Rett Sibling Scholarship

The Rett Sibling Scholarship, sponsored by Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc., aims to shine a light on these often unsung heroes of the Rett community. For the 2025-2026 academic year, 10 scholarships of $5,000 were awarded to eligible siblings of individuals living with Rett syndrome.

The program was fully administered by the International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS), a firm specializing in managing sponsored scholarship programs. Applications were reviewed by an independent committee, and final selections were made without involvement from Acadia to ensure impartiality. Submission of an application was not a promise of award.

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Here’s a quick overview of key points; for full details on application requirements, the online submission process, full terms and conditions, and more, download the Rett Sibling Scholarship FAQ (PDF).

The scholarship was open to U.S. residents attending school in the U.S. who have or had a sibling diagnosed with Rett syndrome and who had not previously received this scholarship. Applicants were evaluated based on academic performance, extracurricular and community involvement, personal and family circumstances, financial need, and personal essay.

Eligible institutions included accredited U.S.-based colleges and universities (2- and 4-year), graduate programs, and trade, technical, or vocational schools.

The 2025 essay prompt asked applicants to describe a time they felt proud of an accomplishment that was entirely their own, what it meant to them, and how it reflected their values and personal journey.

Eligibility Requirements

The scholarship is open to U.S. residents attending school in the U.S. who have or had a sibling diagnosed with Rett syndrome and who have not been previously awarded this scholarship. The applicant will be required to submit attestation of the sibling’s diagnosis, but no personal medical information will be requested/required. The diagnosed sibling does not need to be on an Acadia therapy, and treatment status is not considered at all in scholarship selection. Employees of Acadia and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply.

Acceptable Institutions

The program is open to students pursuing all kinds of higher education. Scholarship awards can be used for accredited colleges and universities for undergraduate (both 2- and 4-year) and graduate programs, as well as trade, technical, and vocational schools. Institutions must be located in the U.S., and scholarship recipients must be in good academic standing per their schools’ guidelines.

Selection Criteria

The scholarship aims to support deserving siblings in families affected by Rett syndrome who need financial assistance to pursue educational goals. The independent review committee will consider a variety of factors in their selection, including academic performance, school and community activities, family and personal circumstances, financial need, and the applicant’s essay.

Acadia’s Involvement

Acadia sponsors the Rett Sibling Scholarship and funds the awards but has no involvement in review or selection. To ensure complete impartiality and maintain a high level of professionalism, the program is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS), Inc., a firm that specializes in managing sponsored scholarship programs. Applications are reviewed and recipients are selected by an independent review committee.

Scholarship Fund Distribution

Scholarship recipients were notified in April/May and then have 30 days to accept (or they forfeit the award). Recipients received reminders of the acceptance deadline. Scholarship funds are issued as checks made out to the school and mailed directly to each award recipient; it is the recipient’s responsibility to submit the check to their school.

Contact Information

For more helpful information about scholarships plus answers to common inquiries related to ISTS’s technology and processes, visit our Self-Help Portal at ISTSprogramsupport.com. You may also call toll-free (855) 670-ISTS (4787). ISTS offices are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM CT and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM CT.