Hi! I've been diagnosed with a mental illness and am wondering if there are scholarships specifically for students like me. I came across a list mentioning 25 but can't seem to find more info. Any suggestions or experience with this?
Hello! I completely understand where you're coming from. It's essential to tap into all resources available to you, and scholarships tailored toward students with mental illnesses can be a valuable aid.
As you've mentioned, there are indeed scholarships out there that consider mental health as part of their eligibility criteria. Many of these scholarships aim to reduce stigma, promote educational opportunities, and aid mental health advocacy.
However, it's important to remember that there's a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, and some scholarships may focus on specific disorders. For instance, the Baer Reintegration Scholarship is for individuals affected by schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder.
On the other hand, the JED Foundation has an annual scholarship called the Jerry Greenspan Student Voice of Mental Health Award for students who have experience with mental health, have an impact on campus/provide mental health education, and are ready to be advocates for mental health.
Sometimes scholarships may not be specifically for mental illness, but could still be available if a student's mental health condition has created a significant challenge in their life, which often is the case with illnesses like depression or anxiety. Check out broader disability scholarships as well, as they often include mental illnesses. These scholarships typically require personal statements where you could discuss the challenges you've faced, how you have overcome (or are working to overcome) these challenges, and your achievements/ aspirations, for example.
Finally, don't overlook local organizations and mental health advocacy groups. They might have information on smaller local scholarships specifically targeting this population group.
Jot down the scholarship names, deadlines, and application requirements, and create a timeline for yourself to ensure you don't miss any opportunities. It may seem daunting at first, but a systematic approach can make it manageable. Best of luck!
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