The Education Scholarship Awards are available for post high-school education to individuals with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency, their spouses, and their children. The Alpha-1 Association awards two types of scholarships in memory of Peter Smith and John W. Walsh, III.
Peter Smith Scholarship
Peter Smith believed that knowledge is power. He demonstrated this by writing, editing and publishing Alpha-1 News from 1989 until 1992. By October of that year, he had spread the word to over 1200 households. His efforts encouraged, enlightened and inspired those with Alpha-1 to reach out to one another and to learn. The intent of the Peter Smith Scholarship is to continue the tradition of inspiring and assisting by helping those with Alpha-1 and their families learn and achieve. The program is currently administered by the Alpha-1 Association, located in Miami, Florida.
John W. Walsh, III. Memorial Scholarship
John W. Walsh, III was the father of John IV Walsh, Fred Walsh, Judith Walsh and Susan Ferro. He was a friend and mentor to hundreds of Alphas and a patriarch of the Alpha-1 community. He became extremely well-known to Alphas across the country, when he made a personal commitment to support his three Alpha-1-affected children in creating awareness and increasing detection of Alpha-1. As a coach and counselor at Melrose High School, Walsh dedicated his life to working with young people. He served two terms as President of the Massachusetts Guidance Counselors Association and later worked in admissions at Merrimack College. Following his retirement, he was a life coach to many, including those with Alpha-1.
Eligibility Criteria
These scholarships are open to Alphas or children of Alphas who demonstrate financial need and who have been accepted for study at an approved institution, i.e., an accredited university, community college or technical institute. Funds may be used for:
- Tuition
- Registration and other fees
- Books and related materials
A total of seven (7) scholarships will be awarded annually based on eligibility:
John W. Walsh III Memorial Scholarship
1 - $2,500
Peter Smith Scholarship
4 - $2,000 each
2 - $1,000 each
CSL Behring and Talecris Biotherapeutics, Center for Science and Education through their generous support have provided unrestricted educational grants for the Peter Smith Scholarships.
Applications are due by April 1, 2010. The review committee will announce scholarship winners on May 15, 2010.
Download an application below:
Adult Student / Career Change due to Alpha-1 Disability
Please contact Louise Koonce at 800-521-3025 ext 16 or lkoonce@alpha1.org for more information.
