Academic Scholarships

Realizing that transplantation poses financial hardships on the entire family, the Georgia Transplant Foundation annual awards seven academic scholarships to selected students who are transplant recipients, dependents of a transplant recipient, living donors, or the sibling of a transplant recipient under the age of 22. The scholarships are awarded to students who are presently enrolled in an accredited institution or beginning such a program.

Scholarships will be awarded for tuition, fees, and books and may include room and board costs. Scholarships are in the amount of $1,000 and are renewable for a period up to four years depending on educational program requirements and continuing to meet grade requirements.

The Thomas F. Smith Scholarship is awarded to a transplant recipient in honor of, Thomas F. Smith. Mr. Smith, a kidney recipient, founded the Georgia Transplant Foundation in 1992.

The Dunkerley Family Scholarship is awarded to a dependent of a recipient in honor of the Dunkerley family. Founders Dick and Pat Dunkerley and their family are avid volunteers and have been instrumental in developing the programs of the Georgia Transplant Foundation.

The Theresa Lackey Living Donor Scholarship is awarded to a living donor. This scholarship was endowed by the Lumpkin family in honor of kidney recipient Karen Lumpkin Sortor’s living donor Theresa.

The Meg Jeffrey Memorial Scholarship is be awarded to a transplant recipient in memory of long-time GTF volunteer, friend, and supporter Meg Jeffrey and her passion for helping young transplant recipients “redesign the dream” and pursue their goals in life following a transplant.

The Sibling Scholarship is awarded to the sibling of a transplanted child 22 years old or younger.

Georgia Chapter of the International Transplant Nurses Society Scholarship is a one year scholarship to support an applicant, in the above categories, who is interested in pursuing a degree in healthcare. This scholarship is sponsored by Georgia Chapter ITNS.

The Mallory Smith Legacy Scholarship is awarded to a transplant recipient or a dependent. This scholarship was endowed by the Smith family in memory of Mallory Smith, a two time liver recipient, cheerleader and mentor.

Thanks to funding from these generous partners: Donors of the Meg Jeffrey Memorial Fund; Emory Healthcare physicians and staff; Georgia Chapter of the International Transplant Nurses Society; Mike & Lisa Smith; Susan Lumpkin; and The Abraham J. & Phyllis Katz Foundation.

Eligibility Guidelines:

Any of the following qualified individuals who are pursuing a post high school educational program at an accredited college, university, or technical school are eligible to apply. The applicant must be a resident of Georgia and accepted or enrolled in an accredited college, university, vocational technical or professional degree program.

Scholarships are available to applicants who meet one of the following categories, depending on which scholarship is applied for:

Transplant recipient.
Dependent of a transplant recipient.
Parent of a transplant recipient.
Living Donor.
Sibling of a transplant recipient (both the sibling and the recipient must be 22 years of age or younger)

Applicants for the scholarship must submit all of the following:

Completed application form
A copy of the most recent Federal Income Tax Return for the entire household (proof of income)
Official transcripts or grade reports from the most current institutions attended, including high school, GED, technical school, or college; if you are presently a high school senior, transcripts from grades 9-12; if you are presently enrolled in an educational institution, transcripts for all course work; or if none of the above apply, the most recent transcript from the last school attended
High School exit exam scores
A copy of either the ACT or SAT scores (entrance test)
Three letters of reference from previous teachers, employers, or counselors
A neatly written personal statement of no more than two pages describing career objectives, how this school will help you attain your goals, and any other pertinent information that may affect your application
A copy of the acceptance letter or most recent registration card/class schedule from the program you will be attending
Complete information should be submitted by June 1