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Turning Challenges into Opportunities through our 

Legacy Scholarship Program

Marlene’s Legacy Scholarship

At Marlene’s Kaleidoscope Foundation, we believe that a diagnosis does not define a future.

The Marlene’s Legacy Scholarship was created to support students whose lives have been impacted by lupus and related autoimmune diseases. Whether you are living with lupus, navigating a related condition, or supporting a loved one who is, this scholarship exists to help you continue your journey toward higher education and purpose.

While lupus remains at the heart of our mission, we recognize that many individuals face overlapping autoimmune challenges. This scholarship reflects our commitment to supporting the broader community affected by these conditions—without losing focus on lupus as our priority. 

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Our Commitment

This scholarship is more than financial support—it is a reflection of resilience, advocacy, and community. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with autoimmune diseases, and we are committed to helping students move forward with strength and support.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Reside in the Greater Kansas City Area

  • Be either:

    • A graduating high school senior

    • A current undergraduate student

  • Have a minimum 2.5 GPA

  • Demonstrate financial need

  • Plan to attend a:

    • College or university

    • Trade or vocational program

 

Medical Eligibility

Applicants must meet one of the following: Diagnosed with Lupus (Priority Consideration)

We recognize that lupus presents in multiple forms, not just systemic lupus. Eligible diagnoses include:

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

  • Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

  • Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

  • Lupus Nephritis

These conditions are all part of the lupus spectrum and may impact different organs, including the skin and kidneys.

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Diagnosed with a Lupus-Related Autoimmune Disease

These conditions are often grouped with lupus because they share immune system dysfunction, overlapping symptoms, and similar care pathways:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Sjögren’s Syndrome

  • Scleroderma

  • Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

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 Family Connection

Applicants may also qualify if they have a biological:

  • Parent

  • Grandparent

  • Sibling

diagnosed with lupus or one of the conditions listed above.

Important Note

While we have expanded eligibility to include lupus-related diseases, lupus remains the primary focus of this scholarship. Priority consideration will be given to applicants diagnosed with lupus.

Scholarship Awards 

High School Students: Up to $1,000

Undergraduate Students: Up to $500

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Submission Deadline 
  Application Deadline: April 30th (Annually)   

Application Requirements & Guidelines:

The Board of Directors of Marlene’s Kaleidoscope is proud to offer the Legacy Scholarship Fund, supporting students in the Greater Kansas City area. This scholarship is specifically designed for students diagnosed with lupus or lupus-related autoimmune diseases, as well as those with immediate family members impacted by lupus. The fund aims to provide financial assistance to help recipients pursue higher education, including college degrees, university programs, or accredited certifications. Click here for Disclaimer

A complete application packet must include:​

  1. Personal Statement

    • A 500-word essay addressing:

      • How lupus or related autoimmune diseases have impacted your life or family

      • How education or training will help you achieve your goals

      • Any volunteer or leadership roles, service awards, or recognition

  2. Official High School Transcript

    • Must include numerical GPA, an official signature, and be sealed by the school.

  3. College Letter of Acceptance

    • Proof of admission to an accredited institution.

  4. Financial Information

    • Additional details may be required to determine financial need.

  5. References

    • Two letters from non-family members. From

  6. Supplemental Questions

    • Responses to additional questions to assess eligibility and suitability.

  7. Community Service Commitment

    • Scholarship recipients must complete 8 hours of community service per semester for one year with Marlene’s Kaleidoscope or an approved organization.

  8. HIPPA Form

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Scholarship Terms

  • Award Frequency: One scholarship awarded annually.

  • Reapplication Policy: Previous recipients are not eligible to reapply.

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Use of Funds

Scholarship funds are sent directly to the recipient’s educational institution and may be applied toward: Note Check will be made to the University, College or Trade School

  • Tuition

  • Room and board

  • Books

  • Fees

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Important Notes

  • Medical Documentation: Confirmation of diagnosis is required and must accompany the application.

  • Accuracy: Incomplete or missing documents will result in disqualification.

  • Sharing Permission: Indicate whether your application may be shared with other scholarship committees. 

  • Spousal Information (if applicable): Include your spouse or partner’s employer and job title.

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MK Legacy Scholarship Application

Student Profiles

Race/Ethnicity
Gender
Multi-line address

Medical History

Do you have Lupus or a Lupus related auto-immune disease? ?
Yes
No
Check the Lupus type or Lupus related auto-immune disease condition.

Academic Information

Are you in high school or college?
High School
College
School Address
Employment

Financial Information - To be completed by parents/Guardian

Family Financial Information


Adjusted Gross Income of Parent(s)/Guardian(s) from IRS 1040: (include a copy of current year’s 1040 form, if available. You may include last year’s 1040 form if current year’s tax forms are not available).

Income
Under $30,000
$31,000 to $50,000
$51,000 to $75,000
$76,000 to $100,000
Over $100,000

Medical Information

Marlene’s Legacy Scholarship – Application Overview

The Marlene’s Legacy Scholarship is designed to support graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students in the Greater Kansas City area who have been accepted to, or are currently attending, an accredited college, university, trade, or vocational program.


This scholarship was created to provide financial support to students who are living with lupus or lupus-related autoimmune diseases, as well as those who have a biological parent, grandparent, or sibling affected by these conditions.


While lupus remains the primary focus of our mission, we recognize that many individuals experience related autoimmune diseases that share overlapping symptoms, challenges, and care needs. This scholarship reflects our commitment to supporting that broader community.


Please answer the following question:

Who has lupus and/or lupus- related disease?
Child/Scholarship applicant
Parent or other family member ( put name in the other box)
Other

Upload Required Documentation

To be considered for the MK Legacy Scholarship, please provide the following:

  • Complete the Application

  • Personal Statement / Essay (500 words) Applicants are required to submit a typed 1-page narrative essay explaining why they deserve a scholarship and how the scholarship will assist them in achieving their goals.


    The essay is an important part of the selection process. The essay must be double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1 page maximum, one-inch margin on all sides, and the name typed in the upper right-hand corner of the page. In reviewing the essays, the judges will consider the following criteria during the selection process: -Creativity -Correct use of grammar and punctuation -Originality and quality of ideas presented -Neatness -Ability to adhere to the presented topic(s))


  • Official High School Transcript

  • College / University Acceptance or Admission Letter

  • Two Letters of Recommendation from non-family members *Acceptable references are teachers, guidance counselors, school administrators, coaches, employers, ministers, etc. Parents or relatives cannot serve as references. INSTRUCTIONS TO BE GIVEN TO REFERENCES


  • Lupus Diagnosis Letter from Physician

  • Disclaimer for scholarship funds disbursement (signed by parent/guardian)

  • HIPAA Release Form (signed by parent/guardian/patient) submitted to Marlene's Kaleidoscope Organization to your doctor’s office. Instead of submitting the release to your doctor’s office, you may submit a letter from your doctor on their official letterhead confirming the patient's diagnosis. However, still submit the completed release to Marlene's Kaleidoscope Organization. Form

  • Copy of current year IRS form ( may use last year's if this year is not available.



Please ensure that all required materials listed on the application checklist are submitted following the guidelines by the stated deadline. Incomplete or late applications cannot be considered. If you have any questions about the instructions or need further clarification, please contact info@mk4lupus.org. Thank you for your careful attention to these details and for taking the time to prepare a thorough and complete application packet. We wish you the very best of success in your academic journey and future endeavors.


***If any of the above items are missing or do not meet the specifications, it will result in an incomplete package, and the applicant will not be considered for an award.**


For additional information: Chair Scholarship Committee -info@mk4lupus.org

Thank you for completing the MK Legacy Scholarship Application. By completing this form, you are taking the next step toward your educational dreams. If you


Together, we’re breaking barriers and making higher education accessible for students and families impacted by lupus.


Remember applications may be received until April 30th.

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