SCOTT ZUNIGA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND

for students with sickle cell disease

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General Statement

The Scott Zuniga Memorial Scholarship administered by the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California will be awarded to students with sickle cell disease attending any accredited post secondary academic program at a university, college or technical school.  Applicant must be a resident of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino or Ventura counties.  Depending on need, the award will range from $250 to $1000 per applicant.

Applications for this scholarship will be reviewed by the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of California’s Scholarship Committee.  The committee will consider all information which applicants provide in making its decision.

History of the Scott Zuniga Scholarship

Scott Zuniga was a very caring person who had many different dreams and aspirations.  He was an entrepreneur at heart.  He loved being in business for himself, selling his artwork, greeting cards and black figurines.  He had the benefit of having his own booth at the Black Business Expo, Los Angeles Convention Center for four consecutive years, under the auspices of Tomorrow Entrepreneur Today, under the direction of Mrs. Fannie Butler.

God granted Scott his fondest desire, the opportunity to graduate high school (Verbum Dei) and go off to college. Scott attended California State University at Humboldt.  Scott was on campus for one year; however it was perhaps the toughest year of his life.  Due to the challenges of sickle cell disease and the high altitude of the school, Scott was hospitalized several times due to sickle cell crises’

Scott loved people, he always wanted to help.  He loved to encourage individuality and loved to give good advice on how to solve problems. 

To honor the spirit and memory of their SON, BROTHER and FRIEND, the Zuniga family offers funds for students with sickle cell disease who have a desire to go to college.   These funds are for students with a “C” average or above (GPA 2.0+).  Although Scott’s grade point average did reflect a “C” average, he was truly a student with an “A” heart who persevered through the pain and challenges of sickle cell disease.

The Family of Scott Zuniga

Procedures

It is the responsibility of the scholarship applicant to ensure that all materials relevant to the application are sent to the SCDFC by the application deadline.

The application form must be filled out completely by the applicant.  All applications must be typed.  No handwritten applications will be accepted.  Faxed or emailed applications will not be considered.

 The applicant must submit the following to be considered by the scholarship committee.

1.         A completed scholarship application.

2.         A two page double spaced type (11 pt font Times New Roman) written autobiographical sketch of th applicant describing his/her goals, strengths, weaknesses and other pertinent information.

3.         A cover letter indicating the reasons the scholarship is needed.  Please be sure to emphasize your involvement in and/or relationship to the sickle cell disease community (i.e. organizations, activities, volunteer involvement, etc.).

4.         A certified copy of transcript from the last school attended must accompany each scholarship application.

5.         Three (3) letters of recommendation are required; one from the applicant’s school guidance counselor, one from a past or present teacher and one from a non-related person (preferably a  physician, social worker or other professional/paraprofessional familiar with the applicant’s capabilities.

6.         Proof of acceptance in a post secondary school.  Entering and transferring students must submit a notice or letter from the admission’s office stating that he/she has been accepted or is being considered for admission.

7.         Certification of sickle cell disease confirmation form completed by student’s physician or nurse (hematologist preferred).

8.         A copy of the most recent federal tax returns of the custodial parent(s).

9.         Applicant must participate in an interview with the scholarship committee.

 DUE DATE

The completed form must be submitted together with the requested materials on or before the due date to the address above.  Adherence to this deadline is vital and applications received in our office after the due date will not be considered for awards.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to see that his/her application in its entirety is submitted before the deadline date.

For more information or to request an application please contact the SCDFC at  (310) 693-0247 or Toll Free at (877) 288-CURE.

cONDITIONS OF AWARD

During the academic year of award, scholarship awardees must:

1.   Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 (C).

2.   Complete at least 2.5 to15 hours of community service at the SCDFC (hours to be based on award, calculated at 10% of actual dollar figure, $250 = 2.5 hours, $500 = 5 hours, etc.)

3.   Maintain at least 9 credits per academic year of award, although full time enrollment (12+) is preferred.