent examples of unique or special accomplishments (this can be related to  school, work, volunteer work, or special projects, etc.) and (3) at least one more recent example of a difficulty or barrier you’ve encountered and how you overcame or worked through this difficulty.

The  application deadline is Monday, June 3, 2024.  Applicants will be notified of their standing no later than July 31, 2024.

Please direct questions to John Mirasola at: jmirasola@epilepsywisconsin.org OR (608) 665-9942

*If a caregiver helped you with the app, please provide contact info.  (There should be a spot on the application for the applicant to fill in their name, phone number, and email