Bryon Riesch Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation

Overview
Each year we offer scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 to at least two recipients for post–high school education. Awards are available to people who have a spinal cord injury or a spinal-cord-related disability, or to the child of such an individual. All eligibility requirements below must be satisfied for an application to be considered.

Application deadline: All materials must be received by 6/12/2026.

Who is eligible
- Applicants must be either:
- An individual with a spinal cord injury or a disorder directly affecting the spinal cord, or
- The child of an individual meeting the above condition.
- Preference is given to applicants with direct spinal cord injuries or conditions that lead to paralysis, including but not limited to spinal tumors, spinal stroke, aneurysms affecting the spinal cord, and spina bifida.
- Priority is also given to residents of Wisconsin; however, candidates living elsewhere in the United States may be awarded scholarships depending on available funds.
- There are no income-based restrictions.

Academic and enrollment requirements
- Applicants must be in their final semester of high school or be currently enrolled in college.
- Eligible programs: full-time attendance at a four-year college or university, enrollment in an associate degree program, or participation in a postgraduate program.
- Minimum GPA: 2.5 (high school or college).
- The student’s tuition or educational cost must exceed the scholarship amount requested.

Application materials and content required
All of the following must be included and received by the deadline:
1. Completed application form.
2. Official transcripts (high school, college, or both, as applicable).
3. One recommendation (letter).
4. A typed, double-spaced essay of 200 words or fewer explaining why the applicant deserves the scholarship.
5. A statement listing the applicant’s five-year and ten-year goals.
6. A summary of the applicant’s work experience.

Application instructions and important notes
- Read the eligibility criteria carefully before beginning the application.
- Answer every question fully and accurately.
- Applications may be typed or handwritten clearly in black or blue ink; include all requested attachments.
- Late or incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
- Scholarship recipients will be notified via email.

Questions about the process or required documents should be directed to the contact listed on the application.