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Kimberley Wiedefeld, Vice President of Enrollment, was interviewed by News 10 on March 19. Wiedefeld shared about a new Roberts Wesleyan University scholarship that aims to attract students who will professionally serve individuals with Down Syndrome.

 

The Flower City Down Syndrome Network awarded Roberts Wesleyan a $28,000 grant, establishing an endowed scholarship to assist students pursuing careers that serve people with Down syndrome. The scholarship, which ranges from $500 to $1,000 annually, will be awarded to currently enrolled traditional undergraduate or graduate students making satisfactory progress toward their degree in teacher education, special education, school psychology, occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, or other related health and human services fields. Successful applicants in good academic standing must also demonstrate a passion for or history of working with people with Down syndrome, and preference may be given to students with financial need. 

 

“There is such a teacher deficit. And Roberts is one of the few institutions that is growing in teacher education and has an opportunity to help train people to serve people like my daughter really,” Wiedefeld said. 

 

Today is World Down Syndrome Day, a global day of awareness, since 2012. This scholarship hones in on working to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome as well as enables opportunities for others.  

 

Wiedefeld's personal connection and perspective to Down syndrome helps to break down myths and misconceptions, one day at a time. Watch the story.