Jamie Bax Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Jamie Bax Memorial Scholarship

Introductory Note about Jamie
Jamie often was described as an “old soul in a young person’s body.” As noted on TheOdysseyOnline.com, an old soul tends to avoid chasing things that are fleeting or easily taken away and places little value on short-lived pursuits that lack lasting meaning or fulfillment. That characterization captures Jamie’s temperament and outlook.

Scholarship Awards (effective 2024–2025)
- Starting with the 2024–2025 academic year, the program will annually award three scholarships: one for $5,000, one for $3,000, and one for $2,000. The exact number and amounts of awards each year will depend on available funding.
- Awards must be used while the recipient has Cystic Fibrosis and are intended to support attendance at an accredited college, university, or trade school.
- Scholarship funds may be applied to tuition, required fees, textbooks, academic supplies, meal plans, or housing expenses.
- Payments will not be issued directly to recipients; all scholarship disbursements will be sent to the recipient’s chosen institution.
- Applicants may apply every year; there is no limit on the number of application attempts. However, applicants can receive no more than four scholarships in total. Prior recipients receive no special preference.

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all of the following:
1. Medical confirmation of Cystic Fibrosis
- Provide a signed letter from your physician on the doctor’s official letterhead confirming your CF diagnosis.

2. U.S. citizenship
- Acceptable proof includes an official state-issued birth certificate, a U.S. government-certified birth certificate, a valid unexpired U.S. passport, or a U.S. certificate of birth abroad.

3. Residency in the Central United States
- You must live in one of these states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, or Wisconsin.

4. Enrollment or acceptance at an accredited institution
- You must be enrolled in, accepted to, or confirmed for attendance at an accredited junior college, college, university, or trade school.
- Incoming freshmen should submit an official high school transcript plus an acceptance letter or confirmation of enrollment from the college/trade school. Current postsecondary students must provide an official college transcript and a current enrollment verification from their institution.

5. Academic standing
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.70 on a 4.00 scale and be in good academic standing (not on academic warning or probation).

6. Photo identification
- Submit a recent JPG-format photo of yourself for identification.

Letters of Recommendation (three required)
You must submit three separate recommendation letters:
- One from a member of your healthcare team (e.g., physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or another certified clinician involved in your CF care).
- One from a school official (for example, a teacher, advisor, coach, or other staff member at your current or recent school).
- One from a community contact (for instance, a coach, pastor, scout leader, or someone who knows you through community involvement).

Each recommender should describe the applicant’s personal qualities, notable achievements, or specific examples that justify their endorsement, and explain the nature and duration of their relationship with the applicant.

Applicant Essay
Provide a personal essay that addresses the following topics:
- Your future goals and aspirations.
- Your educational objectives.
- How your medical condition and its treatments have impacted your life.
- An example of something you accomplished despite Cystic Fibrosis—an instance where CF could have been, but was not, the barrier to success.
- How continuing your education will help you achieve your future plans.
- Any additional information you would like the Selection Committee to consider.

The essay allows the Selection Committee to gain a broader, more personal understanding of the applicant.

Selection Process and Criteria
- Recipients are chosen exclusively by the Selection Committee; its decisions are final.
- The Committee will evaluate academic records, school involvement, leadership roles, and community service when making awards.
- While awards are awarded primarily on merit, financial need will also be considered. Applicants are encouraged to include a copy of their current FAFSA or other documentation demonstrating financial need.
- If no statement of need is submitted, the Committee will assume the applicant prefers that financial circumstances not be considered.