SCHOLARSHIP GUIDELINES & APPLICATION

To support students with Cystic Fibrosis in pursuing their educational goals, three scholarships will be awarded annually: one $5,000, one $3,000, and one $2,000 scholarship. (The number and amount of scholarships may vary based on available annual funding.)

Eligible applicants must have Cystic Fibrosis, provide proof of diagnosis, and be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, school supplies, meal plans, or housing costs. All awards will be paid directly to the recipient’s chosen institution.

There is no limit to the number of years a person may apply, but an updated application must be submitted each year for consideration. An individual may receive a maximum of four scholarships. No special consideration will be given to previous recipients.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis: Provide a letter on medical center letterhead, signed by a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or certified practitioner involved in your care. The letter must include the provider’s name, title, contact information, confirmation of your CF diagnosis, and a statement verifying their role in your treatment.
• U.S. Citizenship: Submit a copy of an official U.S. birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, or U.S. certificate of birth abroad. (Driver’s licenses are not accepted.)
• Residency: Reside in one of the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, or Wyoming.
• Academic Standing: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing, without academic warning or probation.
• Enrollment: Be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited U.S. junior college, college, university, or trade school. Submit proof of admission, acceptance, or enrollment. Incoming freshmen must provide an official high school transcript and an acceptance letter or enrollment confirmation including the issuer’s name, title, phone number, and email address. Current students must provide an official transcript and enrollment confirmation.
• Photo: Submit a recent photo (.jpg or .png format) for identification. Award recipients’ photos may be featured on our website.

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from the following sources:

• Healthcare Team Member: A physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or certified practitioner directly involved in your CF care.
• School Official: An employee of your school (e.g., teacher, counselor, or coach) who has worked with you during the school year.
• Community Member: A non-family member you know well through community involvement (e.g., athletic instructor, coach, or pastor).

Each letter must include the writer’s phone number and email address for verification. Letters should be written on official letterhead where applicable (e.g., for healthcare or school officials). Writers should address:

• Their current or past relationship with you.
• Your personal qualities, achievements, or specific examples that support their endorsement.
• Why you are a strong candidate for this scholarship, based on their experiences with you.

We want to learn about your unique journey and aspirations through a personal essay (500–1,000 words). Please tell us about yourself, addressing the following:

• What are your future goals and aspirations?
• What are your educational goals?
• How has Cystic Fibrosis and its treatments affected your life?
• Describe an accomplishment where you overcame challenges posed by Cystic Fibrosis.
• How will continuing your education benefit your future?
• Share any additional details about your background, experiences, or aspirations that strengthen your application.

The essay allows the Selection Committee to understand you in a broader, more conversational way. Please write in a clear and professional tone.

Our Selection Committee carefully evaluates applicants to award scholarships, and all decisions are final. Awards are primarily merit-based but also consider financial need. The committee will assess:

• Scholastic record and academic achievements.
• School activities and leadership roles.
• Community service and involvement.
• Personal qualities and experiences demonstrated in the application, including the essay.

Applicants may provide documentation to support financial need, such as a FAFSA report or financial statement.

Please read these instructions carefully. For questions, contact the Scholarship Administrator at admin@jmebax.org. To ensure your application is considered, follow these steps:

• Complete all sections of the application, marking “N/A” for non-applicable items.
• Redact all social security numbers from documents.
• Submit all required documents (refer to the scholarship checklist linked below).
• Ensure documents are clear, legible, and include contact information for letters of recommendation.
• Submit documents in .pdf format only, except for proof of U.S. citizenship (.pdf or .jpg) and the applicant photo (.jpg or .png, without watermarks).
• Send each document as a separate .pdf file, not combined into one file.
• If under 18, include a parent or legal guardian’s signature.
• Email your completed application and all documents to admin@JmeBax.org.

A confirmation email will be sent upon receipt. Incomplete, inaccurate, misleading, or late applications will not be considered. Please submit early to avoid technical issues, as we cannot accommodate delays due to technical difficulties.

Scholarship applications will be accepted between Jan. 1st and May 1st at 11:59 PM CDT.

All applicants will be notified by email of their award status by June 15th.