Michael Zapoticzny Memorial Scholarship

The Michael Zapoticzny Memorial Scholarship, established in 2002, is named for 18-year-old Michael Zapoticzny, who passed away in 2001, from epilepsy during his freshman year at Rutgers University in New Jersey. His parents Steve and Sue Zapoticzny award up to $6,000 annually to one college undergraduate in Michael's honor. The scholarship provides financial assistance to students from San Diego, Imperial, and southern Riverside counties, California who either have epilepsy or are conducting research related to that disease. Students who demonstrate financial need are welcome to apply. Application deadline extended to June 20, 2026! Scholarship applicants must reside in or be permanent residents of San Diego County, Imperial County, or Southern Riverside County. Students from these areas may attend school elsewhere, and out-of-state students currently enrolled in a San Diego school are also eligible. Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria: (1) Students currently being treated for epilepsy who are currently enrolled or will be enrolled in a college, university or trade school in the fall of 2026, who can provide a letter from their doctor verifying treatment, who show satisfactory academic performance, and who demonstrate financial need; OR (2) Full-time college or university students involved in epilepsy research projects in the fields of health or social science, who provide a letter from their professor documenting project details, who have a GPA of at least 3.0 for all work completed, and who demonstrate financial need. The following documents must be included in the application package: Completed scholarship application; Community Service and Volunteer Experience/Academic Achievements Statement; Statement of Eligibility; Statement of Financial Need; Current Transcript (official or unofficial) verifying enrollment and GPA; Letter from your doctor stating you are currently being treated for epilepsy OR letter from your professor stating you are currently working on an epilepsy research project; and Two Letters of Recommendation. For more information, contact Sarah Waters, Programs & Client Services Manager at sarah@epilepsysandiego.org.