The RARE Scholars program is an annual scholarship opportunity for people living with a rare genetic condition, including achondroplasia, Batten disease, hemophilia A, mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) or phenylketonuria (PKU). These scholarships recognize and support students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and engagement in school and community activities.
The is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 academic year through April 5.
Alexa says growing up with a rare genetic condition played a role in inspiring her to work toward a career in healthcare. In addition to studying to become a pharmacist at the UMD College of Pharmacy, she connects with parents of newly diagnosed infants to share her experience living with PKU. “Just the fact that a program like this exists is added motivation to continue pursuing a career in the medical field and supporting my community,” Alexa says.
Carson, a four-time scholarship recipient who is living with MPS I, is a senior finishing a journalism degree with minors in marketing and history. He credits the RARE Scholars program with helping him pursue a career in sports. “A big part of why I want to work in sports is to inspire other people with genetic conditions and show that, even if you’re not on the court, there are other ways to be involved in the game,” he says.
Sarah, a freshman who plans to double major in communications and hospitality tourism management, hopes to one day work to create more awareness about MPS I and help inspire children and families affected by rare diseases. “In a way, a program like this makes me feel seen,” she says. “There still isn’t that much awareness of genetic conditions like MPS, so for 博彩平台网址大全 to support our community in other ways beyond providing treatment is awesome and inspires me to do more.”
Natalie, a freshman biology major who hopes to one day become a surgeon, recalls becoming interested in life sciences while working on a project to research and present to her biomedical science class on a medical condition. She chose PKU, and from there her ambition to become a physician became clear. “The hands-on aspect of surgery – physically fixing a problem someone is having – is really cool to me.”
Will is a freshman interested in pursuing computer science and business. As he gets started in college, he knows this is an important time in his PKU journey and looking forward to enjoying all that college has to offer. “This scholarship is another helpful tool in allowing me to focus on school and launching my career while managing my PKU,” he says.
In a way, a program like this makes me feel seen. There still isn’t that much awareness of genetic conditions, so for 博彩平台网址大全 to support our community in other ways beyond providing treatment is awesome and inspires me to do more.
– Sarah Cook, Scholarship Recipient
An annual scholarship opportunity for people living with a genetic condition for those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and engagement in school and community activities.
The RARE Scholars program will award up to $25,000 in scholarships to eligible students.