– mts sickle cell foundation, inc. –
Warrior On The Rise Scholarship Program
Sickle Cell Disease takes a lot from warrior families.
The ability to go to college should not be one of them.
The objective of our Warrior On The Rise Scholarship Program is to support Sickle Cell Disease patients and their families in the United States. The program gives warriors and their family members the opportunity to continue their education and pursue their college dreams.
Application for Fall Semester 2025 will be opened from December 25th, 2024 to April 30th, 2025.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2024 AWARDEES!!!
Click on photo to read bio
Eliezer Washington
Georgia Southern University
Elizabeth Agunbiade
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Texas Tech
Pearl Jimmy
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Augusta University
Janaya Sanders
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University of Alabama
Joseph Bayote
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University of Maryland
Kemar Vernon
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Tougaloo College
Jaala Hudson
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Kennesaw State University
Shantay Francis
Pennsylvania State University
Korey Varner
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Kennesaw State University
Ezinaye Ibiam
University of Central Florida
Sickle Cell Disease patients and their siblings OR CHILDREN may apply if they are:
- Age 16 or older
- A high school senior, high school graduate, or current postsecondary student
- Enrolled in fulltime postsecondary study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire academic year
- Have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent)
A written personal statement describing the impact Sickle Cell Disease has had on the applicant’s life and a medical verification form from the applicant’s (or his or her sibling or parent’s) hematologist is also required.
HELP SUPPORT THIS INITIATIVE
– Eliezer Washington –
Georgia Southern University
I am an 18 year old warrior with Sickle Beta-Thalassemia and will be starting Georgia Southern in the fall to major in Business Marketing. I have always loved sports and grew up playing baseball. Most recently, I have also come to love other sports, especially football, basketball, and golf. Due to my health, I have been limited in pursuing professional sports as a career, but I would love to work within the industry. Currently, I work for Lids, a sports hat and clothing retailer. Eventually, I would like to work in some aspect of sports marketing and have my own business. I also love to game, watch anime, and spend time with my family. This scholarship would help me to pursue my dreams and become independent in a sustainable career. It would also help me relieve the financial burden of my family, as my Mother has recently become disabled. Thank you for considering me!
– Joseph Bayote –
University of Maryland
I am a graduating high school student interested in electrical engineering and jazz saxophone. Those are also my intended majors in college; I will be attending the University of Maryland, College Park. I am interested in designing printed circuit boards and integrated circuits in electrical engineering because these are used in the electronics we use today. I am also a jazz tenor saxophonist. In the future, I hope to perform at least semi-regularly at various venues, performing jazz and other popular music genres. I also participate in the marching band, where I am the drum major at my school. One of my hobbies is watching YouTube videos related to finance, law, computer hardware, music, and custom mechanical keyboards. I also enjoy experimenting with various keyboard parts. Winning a Warrior On the Rise Scholarship has significantly impacted me. The scholarship supports my future goals by minimizing the need for potential student debt. Having fewer student loans allows me more financial freedom to explore ventures, such as volunteering my time to help others with sickle cell disease and tutoring for academic subjects such as math and science.
– Korey Varner –
Kennesaw State University
Hi, my name is Korey Varner, and I come from a blended family. My passion for construction has led me to eventually becoming president of TSA (Technology Student Association) as well as a member of NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers). I will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Kennesaw State University and receiving this scholarship will help me in fulfilling my dreams.
– Elizabeth Agunbiade –
Texas Tech
Hello! I am Elizabeth Agunbiade. I am an incoming freshman at Texas Tech for Chemical Engineering with a premed concentration. I love reading, exercising, playing video games, and cooking in my spare time. I hope to achieve an MD/MBA in the future and work as a medical doctor, or pursue a masters in chemical engineering and an MBA and work as a chemical engineer in a leadership position. Getting this scholarship would enable me to go to school without the stress of additional loans, and pursue my academic ambitions.
– Janaya Sanders –
University of Alabama
Hello, my name is Janaya Sanders and I am a dedicated student leader with a passion for serving others. As the Color Guard Captain, HOSA President, SGA Social Media Officer, and Shades Valley Student Ambassador, I have honed my leadership and organizational skills while managing my sickle cell disease. Despite facing health challenges, I never let it hinder my determination to excel in both academics and extracurricular activities.
In addition to my leadership roles, I enjoy drawing and painting as a way to express myself creatively. Volunteering in my community has also been a fulfilling experience that allows me to give back and make a positive impact. My aspirations include pursuing a career in healthcare to help those in need and continue advocating for individuals with chronic illnesses.
Winning a Warrior on the Rise scholarship means the world to me as someone with sickle cell disease. This scholarship not only recognizes and supports my academic achievements but also acknowledges the challenges I face due to my health condition. As a warrior living with sickle cell, receiving this scholarship gives me hope, encouragement, and validation that my hard work and perseverance are being recognized and valued.
I am grateful for this opportunity and excited about the potential for growth and success that this scholarship could bring. Thank you for considering me as a deserving candidate
– Shantay Francis –
Pennsylvania State University
I wish to make my mother, sister, and all the others who’ve helped and supported me throughout the years proud. Helping me accept my disease, face struggling challenges with me, and help me develop as a person. There were moments in my mind where there was no end to persistent pain within me, whether I was going through a crisis or not. So with these few sentences, I say, don’t let your illness control who you are because the person I thought I could never become in a million years stands in front of you about to walk down the stage. You, too, can become that person.
– Ezinaye Ibiam –
University of Central Florida
I come from a family of seven, with one older brother and three younger siblings. Outside of my leadership roles in school and in church I play golf, read books, and cook. During my post- secondary education I strive to study multiple subjects to become well- rounded students. I aim to further explore my passions for business along with other areas of interest including marketing and communication. This exploration will help me make informed decisions about my academic and career path. I aspire to enter a profession that aligns with my values of being preserving, having integrity and leadership while also providing meaningful contributions to society. I intend to seek internships and participate in career development programs to gain exposure to different industries and roles. Winning the Warrior on the Rise scholarship will reaffirm to me that despite my Sickle Cell illness, I can accomplish great things.