Marianjoy

Scholarship Program

For Students

With Physical Disabilities

Undergoing physical rehabilitation after an illness or accident takes courage. Living with a disability takes perseverance. Pursuing a dream, no matter what obstacles you may encounter, requires determination. At Marianjoy, we want to help. If your goal is to receive a college degree, then consider applying for a Marianjoy Scholarship. You could receive a scholarship to further your education, and help you uncover opportunities, new possibilities, and growth toward achieving your dreams.

The Scholarship

The Marianjoy Scholarship Program was established in 1994, and to date more than $400,000 in scholarship money has been awarded.

In keeping with Marianjoy’s commitment to assist people with disabilities, the Marianjoy Scholarship is intended for those individuals with permanent physical disabilities like those served through Marianjoy programs, which are listed below. These programs include (but are not limited to):

• Brain Injury
• Stroke
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Musculoskeletal Impairments Such as Amputation or Multiple Trauma
• Neuromuscular Disorders Such as Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy and Guillain-Barré Syndrome

It is not necessary to have been a Marianjoy patient to apply for this scholarship.

The Marianjoy Scholarship Program reserves the right to review its conditions and procedures and to make changes at any time, including its termination. Previously approved scholarships will not be affected by subsequent changes.

“I’ve always embraced who I am as a person –

honestly, and with no apologies.

I will live with a disability until my end,

but with each morning that I face,

I do so with a feeling of happiness and expectation.

Every day I hope to see what life has to offer me

and what I can give in return.”

• Chris Ludwig, Wheaton, Illinois
Four-Time Marianjoy Scholarship Recipient

Awards

Each year, scholarships for post-high school education are awarded to students with disabilities to enable them to pursue educational programs at accredited four-year colleges and universities, two-year colleges, or vocational-technical schools in the United States.

Scholarship monies may be used for tuition, fees, books, and room and board. The amount awarded will not exceed the cost of tuition, books, fees, and room and board.

Recipients are selected without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, disability, or national origin.

The Marianjoy Scholarship Program will award scholarships in amounts up to $5,000. Recipients must enroll in school no later than the fall session following the announcement of the awards.

• Scholarships are not automatically renewable.

• Past recipients are eligible for reapplication.

• Applicants may apply in subsequent years.

• Scholarships can be awarded to a recipient up to four times. However, total money awarded cannot exceed $12,000.

Awards will be paid in two equal installments made payable jointly to the recipient and to the post-secondary school. Checks must be endorsed by both parties.

Am I Eligible?

In order to be eligible, applicants to the Marianjoy Scholarship Program must be:

1) Functionally impaired or physically disabled and fit in one of the following diagnostic categories:

• Neuromuscular
• Musculoskeletal
• Stroke
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Brain Injury

2) A permanent resident in one of the following counties:

• Cook    • Will    • Kane     • DuPage    • McHenry    • Lake     • DeKalb     • Kendall

3) High school seniors or graduates (diploma or GED certificate), college undergraduates, or graduate students (post-baccalaureate).

4) Students who are enrolled or are planning to enroll in a half-time or full-time course study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school.

Former Marianjoy patients are eligible regardless of residence.

Marianjoy employees and their dependent children, as well as donors to the Marianjoy Scholarship Program and their family members, are ineligible.

How Do I Apply?

To apply:

• Complete the application and mail to the address shown on the form.

• Write a personal profile stressing the nature of your disability, making clear any financial needs, career goals and aspirations, as well as any unusual personal/family circumstances.

• Have original transcripts sent directly from your school.

• Include letters of recommendation from a counselor, instructor, employer, minister, or other qualified individual.

How Do I Get Selected?

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:

• Academic record as indicated on school transcript

• Financial need and family circumstance

• Impact of disability in educational process

• Educational and career goals expressed in personal profile

• Leadership and participation roles in school or community

• Letters of recommendation

• Overall assessment of candidate’s presentation

What Are My Obligations?

Recipients have no obligation to the Marianjoy Scholarship Program or to Marianjoy other than supplying the scholarship administrator with current transcripts and promptly notifying the administrator of any changes of address, school enrollment, or other relevant information.

Scholarship recipients acknowledge that Marianjoy and its Foundation may release their name, photo, and personal information to others in order to promote the Marianjoy Scholarship Program.

Except as described in the application brochure, no obligation is assumed by the Marianjoy Scholarship Program.

You can download the 2008 application here.

For more information, call (630) 909-7402.

Marianjoy Scholarship Program
26W171 Roosevelt Road
P.O. Box 795
Wheaton, Illinois 60189