UCB offers scholarships for Crohn's disease sufferers attending universities, online schools

UCB offers scholarships for Crohn's disease sufferers attending universities, online schools

UCB has announced the winners of its 2009 Crohn's Scholarships for students of all ages pursuing higher education through any means, including online degree programs.

The biopharmaceutical company will give $10,000 scholarships to 31 students who suffer from Crohn's disease, a chronic illness that affects the gastrointestinal tract. This year's winners will be recognized on October 24 in San Diego at an awards dinner.

The scholarship program began in 2006 and has awarded more than $1 million in financial aid to 105 students nationwide who have chosen to pursue higher education despite the limitations that result from their medical condition.

Students were selected based on their personal essays, letters of recommendation and the overall strength of their applications.

Dr. Maria Dubinsky, co-chair of the program's selection committee, said the awards are intended to give Crohn's sufferers "a voice and an opportunity to achieve their dreams" and help them "be successful academically, professionally and personally."

The company also announced it will begin accepting applications for the 2010 scholarships. U.S. citizens who have been diagnosed with the disease may apply for the awards from October 21 through February 12, 2010, if they plan to pursue higher education at on-campus or online universities next year.