Empowering students living with and researching sickle cell disease
We empower students researching and living with sickle cell disease by providing scholarships that support their academic and career goals, helping them overcome barriers to higher education.
Scholarship Fund Honoring Lizzy & Jackie's Legacy
Every scholarship we award is more than tuition — it's a step toward a future where sickle cell disease never stands between a student and their goals.
Scholarship focus areas
Our fund is built around the students the sickle cell community too often overlooks — those managing the disease firsthand, and those working to understand and treat it.
Students Living with SCD
Undergraduate and graduate students managing sickle cell disease while pursuing a degree, certification, or vocational program.
Sickle Cell Researchers
Students conducting or preparing to conduct research related to sickle cell disease — from bench science to public health.
Future Healthcare Professionals
Students pursuing nursing, medicine, social work, or public health with a focus on improving care for the SCD community.
Removing barriers between students and their degree
Sickle cell disease can mean missed classes, frequent hospitalizations, and medical costs that compete directly with tuition, housing, and books. The ENJAH-SCF Scholarship Program exists to close that gap — so a hospital stay never has to mean a semester lost.
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Financial relief where it counts
Funds go directly toward tuition, fees, books, or approved education-related expenses.
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Recognition, not just relief
Every recipient is recognized as part of the ENJAH-SCF community and the legacy of Lizzy & Jackie Holmes.
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A pathway, not a one-time gift
Recipients gain access to mentorship, community events, and future ENJAH-SCF opportunities.
Who can apply
General eligibility guidelines — final criteria and deadlines are confirmed each award cycle.
- Diagnosed with sickle cell disease or trait, or actively engaged in SCD-related research
- Enrolled or accepted into an accredited college, university, or vocational program
- Demonstrated academic commitment and a clear statement of goals
- Involvement in community, school, or SCD-related advocacy activities (a plus, not required)
- Complete application submitted before the posted deadline
How to apply
Four steps between you and an ENJAH-SCF scholarship.
Review Eligibility
Confirm you meet the diagnosis, enrollment, and academic requirements for the current cycle.
Prepare Your Documents
Gather transcripts, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and proof of enrollment.
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application in full and submit it before the posted deadline.
Review & Notification
Our committee reviews every application. Finalists are notified and recipients are announced.
What you'll need to apply
Having these ready in advance makes the application faster and easier to complete.
Ask a Question- Official transcript
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance
- Documentation of SCD diagnosis or research involvement
- Personal statement or essay
- One or two letters of recommendation
- Completed application form
This scholarship let me stay in school during the semester I was hospitalized twice. It meant I didn't have to choose between my health and my degree.