Epilepsy Alliance America is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026–2027 Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund, recognizing students across the United States who are living with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and pursuing higher education.

For the 2026–2027 academic year, 26 students were awarded scholarships through the program. 

This year’s scholarship recipients represent a diverse and inspiring group of individuals who have demonstrated resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to their educational and personal goals. While each journey with PNES is unique, all recipients share a common strength—the ability to persevere through challenges and continue moving forward toward a brighter future.

Recipients come from across the country, representing a wide range of communities, including: New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, and Connecticut, Texas, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Colorado, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon, California, Minnesota and Montana. This geographic diversity highlights both the nationwide reach of the program and the growing recognition of PNES across healthcare and education systems.

Scholarship recipients are pursuing a variety of post-secondary educational opportunities, including:

• Four-year colleges and universities
• Community colleges
• Technical and professional training programs

Institutions represented include both large public universities and smaller private colleges, reflecting the diverse goals and pathways of students living with PNES.
The majority of recipients are enrolled full-time, with a small number attending part-time, demonstrating the program’s flexibility in supporting students at different stages of their educational journey.

Scholarship awards for this cycle ranged from $600 to $1,000, allowing Epilepsy Alliance America to support a greater number of students in a meaningful way.
These funds can be used for tuition, housing, as well as other ancillary expenses, such as technology needed for coursework.

About the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund
The Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund was established to support students diagnosed with PNES who are pursuing higher education. The program is made possible through the generosity of Dr. Lorna Myers, who donates royalties from her work to fund scholarships each year. Managed by Epilepsy Alliance America, the program has supported students nationwide and continues to grow as awareness of PNES increases.

A Competitive and Thoughtful Selection Process
Each year, Epilepsy Alliance America receives more applications from qualified students than can be funded. Applications are reviewed through a structured and competitive process that considers financial need, academic achievement, personal essays and a commitment to future goals.  The review committee, chaired by Patricia Gibson, MSSW DHL ACSW, is comprised of national experts in PNES.

More Than a Scholarship
Beyond financial support, the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Program helps build a sense of connection and community. Many recipients share that the program provides not only assistance for their education, but also validation and encouragement as they navigate life with PNES. Through ongoing engagement, including virtual gatherings and outreach opportunities, recipients are connected with others who understand their experiences—something many have never had before.

Looking Ahead
As the number of applicants continues to grow each year, so does the need for additional funding. Epilepsy Alliance America remains committed to expanding the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund so that more students can receive support in the future.  Community support plays a critical role in making this possible. Every contribution helps ensure that individuals living with PNES have access to the educational opportunities they deserve.  If you are interested in making a gift to support the Lorna Myers PNES Scholarship Fund, you can do so here.