Many individuals live with illnesses, disabilities, and disorders that make their lives different from those of healthy individuals. These conditions often limit their abilities to perform activities that others take for granted. Life is generally more challenging for them.
To alleviate some of these challenges, charity foundations and organizations have been established to provide support and encouragement in various forms, including financial aid. This aid often comes in the form of scholarships to help individuals with illnesses achieve their educational goals and provide moral support to keep them motivated.
Many people affected by diseases, disorders, or disabilities have career aspirations that can be fulfilled by attending higher education institutions such as universities, colleges, trade, or vocational schools. Special scholarships are designed to support these individuals throughout their educational journey.
While some scholarships are general, catering to individuals living with any disability, disease, or chronic illness, others are specific, such as scholarships for autoimmune diseases, chronic illnesses, visual impairments, autism, etc.
This article focuses on scholarships for autoimmune diseases, available exclusively to individuals living with any autoimmune condition.
What are Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. Common autoimmune diseases include:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Lupus
- Celiac Disease
- Sjogren’s Syndrome
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Alopecia Areata
- Myositis
- Vasculitis
- Temporal Arteritis
If you are affected by any of these diseases, you may qualify for scholarships designed to support your education at higher institutions.
In addition to having an autoimmune disease, there are specific requirements and eligibility criteria you must meet to be awarded a scholarship. Each scholarship for autoimmune diseases has unique requirements that you must fulfill to receive the award.
Let’s explore some of the top scholarships available for individuals with autoimmune diseases.
Top Scholarships for Autoimmune Diseases
Anthony’s Legacy of Love (ALL) Foundation
The ALL Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2018 to support individuals affected by an autoimmune disease. Since its inception, the organization has awarded $18,200 in scholarships to college students with autoimmune diseases.
The foundation offers annual scholarships, including:
Outstanding Community Leadership Scholarship
This $2,000 award supports students with autoimmune diseases who wish to further their education. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in an accredited college pursuing a bachelor’s degree, be active in their community, maintain a high academic standing with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and write an essay about their future goals and community service. The application deadline is April 30, 2021.
Autoimmune Warriors “You Got This” Scholarship Award
This scholarship supports individuals with autoimmune diseases pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees at accredited institutions in the United States. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate community involvement and strong academic performance. The application deadline is April 30, 2021.
Anderson & Stowell Scholarship
Offered by Bella Soul, a public charity, this scholarship supports students with autoimmune diseases or physical disabilities. Applicants must be enrolled full-time or part-time at an accredited college and not be on academic probation. They must also write a two-page essay about living with an autoimmune disease, including advice for others and strategies for maintaining mental and physical health.
To apply, email proof of enrollment and other required information to sstrader@wisc.edu. The scholarship amount is $400, and the deadline is August 30, 2021.
Microsoft disAbility Scholarship
This $5,000 scholarship, renewable for up to three additional years, is available to high school seniors with disabilities due to autoimmune diseases who plan to pursue careers in technology at accredited higher education institutions. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate leadership skills and financial need, and provide essays, a resume, an academic transcript, and recommendation letters.
Apply for the scholarship here
This Is Me Foundation Scholarship
Designed for students affected by or recovered from Alopecia, this scholarship requires applicants to be high school seniors planning to attend an accredited institution in the United States. Required application materials include a personal statement, a resume, a recommendation letter, and a letter of acceptance from a higher institution.
EveryLife Foundation RAREis Scholarship Fund
The EveryLife Foundation offers $5,000 scholarships to individuals over 17 years old, diagnosed with a rare disease, including certain autoimmune diseases, and enrolled or planning to enroll in accredited U.S. institutions. Applicants must submit a transcript, a diagnosis, and an essay discussing their goals and how the scholarship will help achieve them.
The Hannah Bernard Memorial Scholarship
This $600 scholarship supports students with complex pain conditions, including certain autoimmune diseases, pursuing education at various levels. Applicants must submit essays describing their experiences and educational aspirations.
The Elaine Chapin Fund
This fund supports students affected by Multiple Sclerosis, either directly or as a family member, in the Saint Louis and Missouri area. Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a U.S. institution and are selected based on financial need, academic performance, and the impact of Multiple Sclerosis on their lives.
The Buckfire Law Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a recognized disability or disorder, including autoimmune conditions. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution in the U.S. and have completed at least one semester.
NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship
This scholarship offers $5,625 to eight undergraduate and graduate students with autoimmune diseases pursuing careers in communications, media, or entertainment. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution and demonstrate interest in the specified fields.
Apply for the scholarship here
Conclusion
These scholarships provide vital support for individuals with autoimmune diseases seeking to further their education. Early applications are encouraged to meet deadlines, and applying for multiple scholarships can increase your chances of receiving financial aid. Additionally, consider applying for general scholarships, especially fully-funded ones, to potentially secure significant financial support.
