The Woody and Louise Reed “Bridge to Life” Scholarship program provides support to burn survivors and immediate family members of burn survivors who seek financial support to continue their education or receive technical training. Through the Woody and Louise Reed “Bridge to Life” Scholarship, the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation and Reed family support burn survivors and immediate family members of burn survivors to reach their highest potential through continued education beyond high school.

For more information on how to apply for the Scholarship or to clarify anything, please contact us at 1-800-242-BURN (2476) or visit www.aarbf.org.

ELIGIBILITY
Qualifying applicants must be a burn survivor or the immediate family member of a burn survivor; had his/her life and livelihood impacted by a burn injury and meet each of the following requirements:

1. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment in one of the following accredited institutions:

• Two-year college (Junior College)
• Four-year college (University)
• Post-graduate program (Master’s or PhD)
• Trade/Vocational School

2. Current GPA of 2.5 or greater (on a 4.0 scale)

3. Burn Survivor Applicants must have an established rapport with the burn community through attendance or volunteering at an AARBF or other burn community event.

4. Immediate Family Members of Burn Survivor Applicants are defined as a spouse, domestic partner, cohabitant, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, mother-in-law, father-in- law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandparent, great grandparent, sibling, half-sibling, stepsibling, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, or first cousin. Immediate Family Members of Burn Survivor Applicants must have an established rapport with the burn community through meeting at least two of the following criteria:

• Have supported the survivor through his or her recovery as described in the personal essay.
• Applicants who have attended multiple events or have served in a leadership role will be scored more favorably.
• Provide a referral from a burn foundation or burn unit for leadership and volunteerism within their programs.

5. Submit a complete application packet that includes:

• Completed application
• Copy of FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form, or most recent income tax returns, if a FAFSA form is not available
• Personal Essay describing the impact of the burn injury on the life of the applicant and its effect on the applicant’s educational goals (12 pt font, double spaced, 1-inch margin, 500 words maximum)
• Two current letters of recommendation (dated within 6 months of application date)
• Official high school and College transcripts (as applicable)

Selection Process
1. Scholarships of up to $2,000 each are awarded each year .

2. Scholarship applications and materials must be postmarked no later than June 30, 2023 in order to be eligible for the 2023-2024 school year.

3. The Scholarship Review Committee will evaluate applications based on eligibility, need and overall educational achievement.
• Awards will be announced in Autumn of 2023.
• Notifications will be sent to all applicants regardless if Scholarship was awarded.

4. Applicants may apply for the Scholarship each year. Previous receipt of a Scholarship does not guarantee nor preclude an applicant from future awards.

Financial Disbursement

1. Each disbursement will be 50% of the total Scholarship award amount to be used over the applicable academic year. Total award amounts must be distributed by September 30, 2024. Any unused or unclaimed funds will be forfeited.

Disbursements will be determined by:
• Quarterly/and or semester sessions;
• Proof of continued enrollment; and
• Proof of a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

2. The disbursement may be used only for the following purposes:
• Tuition and registration fees, and/or
• School supplies (required textbooks, required class materials, and classroom fees).

3. Disbursements will only be sent directly to:
• Financial Aid Office of the educational institution;
• Educational institution (or approved) bookstore; or
• With prior authorization only, to the individual on a reimbursement basis (receipts MUST be provided by the recipient).

If any of the above criteria are not met at any time, the Scholarship may be revoked.