Sarepta Therapeutics Opens Applications for 8th Annual Route 79 Duchenne Scholarship Program
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SRPT), a leader in precision genetic medicine for rare diseases, has officially opened applications for the 2025-2026 academic year of Route 79, The Duchenne Scholarship Program. This initiative, designed to support individuals affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne), will award academic scholarships of up to $5,000 to as many as 20 individuals living with Duchenne and five siblings of individuals diagnosed with the disease.
Over the past decade, significant advancements in the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy have transformed the outlook for those living with the condition. “The Route 79 Duchenne Scholarship Program celebrates these new possibilities with our Duchenne community, supporting their educational aspirations as young adults,” stated Diane Berry, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Global Policy & Advocacy Officer at Sarepta. “On behalf of Sarepta and the selection committee, we invite students who live with Duchenne or have a sibling with Duchenne to apply as they pursue their educational goals for the year. We look forward to meeting this year’s applicants and paving the way for these Route 79 scholars as they begin the next chapter of their academic journeys.”
Eligibility and Application Process
The Route 79 Duchenne Scholarship Program is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy or have a sibling diagnosed with the condition.
- They must be accepted to or currently enrolled in an accredited college, university, or trade, technical, or vocational school in the United States.
- College seniors or college graduates accepted to or enrolled in a graduate school program are also eligible.
- Previous scholarship recipients may reapply, but an individual may only receive a Route 79 scholarship up to four times.
- The selection process is managed by an independent committee that reviews applications based on academic performance, community involvement, personal essays, and recommendation letters.
- The selection committee operates independently, without consideration of whether an applicant has been, is currently, or plans to be treated with a Sarepta product or investigational therapy.
The deadline for applications is Friday, May 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Scholarship recipients will be notified before August 2025, and funds will be distributed directly to their respective educational institutions in time for the fall semester.
Students interested in applying or learning more about the program can visit Sarepta’s official website at Sarepta.com/route79.
About Route 79, The Duchenne Scholarship Program
The Route 79 program was created to assist students living with Duchenne and their siblings in pursuing post-secondary education. Named after the 79 exons in the dystrophin gene, which plays a critical role in muscle function and preservation, the scholarship aims to empower young individuals by supporting their academic ambitions. Scholarship recipients are selected based on a combination of academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and recommendations from mentors or teachers.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration due to mutations in the dystrophin gene. As research advances and treatments continue to improve, opportunities for individuals with Duchenne to pursue higher education and career aspirations are expanding.
A Decade of Impact
Since its inception, the Route 79 program has helped numerous students achieve their educational goals, fostering a sense of empowerment and independence within the Duchenne community. The scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also recognizes the resilience and determination of students navigating the challenges associated with Duchenne.
In previous years, scholarship recipients have gone on to pursue diverse fields of study, including engineering, social sciences, business, and healthcare. Many have shared inspiring stories about how the support from Sarepta’s program has allowed them to focus on their academic and professional ambitions without the added burden of financial constraints.
One past recipient, now a university graduate, stated, “Being awarded the Route 79 scholarship was a game-changer for me. It gave me the confidence and financial support I needed to complete my degree and pursue my dream career. Programs like this remind us that we are not alone in our journey.”
The Broader Mission of Sarepta Therapeutics
Sarepta Therapeutics is dedicated to developing precision genetic medicines for rare diseases that significantly impact lives. The company holds a leadership position in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Duchenne) and limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) and continues to advance research in genetic therapies targeting muscle, central nervous system, and cardiac conditions.
Beyond its pharmaceutical innovations, Sarepta is committed to advocacy and community support. The Route 79 program is a testament to this commitment, providing educational resources and financial aid to those affected by Duchenne. Through ongoing research, partnerships, and community engagement, Sarepta aims to create a future where individuals with rare diseases can thrive both medically and academically.
For more information about Sarepta Therapeutics, visit www.sarepta.com or follow the company on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.
Encouraging Future Applicants
As the 2025-2026 application cycle begins, Sarepta encourages all eligible students to seize this opportunity and apply. With a mission to foster education, independence, and community empowerment, the Route 79 Duchenne Scholarship Program continues to make a lasting impact in the lives of those affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Students and families interested in applying should gather their application materials, including academic records, letters of recommendation, and personal essays, ahead of the May 30 deadline. With the chance to receive up to $5,000 in scholarship funding, this program represents a critical step in helping students with Duchenne and their siblings achieve their educational aspirations.
