Colorado Chapter Announces 2009 Scholarship Recipients
Three students in colorado awarded scholarship to support educational goals
The Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society has announced this year’s local recipients of its annual Scholarship Program:
In the Front Range Community, three students preparing to enter college will receive support from their local National MS Society Chapter. The scholarship program provides financial assistance to students affected by multiple sclerosis who are pursuing a college or technical school education.
MS can take a terrible toll on the family, emotionally and financially. The economic impact is substantial. Direct and indirect costs of MS, including lost wages, (even for those with insurance coverage) are estimated at more than $69,000 annually, with a total lifetime cost per family of $3 million. These challenges make funding a college education that much harder.
According to one of our scholarship recipients in speaking of how MS has impacted their life they stated, “In every way possible.” She said that due to the changes in her family’s life everyone has had to make major adjustments to the life they once knew. She mentions that “Even though the negatives outweigh the positives in this situation, we try our best on a regular basis to modify our outlook on things, and appreciate the positive things we are blessed to have in our lives.” The greatest impact mentioned by the applicants was the financial toll on their family income. This led them to take on part-time jobs in addition to their education and extra-curricular activities to supplement the family income.
Program Continues To Grow Across The Country
The Society established its scholarship program six years ago, and the program continues to grow both in terms of support and scholarships awarded. In 2008, 518 awards totaling $1,140,750 were presented to people with MS or their children entering an accredited post-secondary educational program. Applications are evaluated based on financial need, academic record, leadership and volunteer activities, a statement of educational and career goals and letters of recommendation. Applicants are also asked to provide a personal statement describing the impact MS has had on their life. Most scholarships cover one year and are non-renewable. Scholarships are awarded to students across the country and range from $1,000 to $3,000.
“For the Turnbull, Stein and Markovetz families and the hundreds of thousands diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) across the country, there are very few known sources of scholarship assistance specially targeted for these families,” said Carrie Nolan, Colorado Chapter President. “MS shouldn’t stand in the way of an education, and we are hopeful this program will give families some relief.”
The National MS Society Scholarship Program is administered by Scholarship America. Scholarship applications for 2010 will be available on the National MS Society website beginning October 15, 2009. The 2010 application process will close on January 15, 2010. For more information about the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, call 1-800-344-4867 or click here. To receive an application, call 1-800-537-4180, ext. 471 or visit the Society website.