Bryon Riesch Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation
Intro
Each year, at least two scholarships of $1,000 to $4,000 will be awarded to support post–high school education. Eligible recipients are persons with spinal cord injuries or spinal cord–related disabilities, or the child of such a person. Awards are made annually.
Deadline
All application materials must be received by 6/12/2026.
Who may apply (mandatory requirements)
All of the following conditions must be satisfied for an application to be considered:
- Applicant is a person with a spinal cord injury or a disorder that directly affects the spinal cord, or is the child of such a person. Priority will be given to applicants with direct spinal cord injuries or conditions that result in paralysis (for example: spinal tumors, spinal strokes, spinal cord–affecting aneurysms, spina bifida).
- Applicant is in the final semester of high school or is currently enrolled in college.
- Applicant is planning to attend one of the following: a four‑year college/university, an associate degree program, or a postgraduate program.
- High school or college cumulative GPA is 2.5 or higher.
- The applicant’s tuition cost must be greater than the scholarship amount awarded.
- There are no income limitations for applicants.
Required application materials
- A typed, double‑spaced essay of 200 words or fewer explaining why the applicant merits the scholarship.
- A summary of the applicant’s work history.
- A statement of the applicant’s 5‑year and 10‑year goals.
Selection and geographic priority
Scholarships are awarded to support post‑secondary education for individuals with spinal cord injuries/disorders or their children. Preference is given to applicants residing in Wisconsin; however, awards may also be made to eligible applicants living elsewhere in the United States, depending on available funds.
Notes
- Awards are distributed once per year.
- Multiple recipients (two or more) will be chosen annually.