Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Project Sleep
Project Sleep will award its 13th annual Jack & Julie Narcolepsy Scholarship in 2026, providing thirty $1,000 scholarships to students entering college who have narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia. Thanks to funding from the Hypersomnia Foundation, five of the awards are reserved specifically for students with idiopathic hypersomnia.
Who should apply
- High school seniors (or recent high school graduates) diagnosed with narcolepsy or idiopathic hypersomnia who will begin their first semester at a four‑year college or university in the United States in Fall 2026 are invited to apply.
- Confirmation of diagnosis by a medical professional is required.
Key dates
- Applications open each year in January.
- Submission deadline: April 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
- Applicants will be notified of awards by June 30, 2026.
- Scholarship funds will be distributed by July 31, 2026.
- Note: Project Sleep does not offer deadline extensions in order to maintain fairness.
Application materials (complete submissions only)
Your application must include all of the following to be considered:
1. One personal essay (500–1,000 words). Prompt: Imagine you could travel back to the day you received your diagnosis. What would you tell your younger self? Offer advice, encouragement, or perspective in the form of a letter to yourself on that diagnosis day.
2. A list of extracurricular activities—this can include clubs/organizations, paid work, volunteer experience, honors, and any leadership or officer positions.
3. An official or unofficial transcript showing grades through the most recent completed semester.
4. A signed Diagnosis Confirmation Form completed by an accredited sleep specialist or neurologist.
5. A professional-style headshot or portrait photo.
Applications will not be reviewed until all required items are received.
Post-award obligations
If selected, recipients must complete a brief “college update” survey during the Fall semester and submit a photo of themselves on campus.
About narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a serious neurological condition that disrupts the sleep–wake cycle. It affects roughly 1 in 2,000 people worldwide, including many children and young adults. Because awareness among clinicians and the public is limited, narcolepsy often goes unrecognized or misunderstood; the average time from symptom onset to proper diagnosis and treatment is about 8 to 15 years.
About idiopathic hypersomnia
Idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by an overwhelming need to sleep that is not relieved by a full night’s rest. People with IH may sleep normal or long durations overnight yet continue to experience excessive daytime sleepiness, often taking lengthy naps that do not restore alertness. For more information about IH, consult resources from the Hypersomnia Foundation.
For full scholarship details, application instructions, and to sign up for Project Sleep updates, please refer to Project Sleep’s scholarship information and FAQ pages.