Each year the Brain Injury Association of Missouri, Inc. grants two or more $500 educational scholarships. The scholarships, named in honor of Jim and Lori Winter, are awarded to assist individuals who have sustained a brain injury with post-secondary education or training costs.  Funds may be used for courses at a community college, university or vocational/technical training program and are paid directly to the educational program of the recipient's choice.

Lori Winter joined the organization in 1996. With her husband, Jim, volunteer extraordinaire, they worked side by side to rebuild the state organization until her retirement in April 2003. 

Selection Process

The Scholarship Committee reviews all applications.  From these applications the committee then submits information about the top five nominees to the full board two weeks prior to the December Board Meeting.  The board selects a minimum of two scholarship recipients.

More than two scholarships may be granted if funding is available. Efforts will be made to ensure that at least one of the scholarships is granted to a student who has recently or is about to graduate from high school.

Application Process    

Applications for the scholarships can be obtained by contacting the BIA office, 10270 Page Avenue, Suite 100, St. Louis, MO, 63132 or by calling 1-800.444.6443.  You may also download an application.

Applications for the next academic year must be submitted by December 1st. 

Qualifications

To qualify for a BIA Scholarship, the applicant must: 

• Be a resident of Missouri
• Complete an application
• Submit a 500 – 1000 word personal essay that includes:

o  Statement about his/her brain injury and the affect it has had on his/her life,

o  Description of goals,

o  Explanation of how the scholarship will assist in achieving goals, and

o  Description of current financial needs and other resources that will be used to meet the costs of the selected educational program. 

• Provide two letters of reference from an individual familiar with applicant’s abilities and educational/training goals, such as a teacher, rehabilitation therapist, counselor, or employer
• Provide verification that he/she is accepted to participate in educational/training program of choice

 Notification of Scholarships Awards

The Scholarship Committee will mail notices of award decisions within two weeks of the selection by the BIA Board.  All applicants, both selected and denied, will receive notification.