Sarepta Supports Educational Ambitions of Duchenne Community with $5,000 Scholarships
Why is supporting the education of individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy crucial for the future of rare disease treatment? Sarepta Therapeutics, a leader in precision genetic medicine for rare diseases, is taking a significant step to address this question. The company has officially opened applications for the 2026-2027 Route 79 Duchenne Scholarship Program, offering academic scholarships of up to $5,000 to as many as 20 individuals living with Duchenne and five siblings of those affected.
Sarepta Therapeutics, known for its groundbreaking work in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is expanding its commitment to the community through the Route 79 Scholarship Program. This initiative, now in its ninth year, aims to support the educational aspirations of young adults in the Duchenne community. Since this program began nine years ago, significant progress has been made in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, opening up new possibilities for individuals living with Duchenne,” said Diane Berry, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Global Policy & Advocacy Officer at Sarepta. “The Route 79 Duchenne Scholarship Program honors these opportunities by supporting the educational ambitions of young adults in the Duchenne community.
Empowering the Duchenne Community Through Education
The Route 79 Scholarship Program is designed to empower students living with Duchenne and their siblings to pursue their post-secondary educational goals. Scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded to as many as 20 individuals living with Duchenne and five siblings of those affected. This financial support is crucial for enabling these students to access higher education and vocational training, thereby broadening their career opportunities and contributing to their personal growth.
The Urgency of Supporting Future Leaders
Just as a well-tended garden requires consistent care to flourish, the Duchenne community needs ongoing support to nurture its future leaders. Sarepta’s Route 79 Scholarship Program is a vital investment in the next generation of advocates, researchers, and professionals who will continue to drive advancements in Duchenne treatment and care. The program’s impact is evident in the experiences of past recipients like Charles Cooley, who remarked, “Sarepta’s Route 79 Scholarship has enabled me to pursue my love of learning. I’ve met new friends, attended football games, basketball games, and most importantly, learned so much in my classes. My world has expanded greatly!”
Concrete Actions and Commitments
Sarepta Therapeutics is taking concrete steps to ensure the success of the Route 79 Scholarship Program. The company has established a rigorous application process, with an independent committee responsible for selecting awardees based on academic and community involvement, personal essays, and recommendation letters. Applications will be accepted until Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Recipients will be notified by July 31, 2026, and awards will be distributed directly to the educational institutions in time for fall 2026 enrollment. This structured approach ensures that the program remains fair and transparent, benefiting the most deserving candidates.
Future Outlook
The Route 79 Scholarship Program is just one part of Sarepta’s broader mission to advance the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. As the company continues to develop innovative therapies and support the Duchenne community, the future looks promising for individuals affected by this rare disease. The program’s emphasis on education and community involvement sets a strong foundation for the next generation of leaders in the rare disease space. The next milestone is the application deadline on May 15, 2026, and the notification of recipients by July 31, 2026.
Conclusion
The Route 79 Duchenne Scholarship Program is a testament to Sarepta Therapeutics’ commitment to the Duchenne community. By supporting the educational aspirations of young adults living with Duchenne and their siblings, Sarepta is fostering a future where these individuals can thrive and contribute to the advancement of rare disease treatment. How is your organization supporting the educational and professional development of individuals affected by rare diseases? Join the conversation in the comments below.
About Route 79, The Duchenne Scholarship Program
The Route 79 program is designed to help students living with Duchenne and siblings of individuals living with Duchenne pursue their post-secondary educational goals. Scholarship recipients are selected by an independent committee of Duchenne community members based on an applicant’s academic and community involvement, personal essay, and recommendation letter. The underlying cause of Duchenne is a difference in the gene coding for dystrophin. Dystrophin is an essential protein that plays a pivotal role in muscle structure, function and preservation. The numerical significance of the scholarship’s name, Route 79, ties to the 79 exons of the dystrophin gene.
About Sarepta Therapeutics
Sarepta is on an urgent mission: engineer precision genetic medicine for rare diseases that devastate lives and cut futures short. We hold a leadership position in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) and are building a robust portfolio of programs across muscle, central nervous system, and cardiac diseases.
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