College Scholarships

The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County provides scholarships to college undergraduates affected by epilepsy or involved in epilepsy research.

Award Details

• Award Range: $250–$6,000 annually
• Multiple scholarships available each year

Michael Zapoticzny Memorial Scholarship

• Established: 2002
• Award: Up to $6,000 annually to one college undergraduate
• Criteria: Named for 18-year-old Michael Zapoticzny who passed away in 2001 from epilepsy during his freshman year at Rutgers University. Awarded by parents Steve and Sue Zapoticzny.

Kim Tallian Memorial Scholarship

• Established: 2024
• Award: $2,000 annually through 2028 to one college undergraduate
• Criteria: Honors late Kim Tallian, PharmD, APh, BCPP, FASHP, FCCP, FCSHP who served on the Board of Directors and Professional Advisory Board
• Priority: Students pursuing majors in bioscience or life science

Geographic Scope

• Primary: San Diego County, Imperial County, or Southern Riverside County residents or permanent residents
• Out-of-area: Students from eligible counties may attend school elsewhere; out-of-state students currently enrolled in San Diego schools are also eligible

Contact

Sarah Waters, Programs & Client Services Manager

• Email: sarah@epilepsysandiego.org
• Phone: (619) 296-0161

Organization

Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County

• 501(c)(3) non-profit

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet residency requirements AND one of the following criteria:

Criterion 1: Students with Epilepsy

• Currently being treated for epilepsy
• Currently enrolled or will be enrolled in college, university, or trade school in fall 2026
• Must provide letter from doctor verifying current epilepsy/seizure disorder treatment
• Must show satisfactory academic performance (does not require high GPA; considered based on student capabilities, learning disabilities, medication side effects, etc.)
• Must demonstrate financial need

Criterion 2: Epilepsy Research Students

• Full-time college or university students
• Involved in epilepsy research projects in health or social science fields
• Must provide letter from professor documenting project details
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 for all completed work
• Must demonstrate financial need

Required Application Documents

1. Completed scholarship application form
2. Community Service and Volunteer Experience/Academic Achievements statement
3. Statement of Eligibility
4. Statement of Financial Need
5. Current transcript (official or unofficial) verifying enrollment and GPA
6. Letter from doctor stating current epilepsy/seizure disorder treatment OR letter from professor documenting epilepsy research project details
7. Two letters of recommendation

Submission

• All documents must be included in complete application package
• Application deadline: December 15 (annual cycle)

Contact for Questions

Sarah Waters, Programs & Client Services Manager

• Email: sarah@epilepsysandiego.org