How to apply for the Lilly Reintegration Scholarship

Being awarded the Lilly Reintegration Scholarship can be the key to a great future.

If you've been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, you may not be aware that this actually makes you eligible for certain scholarships, one of which is the Lilly Reintegration Scholarship. This scholarship has been giving money to people diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other similar disorders for 14 years. Winners are selected by a panel of psychiatric professionals. The application for this scholarship is due every year in January, and if you're interested in being considered, there are just a few simple steps required to apply.

Things You'll Need

• Computer access
• Printer paper
• Pen
• Psychiatrist
• Two references
• Official transcripts
• List of education costs

Instructions

1. Review the current requirements to see if you're eligible for this scholarship. Use a computer to go to the scholarship website. Typically, you'll be required to be under psychiatric treatment, be diagnosed with a serious mental disorder like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, and be involved in extracurricular activities. If you don't meet these requirements, begin working on meeting them so you can apply in the future.

2. Print the application. Fill it out carefully, being sure to answer every question correctly and clearly. If you don't have the best handwriting, it's a good idea to have someone fill it out for you so you can be sure your application is legible.

3. Give the attached reference form to your psychiatrist, who should be more than willing to provide you with a reference. Explain what the scholarship is and why you need a reference. Provide a pre-stamped envelope that's addressed to the same place you're sending your scholarship application so it's convenient for the psychiatrist to mail in his reference.

4. Give your recommendation form to two other references. Make sure these people will be able to give you a strong recommendation. Provide both references with pre-stamped envelopes addressed to the same place you're sending the rest of your scholarship application.

5. Secure your transcripts denoting your education history and prepare a list of costs you'll incur to continue your education. For the latter, take into account everything from tuition and fees to the cost of books.

6. Send your official transcripts, application and list of education costs to the address provided on the reintegration website by the deadline.

Tips & Warnings

• Applications are judged by academic success, references, the quality of your essay, your career goals, involvement in rehabilitation such as work or school, your success with treatment, and volunteer experience. This is not a time to be modest; sell yourself to the best of your ability to make sure you stand out from other scholarship applicants.

References

• The Center for Reintegration