Epilepsy Scholarship Program

Since its inception in 1990, the United Needs & Abilities' scholarship program has been assisting Maryland's residents with the cost of higher education. This program offers people with epilepsy a chance to enhance their quality of life through educational achievement. Through this program, financial assistance will be available to deserving candidates for the purpose of pursuing their educational goals past the secondary school level.

If you are interested in obtaining a scholarship, please look over the criteria for award of funds below, and then contact the main office by phone (1-800-776-5694) or contact us here to request an application.

Scholarship Program Description

Scholarship funds may be applied to four-year undergraduate programs, community colleges and vocational or technical institutions. There is no restriction regarding the geographical location of the school. The scholarship will assist with tuition only. Expenses for books, living and travel will be reviewed separately. Funds will be paid directly to the institution. There are no age restrictions for this scholarship.

If the Scholarship Awards Committee determines that no candidates meet the criteria set forth, United Needs & Abilities reserves the right not to award scholarship funds in any given year.

  • Criteria For Award of Funds
    • The applicant must be a resident of the agency's service area, which encompasses the nine-county region of Maryland's Eastern Shore.
    • The applicant must have epilepsy. The presence of this condition must be documented by a treating physician.
    • The applicant must submit three letters of recommendation (one from a teacher).
    • The applicant must submit an application for the scholarship award and an essay. The essay should address the following: 1)How epilepsy has affected your life; 2)Why you would be a deserving recipient; 3)What you hope to gain from college.
    • The applicant must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 from his/her junior and senior years of high school or college career.
    • No pay back will be required, but a 2.5 GPA is necessary to retain the scholarship to graduation (4-year maximum).
    • The recipient will submit a written request for continuation of the scholarship from one academic year to the next and must furnish transcripts.
    • The recipient will submit a final report of the degree received.
    • Each candidate will be interviewed before a scholarship is awarded.
    • Full and Part Time Students: In each semester, full time undergraduate students must carry at least 12 hours of academic work and part time students at least 6 hours of work.
Sonye receives scholarship