Scholarship Opportunities
Attending and graduating from college is a wonderful opportunity and a unique experience. It opens doors and teaches skills—both in the classroom and out—that you can use forever. Unfortunately, there are times when families are unable to send their child to college due to financial challenges. The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan understands this. Below are scholarship opportunities for students with epilepsy who are interested in attending college.
- The Dakota Pequeno Memorial Scholarship (administered by Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan)
- Leah Marie Bollin Memorial Award
- UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
- FACES College Scholarship Program
- Education Enrichment Fund
- Happy Valley Ventures Scholarship
For additional resources, contact the Office of Financial Aid at each college to which you are applying. You can also visit the following websites that list scholarships and financial aid resources for students with disabilities:
Interested in starting a scholarship opportunity? Please contact Heather Carr.
Dakota Pequeno Memorial Scholarship
Dakota Ruby Pequeno, known as Cody to family and friends, was a normal 16-year-old looking forward to her senior year. She enjoyed playing Powder Puff football, participating in the school talent contest, singing songs from her favorite movie, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and listening to Evanescence and Slipknot. But epilepsy claimed her life.
In an effort to ensure her memory lives on, Dakota’s family established the Dakota Pequeno Memorial Scholarship. It is their way of giving an opportunity to others who aspire to do great things in life – just like Dakota.
Epilepsy Foundation Michigan grants a $1,000 scholarship each year, made possible due to the generosity of the Jankowski family.
The recipient of the Dakota Pequeno Memorial Scholarship will be a student who has shown perseverance in eliminating obstacles that epilepsy and seizures may present, courage in dealing with epilepsy/seizures, community involvement, and commitment to their education.
- Must have a diagnosis of epilepsy/seizure disorder and confirmed by a letter from a physician.
- Must be a high school senior or a high school graduate between the ages of 17-25.
- Must live in Michigan. For applicants going to school out-of-state, your permanent address must be located in Michigan.
- Must provide proof of acceptance to a post-secondary academic or vocational program.
- Must submit a completed application and one letter of recommendation, preferably from an educator.
- Write a short essay regarding epilepsy.