ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
Thanks to Jerry and Kathy Casado, the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California will award one scholarship of $1,000 to an individual living with epilepsy who is pursuing educational advancement. Eligible paths include, but are not limited to, pursuing a GED, trade or technical education, or a degree at the college or graduate level.
One individual who demonstrates how epilepsy has impacted their life and motivated them to better their lives through education will receive one scholarship of $1,000 honoring the late Jessica Alice Casado. This scholarship was created in memory of Jessica, an elementary school teacher who passed away at the age of 30 on December 3, 2022. The purpose of the award is to pass Jessica’s light on to others with epilepsy to fulfill their dreams through education.
The recipients of the Jessica Alice Casado Scholarship will demonstrate academic and personal growth and will also exemplify some of the qualities that Jessica was best known for, including connecting with others, serving people in need, and an interest in positively contributing to the epilepsy community.
Applications for the scholarship for the 2026-2027 school year are due on Monday, June 15, 2026. On Monday, August 3, 2026 a winner will be selected and funds will be distributed to the institution, which may apply the funds for the fall or spring semester.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply, you must certify that you are:
1
A legal resident of Northern California in the United States. Please see eligible list of counties here: https://epilepsynorcal.org/mission-territory
2
Diagnosed with epilepsy by a physician.
3
Seeking a GED, associate’s, undergraduate, or graduate degree or enrolled in a trade school educational program.
4
Graduating from high school in 2026 or have already graduated from high school (unless you are seeking a GED).
5
Enrolled in, or awaiting acceptance from, a United States–based center for higher learning for the fall semester 2026.
6
Not a previous recipient of the Jessica Alice Casado Scholarship.
7
Not an employee of the Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California or an immediate family member of an Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California employee.
8
A student who demonstrates academic and personal achievement, possesses a strong record of participation in activities outside of school, and serves as a positive role model for others.
Fill out the scholarship form to submit your supporting documents and information
Supporting Documents
To apply, please submit a completed application and all required supporting documents listed below by no later than Monday, June 15, 2026.
☐ One-page single-spaced essay written by the applicant explaining their journey with epilepsy and how it has impacted their educational journey and career goals. Be sure to include any community service, advocacy
activities, and how you have impacted people within your community or plans to do so in the future.
☐ 2 letters of recommendation written by a school official, community member, or healthcare team member.
☐ Medical history form or letter from the applicant’s medical team verifying the applicant has been diagnosed with epilepsy.
☐ A copy of the applicant’s most recent academic transcript.
Scholarship Panel Judges
A panel of 7 epileptologists, industry professionals and patient advocates across Northern California will select the scholarship recipients. The judges include:
Dr. Shubhi Agrawal (UC Davis)
Dr. Kurtis Auguste (UCSF & EFNC Board)
Hanyi Chrisman (EFNC Board)
Elizabeth McKay (Neurelis)
Mark Sommer (SK Life Science)
Stephanie Suarez (EFNC Support Group Facilitator)
Natalia Sucher (EFNC Executive Director)
DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS
After each winner’s educational enrollment has been verified for the 2026-2027 school year or semester, the scholarship check will be made payable to and mailed directly to the institution in August 2026, which will distribute it to the fall or spring semester depending on their rules and your direction.
Where do I send transcripts, recommendation letters, and other components of my application?
Fill out the form here:
Or download and fill out the form by hand and mail to:
Epilepsy Foundation of Northern California
601 Van Ness Ave
Suite E 104
San Francisco, CA 94102
For any questions about the scholarship, please email Natalia Sucher at natalia@epilepsynorcal.org