Mary J. Szczepanski “Never Give Up” MS Scholarship — National Awards

About this scholarship

The Mary J. Szczepanski “Never Give Up” MS Scholarship turns student fundraising into direct support for multiple-sclerosis research and college costs. During the 2026–2027 cycle, U.S. high-school seniors and current college students collect pledges for the Accelerated Cure Project using the Foundation's official pledge sheet. A high-school applicant must raise at least $500 and a college applicant at least $750 to be considered. The eligible high-school senior and college student who raise the most nationally each receive $1,000 toward the college or university they will attend in fall 2027, along with an engraved plaque. Checks and money orders are made payable directly to Accelerated Cure Project with “Scholarship Program” in the memo; the Foundation states that all money raised supports MS research. Donations intended for 2026 tax credit should arrive by December 1, 2026, while completed pledge sheets and any remaining donations are due March 1, 2027. Selected high-school recipients must also provide a senior photo, short biography, principal reference, acceptance letter, and thank-you letters. This listing covers the two national awards, not the separate $500 awards operated at participating Grand Rapids-area schools.

Eligibility

• Be a high-school senior or current college student in the United States
• Use the Foundation's official pledge sheet to collect donations for the Accelerated Cure Project
• Raise at least $500 as a high-school senior or at least $750 as a college student to be considered
• Submit completed pledge sheets and remaining donations by March 1, 2027
• Make donation checks or money orders payable to Accelerated Cure Project and identify the Scholarship Program in the memo
• If selected as a high-school recipient, provide the requested photo, biography, principal reference, college acceptance letter, and thank-you letters