The Vertex Foundation Scholarship
A scholarship for students affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) and their immediate family members or caregivers.
The Vertex Foundation Scholarship
The Vertex Foundation Scholarship helps people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their immediate families (spouses, siblings, caregivers and children) pursue two-year, three-year, four-year or graduate degrees by offsetting some of the cost of attending college or graduate school.
The program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor, and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team.
Lignes directrices en français
Guide des questions pour la candidature
Questions Fréquemment Posées
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
Applicants to the Vertex Foundation Scholarship Program must:
- Be a United States or Canadian citizen or a foreign national lawfully admitted to the United States or Canada for permanent residence
- Be high school seniors/students in their final year of upper or higher secondary school, high school/upper or higher secondary school graduates, current technical or college/university undergraduate, and graduate level students in good academic standing
- Be diagnosed with cystic fibrosis
OR
- Be an immediate* family member of an individual who has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis
*Immediate family member are defined as siblings, caregivers, children or spouses. - Plan to enroll in part-time or full-time undergraduate or graduate study at an accredited two, three- or four-year college or university, CEGEP institution (or equivalent) in the United States or Canada for the entire upcoming academic year
- Consent to disclose any information you provide with Scholarship America, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, the Vertex Foundation, and the academic institution
Awards
If selected as a recipient, the student will receive a $5,000 award. The award payments will be issued in United States dollars (USD) or Canadian dollars (CAD).
Awards are not renewable, but students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.
Awards are for undergraduate and graduate study only.
Selection of Recipients
Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:
- Academic record
- Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities
- Work experience
- Two essays*
- An online recommendation
Financial need is not considered.
*Statements must be written by the applicant and not AI software.
Essay #1: Please describe your educational and career goals and explain how achieving these goals will enable you to address a particular challenge or need within the CF community or society at large. In your response, include how you will define success in reaching these goals and how education will help you develop the necessary skills to make a meaningful impact on the issue you are passionate about.
Essay #2: Living with cystic fibrosis or supporting a family member with cystic fibrosis comes with unique and ongoing challenges that require strength, resilience, and determination. In your experience, what sources of inspiration have helped you overcome the physical, emotional and social challenges of living with CF or being impacted by CF? How has this inspiration shaped your personal goals, academic pursuits, and future aspirations? Please share how these experiences have motivated you to apply for this scholarship and continue striving toward your goals.
Selection of finalists is made by Scholarship America. In no instance does any officer or employee of Vertex Foundation play a part in the selection. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.
Notification
All applicants will be notified in April.
Payment of Scholarships
Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of the Vertex Foundation. Payment is made in August.
Requirements
As part of your application, you must upload the following:
- A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Transcripts must display:
- Student name
- School name
- Grades
- Credit hours for each course and term in which each course was taken.
One online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf no later than April 14, 2026 at 3:00p.m. Central Time.
