NF Midwest Scholarship Program

Program Status: Active (established 2015, now in its sixth+ year as of 2020)

The NF Midwest Scholarship Program awards $1,000 academic scholarships to post-secondary students diagnosed with neurofibromatosis (NF) or schwannomatosis. The program was launched with funds from a charitable trust left to NF Midwest by Frances and Irma Napolilli.

Geographic Scope

Service Region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and the eastern half of Missouri

• Note: Students who have actively participated in NF Midwest activities may be eligible even if outside the service region

Eligibility

• Diagnosis Required: Must have a confirmed diagnosis of neurofibromatosis (NF Type 1, NF Type 2, or schwannomatosis)
• Education Level: Post-secondary students pursuing:
  • Undergraduate degrees (Associate's, Bachelor's)
  • Vocational/Trade school programs
  • Graduate degrees
• Residency/Participation: Live in service region OR have actively participated in NF Midwest
• Enrollment Status: Full-time or part-time students at accredited, US-based institutions
• Limitation: Each student may receive the scholarship once

Selection Criteria

Applications are scored based on multiple factors:

• Demonstrated drive to succeed despite challenges associated with living with NF
• Academic record (GPA, transcripts)
• Character
• Community service involvement
• Involvement in NF Midwest and NF-related activities
• Evidence of determination and persistence through difficulties
• Teacher recommendations and letters of recommendation
• Personal circumstances - overcoming obstacles

Award Details

• Number of Awards: Varies annually based on donor funding (historically 6-17 scholarships per year)
• Award Amount: $1,000 per recipient
• Award Frequency: Annual

Historical Awards

• 2015-2016: 17 recipients
• 2016-2017: 11 recipients
• 2017-2018: 6 recipients
• 2018-2019: (mentioned as upcoming)
• 2019-2020: 10 recipients
• Total by 2020: 47+ students funded over six years

Contact Information

• Phone: (630) 945-3562
• Email: scholarships@nfmidwest.org (protected)
• Website: nfmidwest.org

Timeline

• Application Opens: Late January/Early February (typical)
• Application Deadline: March 31st (typical annual deadline)
• Notification Date: By May 31st (typical)

Required Materials

Each application must include the following documents:

1. Physician's Certification Letter
   • Letter from a physician certifying applicant's NF diagnosis
2. Personal Statement
   • Written response to prompt provided in application
   • Demonstrates drive to succeed despite NF-related challenges
3. Letter of Recommendation
   • From a teacher, coach, mentor, or other qualified recommender
   • Should address character, determination, and relevant qualities
4. Academic Documentation (choose applicable)
   • For high school students: Official high school transcript AND acceptance letter or confirmation of enrollment from chosen college
   • For currently enrolled college students: Official college transcript

Application Requirements

• Applications must be complete and submitted by deadline
• Incomplete or late applications will NOT be considered
• Initial review ensures all requested information is submitted

Selection Process

1. Initial completeness review
2. Committee evaluation based on stated criteria
3. Scoring on character, involvement, determination, and academics
4. Committee selects recipients based on criteria met and available funds
5. Applicants notified of award status by May 31st

Notes

• Committee considers many factors; applicants should not be deterred by any single criterion
• All students in service region encouraged to apply
• Number of awards varies based on available funding from donors