For over thirty years, UCB has worked to improve the lives of people living with epilepsy and rare syndromes, as well as their family members and caregivers. Our commitment to this community goes beyond delivering therapeutic solutions or developing treatments for those who need them. We strive to assist these individuals through every step of the care journey, from diagnosis to treatment and support. Our work extends to empowering them through advocacy, access and affordability programs, education, advances in technology, and community support.

Our leadership in community support is marked this year with the 20th anniversary of the UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship, an educational scholarship to help ease the costs associated with higher education, such as tuition, fees, room and board, and other additional costs. This year, UCB awarded 33 UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarships, including one $10,000 Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship, two $10,000 Epilepsy Leader Scholarships, and thirty $5,000 scholarships to support the academic goals and aspirations of those living with or impacted by epilepsy. UCB is committed to breaking down the barriers to better care for people living with epilepsy. Since the scholarship’s inception in 2004, UCB has awarded 650 scholarships and over three million dollars to deserving recipients through our annual UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship.

“It's such an honor to receive this scholarship and it's definitely such an encouragement in what I'm doing currently and what I plan to do in the future,” said Mariah M., this year’s recipient of the Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship. “I think that we're on the forefront of so many amazing neurological discoveries and breakthrough treatments. I think it's going to be the next big thing. I know cancer research has been really big for a long time, but I think neurological research is going to take over and I'm really excited and optimistic to be coming into the field during such an exciting time.”

This program is open to people living with epilepsy or a rare epilepsy syndrome and their family members and caregivers who exemplify personal and academic excellence and are committed to supporting their local communities. By actively pursuing collaborations with strategic partners, we can achieve our mission to provide long-term value and aid to people living with epilepsy. Each applicant shares their personal experiences, community achievements, and academic goals as part of their application. A distinguished panel of patient advocates and medical professionals specializing in neurology select the scholarship winners.

Lauryn S., recipient of one the $5,000 scholarships, stated, "It means a lot to win this scholarship; I've struggled with epilepsy for a while. This helps me tell my story for people like me growing up with epilepsy. It's a big accomplishment that people with epilepsy can go to college and start a career."  


 2024 UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship Winners*

• Mariah M., Fort Worth, Texas – Joe D’Souza Memorial Scholarship
• Julia I., Altadena, California – Epilepsy Leader Scholarship
• Grant A., Stuart, Florida
• Sydney B., Louisville, Kentucky
• Grace B.
• Caeleigh B., Norwood, Massachusetts
• Elaina B., Hoover, Alabama
• Lindsay C., Rancho Santa Fe, California
• Makayla C., Tempe, Arizona
• Jennifer D., Rancho Cordova, California
• BeRana D.
• Aliyah F., Evergreen, Colorado
• Anna F., Zionsville, Indiana
•  Kalima G., Anchorage, Alaska
•  Ashton H., Littleton, Colorado
• H’Lyia K., Glenn Heights, Texas
• Grace K., Holmdel, New Jersey
• Annabelle L.
• Marshall M. Blachly, Oregon
•  Suna M., Chapel Hill, North Carolina
• Jami P., Bay City, Michigan
• Nathan P., Sterling, Kansas
• Sofia Q., Miami, Florida
• Lauryn S., Pine Island, Minnesota
• Finbar S., Park Ridge, Illinois
• Carol T., Gardendale, Alabama
• Hope Ann W., Bend, Oregon
• Samantha W.

Congratulations to this year’s winners. UCB wishes the 2024 scholarship recipients success as they continue their education in the fall of 2024. Learn more about the 2025 UCB Family Epilepsy Scholarship ProgramTM here.

*Note: Winners' names are included with their permission. Some winners opted not to have their names included in this announcement.

©2024 UCB, Inc., Smyrna, GA 30080. All rights reserved. US-DA-2400702