Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship
Presented by the Kawasaki Disease Foundation
Program Information
The Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki Memorial Scholarship was created to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki, who made significant contributions to the field of pediatric medicine, particularly in his research of Kawasaki Disease, which was named after him. This scholarship is meant to encourage and support students who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in a college or institution of higher learning in the United States. To qualify, students must demonstrate qualities of excellence, compassion, and dedication that were exemplified by Dr. Kawasaki.
The Scholarship serves as a tribute to Dr. Kawasaki’s remarkable contributions to medicine and his unwavering dedication to the care of children. These scholarships are designed to honor Dr. Kawasaki’s memory and continue his profound impact on future generations, as he remains a source of inspiration and motivation for aspiring medical professionals.
The Kawasaki Disease Foundation (KDF) is dedicated to addressing issues related to Kawasaki Disease. The Scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance and recognition to exceptional students affected by Kawasaki Disease. The scholarship seeks to empower individuals who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership potential, and a genuine commitment to their educational pursuits.
One (1) scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior who has been accepted into a United States college or institution of higher learning and is planning to major in or enroll in classes related to the health and/or bio/medical sciences (i.e., biology, chemistry or in medical related/medical research field). The selected recipient must demonstrate leadership, academic success, and have a connection to Kawasaki Disease. The recipient will receive a one-time ($5,000) scholarship. There is one (1) $5,000 scholarship available.
AND
One (1) scholarship will be awarded to a student currently enrolled in a United States college or institution of higher learning and majoring in one of the health and/or bio/medical sciences (i.e., biology, chemistry or in medical related/medical research field). The selected recipient must demonstrate leadership, academic success, and have a connection to Kawasaki Disease. The recipient will receive a one-time ($10,000) scholarship. There is one (1) $10,000 scholarship available.
About Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki
Dr. Tomisaku Kawasaki was a prominent and respected Japanese pediatrician who dedicated his career to researching and treating childhood illnesses. Born in Tokyo, Japan in 1925, he went on to become a leading figure in pediatric medicine, earning admiration and recognition for his pioneering work in the diagnosis and treatment of Kawasaki Disease (KD).
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Dr. Kawasaki encountered a series of cases involving children with high fever, rash, and inflammation of blood vessels. He meticulously documented and studied these cases, ultimately identifying a specific pattern and establishing KD as a distinct clinical entity.
Dr. Kawasaki’s groundbreaking work has had a profound impact on the global medical community, ensuring early recognition and effective management of this condition, and improving outcomes for countless affected children. Sadly, Dr. Kawasaki passed away in June of 2020 at the age of 95. Nonetheless, his dedication to discovering the cause and treatment for KD continues to inspire many to follow in his footsteps and continue his mission.
Dr. Kawasaki’s contributions will always be remembered and appreciated by the medical community. His legacy serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with serious illnesses.
Information and Eligibility Requirements
Scholarship Guidelines
All students applying must submit an essay (1,000-1,500 words) speaking on their connection to Kawasaki Disease, and their college plans (if a high school student) or future plans in the health and/or bio/medical sciences (i.e., biology, chemistry or in medical related/medical research field) (if currently enrolled in college). All essays will be submitted online via the Kawasaki Disease Foundation form below. Recipients of each scholarship agree to having their photograph and possibly portions of their essays used on the Kawasaki Disease Foundation website and/or social media outlets for marketing purposes.
Eligibility Requirements for Graduating High School Students
Scholarship applicants must meet the following requirements:
Eligible student statuses during the 2024-2025 Academic Year only:
- Currently enrolled as a high school senior.
- A minimum high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Accepted into a United States college or institution of higher learning and planning to major in or enroll in classes related to the health and/or bio/medical sciences (i.e., biology, chemistry, or in medical related/medical research field).
- Demonstrated continued efforts in community service/volunteer hours (examples must be provided of these efforts within the essay).
- Connection to Kawasaki Disease (i.e., either had KD themselves or are the family member of a KD Kid).
- Only U.S. citizens and permanent U.S. residents are eligible.
- Students must be in good standing at their current (or most recent) institution at the time of application.
- Students must submit a completed application by the deadline.
*NOTE: The recipient of the high school-level Scholarship will be ineligible to apply for or receive the college-level Scholarship in the future.
Eligibility Requirements for Current College Students
Scholarship applicants must meet the following requirements:
Eligible student statuses during the 2024-2025 Academic Year only:
- Currently enrolled in a college program in health and/or bio/medical sciences (i.e., biology, chemistry or in medical related/medical research field).
- A minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Demonstrated continued efforts in community service activity/volunteer hours (must provide examples of these efforts).
- Connection to Kawasaki Disease (i.e., either had KD themselves, are the family member of a KD Kid, or communicate significant reasoning behind their inspiration within Kawasaki Disease research).
- Student must not be a previous recipient of the Scholarship.
- Only U.S. citizens and permanent U.S. residents are eligible.
- Students must be in good standing at their current (or most recent) institution at the time of application.
- Students must submit a completed application by the deadline.
- Students who will graduate from their college program in 2024 are NOT eligible for the scholarship.
Scholarship Notification
- Completed applications are due by April 30, 2024.
- Scholarship recipients will be notified by email.
- Recipients will receive a Scholarship Award Letter as well as a Scholarship Agreement Letter which the recipient will sign and return to the KDF to accept the Scholarship and its terms.
- Funds will be forwarded directly to the student’s institution by check.
- The KDF will announce the scholarship recipients on the KDF website and social media.
- The KDF may also release related announcements about the scholarship recipients via the foundation’s communication channels.
Scholarship Payment
A single scholarship in the amount of $5,000 (for graduating high school seniors) and $10,000 (for currently enrolled college students) will be awarded to the scholarship recipient. The KDF will pay the scholarship funds for each recipient directly to the college or school where the student is or will be enrolled. Funds will be dispersed by check after the recipient’s initial or ongoing enrollment in a health and/or bio/medical sciences (i.e., biology, chemistry or in medical related/medical research field) program at the college is confirmed. (If entering a college where students are not allowed to declare a major during the first year, the awardee must provide evidence of enrollment in bio/medical sciences classes before funds will be dispersed). Each institution will exclusively apply scholarship funds to the recipient’s tuition and/or fees.