Congratulations to Jacqueline Saunders and Mattie Newman, both 2014 L.I.F.E Scholarship winners. These extraordinary women have successfully completed the ‘Bronze’ stage of the Renew Your Scholarship program and have secured Scholarship funds for the 2015-2016 school year! In order to complete the ‘Bronze’ stage, both Jacqueline and Mattie raised $500 for their renewed scholarship plus an additional $100 to help the Foundation award a L.I.F.E Scholarship to a new applicant.

The winners used their networks, including family and friends, to raise funds. According to Mattie, “When [my family] found out that buying raffle tickets could help me with a scholarship, they all tried to help as much as they could. A couple of my friends asked their parents and [the funds] came with unexpected generosity”.

Jacqueline took a slightly different approach. She found a sponsor to donate the minimum value of a scholarship ($500). By raising an additional $100 through other means, the Renew Your Scholarship program allowed Jacqueline to keep 100% of sponsored amount, completing the Bronze level.

Both Mattie and Jacqueline also used hand-written letters and took advantage of email and social media outlets, such as Facebook, which contributed to their success.

"This has been an effort to help the non-profit grow as well as get my scholarship renewed.” -Mattie Newman

"The L.I.F.E. Scholarship has made a positive impact on my education. I appreciate this scholarship very much, and I am thankful for this organization. Being awarded a scholarship from L.I.F.E. has further motivated me to give back to others with lupus. The way this scholarship is set up helps other students receive scholarships, as well. It has helped me, it has helped other students with lupus, and it has brought a little more awareness to a disease that does not get the recognition it deserves." -Jacqueline Saunders

If you are a previous winner who would like to take part in the 2015 Degree Completion Program email life4lupuscholarship@gmail.com. Or click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.