Scholarship applications for young adults with diabetes due May 1
The Delaware Diabetes Coalition, in collaboration with the Delaware Division of Public Health, is currently accepting scholarship applications for the 2017-18 school year from high school seniors who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The scholarship program, established in 2008, provides much-needed financial assistance to youth living with this chronic disease.
"Living with diabetes isn't always easy for teenagers or their family," said division Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. "Between keeping their diabetes under control, managing schoolwork and after-school activities, recreational play, stress and all the other daily life issues a teenager must cope with, it can be challenging. Additionally, families often face ongoing medical expenses related to their conditions. This scholarship program is an important tool to help alleviate the financial burden facing families and assist these young people in furthering their dreams."
Eligible applicants must be residents of Delaware currently enrolled as high school seniors, have diabetes, earn a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and plan to pursue education in an accredited higher education program. The student is required to write a 500-word essay titled: "How Diabetes Has Impacted My Life Choices." Two letters of support from non-family members are also required.
Two $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually. The scholarship is payable to the institution the student will be attending. For application criteria, procedures and the application form, go to www.dediabetescoalition.org. Awardees are required to attend the Delaware Diabetes Wellness Expo, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Dover Downs Hotel and Conference Center.
The 2016 scholarship recipients, Mary Lemma of Clayton and Clinton Rumley of Milford, say they are grateful for the scholarships. "With the help of the coalition, I was propelled one step further so I can achieve my goal of becoming a healthcare professional, and to work toward a cure of juvenile diabetes," said Rumley, a Lake Forest High School graduate attending Delaware Technical Community College.
"This scholarship helped me with the costs of college and reminded me to be thankful, even for my type 1 diabetes," said Lemma, a Smyrna High School graduate attending the University of Delaware.
The deadline for applications with all required backup documentation is Monday, May 1. Notification of awards will be made no later than Thursday, June 15. To submit all documents, email info@dediabetescoalition.org. For more information, call 302-388-9728.
