Riley Dempster 22q Family Scholarship: Empowering Futures
As a foundation, we want to encourage and support young adults with 22q differences, as well as parents and siblings who are looking to further their education and/or career path. Whether your path is a 2 or 4 year college, vocational/trade school, or life skills/adult program, we are here for you! Since 2017 we have been offering financial scholarships to students in our community. The Riley Dempster 22q Family Scholarship was named after Riley Dempster, as a way to honor her and continue the legacy created by her father, Ryan Dempster. We offer this scholarship annually to provide financial support to individuals who are continuing their educational journey or career growth, while serving as inspirations to the 22q community.
This scholarship is open to individuals in our community, along with parents and siblings. Please note that we will only allow up to 1 parent and 1 sibling to be a recipient of the 10 scholarship awards, meaning 8 of our 10 annual scholarships will be awarded to individuals with 22q.
Annual Eligibility and Regulations
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Award is specifically for individuals
diagnosed with a 22q related syndrome or for the parent/guardian/sibling of an individual with a 22q related syndrome (proof of diagnosis of self or child may be required prior to awarding of funds).
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Must be enrolling or enrolled at a 2 or 4 year college/university/online school based in
the United States, transitional or special needs institution/programs, training/apprenticeship program, technical, career, vocational, trade school, or life skills/adult
programs. Proof of this will be required, as awards are directly
paid to the school or institution.
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Program can be either traditional associates/bachelors program or special education programs.
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Previous recipients are not eligible to enter.
- Awards will be paid directly to the school or institution. If you currently do not have a student ID#, you will be unable to apply at this time.
Scholarship Awards: $10,000 in scholarship funds donated this year!
We will begin accepting applications May 1-June 30, 2026.
Entry Rules
- Completion of scholarship application form on the above link.
- An essay (750 words or less) or video (5 minutes or less) answering: What advice would you share with a younger individual diagnosed with a 22q difference or with a new family navigating a 22q diagnosis?
- Upload your essay or video to the form above, or email to: info@22qfamilyfoundation using the same email used for the application and including in the email subject line: first name, last name, and 2026 scholarship.