Rett Sibling Scholarship
Supporting siblings in the Rett syndrome community as they pursue their dreams in higher education.
Inspired by the Strength of Siblings
Families affected by Rett syndrome navigate many challenges, from medical care to logistics to financial strain. Siblings often fall in the middle, helping parents with caregiving and being a loving, supportive sibling—all while facing obstacles to their own goals.
The Rett Sibling Scholarship, sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., aims to shine a light on these often unsung heroes of the Rett community.
We are awarding 10 scholarships of $5,000 to eligible siblings of individuals living with Rett syndrome for the 2025-2026 academic school year. Applications are open to eligible siblings who meet program terms and conditions.
Process and Timeline
Applications for the Rett Sibling Scholarship are submitted online. You’ll need to provide a variety of materials such as academic transcripts and info on activities, goals, and family circumstances, as well as submit an original essay.
The process is fully administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS), Inc., a firm that specializes in managing sponsored scholarship programs. For the 2025 program, 10 recipients, selected by an independent review committee, will each be awarded $5,000.
Submission of an application is not a promise of award. Program terms and conditions apply. Acadia reserves the right to change, discontinue, or cancel this program at any time without notice.
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Key Dates
Application period opened
October 1, 2024
Final application deadline
January 30, 2025
Applications reviewed
February – March 2025
Recipients notified
April 2025
Scholarship funds issued
August 2025
How To Apply
The application period is now OPEN from October 1, 2024 to January 30, 2025. Completed applications and requisite documents must be submitted by 11:59 PM PST on January 30, 2025.
To complete the application process, follow these steps:
- Click here and click the register link to create a new account
- Once your account is created click “Add New Application”
- Enter the Program Key; Acadia then click “Apply”
- Completed all required fields, upload any required materials and click “Submit”
Scholarship FAQ Overview
Here’s a quick overview of key points; for full details on application requirements, the online submission process, full terms and conditions, and more, download the Rett Sibling Scholarship FAQ (PDF).
The scholarship is open to U.S. residents attending school in the U.S. who have or had a sibling diagnosed with Rett syndrome and who have not been previously awarded this scholarship. The applicant will be required to submit attestation of the sibling’s diagnosis, but no personal medical information will be requested/required. The diagnosed sibling does not need to be on an Acadia therapy, and treatment status is not considered at all in scholarship selection. Employees of Acadia and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.
The program is open to students pursuing all kinds of higher education. Scholarship awards can be used for accredited colleges and universities for undergraduate (both 2- and 4-year) and graduate programs, as well as trade, technical, and vocational schools. Institutions must be located in the U.S., and scholarship recipients must be in good academic standing per their schools’ guidelines.
The scholarship aims to support deserving siblings in families affected by Rett syndrome who need financial assistance to pursue educational goals. The independent review committee will consider a variety of factors in their selection, including academic performance, school and community activities, family and personal circumstances, financial need, and the applicant’s essay.
The topic of this year’s essay is “in your own, words, describe a time when you felt proud of an accomplishment that was entirely your own. What did this achievement mean to you, and how does it reflect your values and personal journey?”
No. Acadia sponsors the Rett Sibling Scholarship and funds the awards but has no involvement in review or selection. To ensure complete impartiality and maintain a high level of professionalism, the program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS), Inc., a firm that specializes in managing sponsored scholarship programs. Applications are reviewed and recipients selected by an independent review committee.
Scholarship recipients are notified in April and then have 30 days to accept (or they forfeit the award). Recipients will receive reminders of the acceptance deadline. Scholarship funds are issued as checks made out to the school and mailed directly to each award recipient; it is the recipient’s responsibility to submit the check to their school.
For more helpful information about scholarships plus answers to common inquiries related to ISTS’s technology and processes, visit our Self-Help Portal at ISTSprogramsupport.com. You may also call toll free (855) 670-ISTS (4787). ISTS offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT.
Resources
Rett Sibling Scholarship FAQ (PDF)
Rett Sibling Scholarship postcard (PDF)
Get Updates
For more helpful information about scholarships plus answers to common inquiries related to ISTS’s technology and processes, visit our Self-Help Portal at ISTSprogramsupport.com. You may also call toll free (855) 670-ISTS (4787). ISTS offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT.