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Susan Skinner Memorial Fund Scholarship

Susan Skinner Memorial Fund Scholarship logo

The Susan Skinner Memorial Fund Scholarship (SSMF) provides a unique opportunity for recipients to network and develop skills that can be used to empower themselves and others to advocate for the improved care of women with bleeding disorders in their communities and worldwide.

The mission of the SSMF scholarship program is to cultivate leadership and promote the engagement of women of all ages in the global bleeding disorders community through education, training, and networking.

SSMF scholarship program recipients are offered the opportunity to attend major WFH events.

Questions? Please contact us at ssmf@wfh.org.

WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP COVER?

The 2022 SSMF recipients smile, holding their certificates
The Susan Skinner Memorial Fund endowment supports the training and education of women with bleeding disorders. Scholarships are awarded every two years to US and international recipients and cover their participation in the WFH World Congress and other related events.
  • Return economy class round trip airfare
  • Ground transportation on arrival from airport to the hotel and also on departure from the hotel to the airport
  • Daily shuttle service to/from the hotel and convention centre, if required
  • Visa fees (if applicable)
  • Hotel accommodation in double occupancy
  • Breakfast: included in hotel
  • Lunch: either at the hotel or convention centre
  • Dinner: either provided as part of event or in a per diem basis
  • Global NMO Training and WFH World Congress registration fee
  • A treatment room (medical personnel and treatment will be available on-site)
  • Transportation between your home and the airport (departure and arrival)
  • Medical and travel insurance (it is mandatory that you obtain both of these)
  • Hotel room incidentals (for example, internet access, telephone calls, laundry, room service, mini bar or pay-per-view movies)
  • Costs associated with early arrivals or late departures unless otherwise approved by WFH

CRITERIA

  1. Be an individual with a bleeding disorder who consistently lives and identifies as women and/or be a carrier
  2. Be between 18 and 60 years old
  3. Be an active volunteer or a staff member as a WFH NMO or a chapter as a WFH NMO who also is involved in the community beyond their capacity as part of the NMO or the chapter of the NMO
  4. Be committed to continue supporting the work of a WFH NMO or a chapter of a WFH NMO
  5. Be committed to working with others to support the development of women in leadership positions within the bleeding disorders community
  6. Demonstrate a minimum intermediate level of English fluency (interviews will be conducted)
  7. Be an individual who has not been a past recipient of the SSMF Scholarship
  8. If chosen as a recipient of the SSMF, be willing to accept the terms of the scholarship (terms and conditions to follow)
  9. Be able to follow a conference virtually (internet connectivity, access, ability to troubleshoot or find support locally, etc.)
  10. Be able to undertake international travel (valid passport, ability to apply for a visa)
The next application cycle starts in the summer of 2025.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AND RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

NMO/Chapter letter of recommendation

NMO/Chapters should answer all questions below:

  1. How long has the applicant been active in your organization?
  2. What positions has the applicant held during the above-mentioned time period?
  3. Describe the applicant’s current involvement in your organization
  4. Please explain how you will support the applicant’s involvement and development in your NMO/Chapter after they return from Congress
  5. Final statement: As (Name of NMO/Chapter) we commit to support the ongoing involvement and development of (Applicant’s name) following the completion of the SSMF Scholarship Program
  6. Sign and date the statement

PERSONAL LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

A personal letter of recommendation is required from a mentor or somebody who has had an influence in your life: work supervisor/volunteering supervisor/a teacher/etc. The individual providing this recommendation should include their name, email address and telephone number. The relationship type should also be clearly stated in the letter.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  1. All the information provided to the WFH is real and accurate and can be proved. If information provided is proven to be false or altered, the WFH reserves the right to revoke the scholarship
  2. Potential scholarship recipients must agree to participate in a virtual interview in English with members of the selection committee as part of the selection process
  3. The scholarship has typically been an in-person experience, however, in the event of extreme circumstances (natural disaster, health pandemic, political instability, safety concerns, etc.), the WFH reserves the right to cancel the scholarship and/or offer an alternative experience either in-person or virtually
  4. All travelling documents (passports), visas, vaccines, and insurances for travelling nationally and internationally are a responsibility of the scholarship recipient (process completion and costs)
  5. In the event of a virtual experience, all connectivity devices and services are a responsibility of the scholarship recipient. The WFH could provide assistance on a case-by-case basis, if required.
  6. Scholars must participate in all sessions, events and activities planned
  7. Scholarship recipients must agree on documenting their experience (in person or virtual) to be able to provide a post scholarship report, including photos and videos
  8. An online survey post-scholarship must be completed by all scholarship recipients
  9. Scholarship recipients are expected to serve as mentors to future cohorts at least once, providing future scholarship recipients with tips and support in preparation for their experience. Additionally, they must be willing to help promote and support the program when possible.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  1. All the information provided to the WFH is real and accurate and can be proved. If information provided is proven to be false or altered, the WFH reserves the right to revoke the scholarship
  2. Potential scholarship recipients must agree to participate in a virtual interview with members of the selection committee as part of the selection process
  3. The scholarship has typically been an in-person experience, however, in the event of extreme circumstances (natural disaster, health pandemic, political instability, safety concerns, etc.), the WFH reserves the right to cancel the scholarship and/or offer an alternative experience either in-person or virtually
  4. All travelling documents (passports), visas, vaccines, and insurances for travelling nationally and internationally are a responsibility of the scholarship recipient (process completion and costs)
  5. In the event of a virtual experience, all connectivity devices and services are a responsibility of the scholarship recipient. The WFH could provide assistance on a case-by-case basis, if required.
  6. Scholars must participate in all sessions, events and activities planned
  7. Scholarship recipients must agree on documenting their experience (in person or virtual) to be able to provide a post scholarship report, including photos and videos
  8. An online survey post-scholarship must be completed by all scholarship recipients
  9. Scholarship recipients are expected to serve as mentors to future cohorts at least once, providing future scholarship recipients with tips and support in preparation for their experience. Additionally, they must be willing to help promote and support the program when possible.

ABOUT SUSAN SKINNER

A scan of a film photo of Susan Skinner, she looks down at a small baby on her lap

The fund commemorates the late Susan Skinner, an American woman determined to ensure the availability of safe and effective treatment for her two sons. The WFH USA is deeply grateful to the late Thomas Skinner, who created the fund, their son Mark Skinner, family members and friends, as well as organizations in the bleeding disorder community who continue to support the fund.

Support the Susan Skinner Memorial Fund Scholarship by donating today.