Sibling College Scholarship
In Memory of Gavin KowalskiThe Kowalski family is proud to offer this scholarship in Gavin's honor, celebrating the siblings who walk the trisomy journey with love and courage.
We at SOFT are excited to help bring awareness to a wonderful opportunity for trisomy siblings pursuing higher education. The Kowalski family is continuing a cherished tradition within our community by offering the 2026 Sibling Scholarship in Memory of Gavin Kowalski to help support a sibling of a child with Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, or a related disorder.
This scholarship carries on a meaningful tradition first established by the Jorgenson family, who created the original Sibling Scholarship in memory of their beloved Erin Margaret Jorgenson. We are deeply grateful for the years the Jorgenson family poured into supporting trisomy siblings through that program. Their legacy of generosity lives on in what the Kowalski family is continuing today.
This is an independent Kowalski family initiative. The family has graciously chosen to share this opportunity through our community so it can reach the siblings who deserve it most. All applications go directly to Christine Kowalski and every part of the selection process is managed entirely by the family.
Who Should Apply
This scholarship is open to siblings of a child with Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, or a related disorder who are already enrolled in college, university, or technical school and working toward a degree or certification. If that sounds like you or someone you know, we encourage you to apply.
Must have or have had a sibling with Trisomy 18, Trisomy 13, or a related disorder
Family must be a current SOFT member
Applicant must be entering at least their 2nd year of college, university, or technical school
Attendance at the 2026 SOFT Conference is desirable but not required
Past recipients of this scholarship are not eligible to reapply.
The $500 award can be used for tuition and enrollment fees, or for books, supplies, and equipment required for courses. If the recipient is unable to attend the conference, the check will be mailed directly to them.
Download the Application
2026 Sibling Scholarship Application in Memory of Gavin Kowalski
Download your preferred version of the application and complete it. The application asks for your personal information, a brief outline of your goals and activities, and a short essay about your sibling and the impact they have had on your life. Once completed, submit it using the form below.
How to Submit Your Application
- 1Download the PDF or Word version of the application above and complete it fully, including all personal information and your school details.
- 2Write your essay on a separate sheet or document. Describe your sibling and the impact they have made on your life.
- 3Gather any supporting materials such as transcripts or academic records you wish to include.
- 4Scroll down to the submission form below, fill in your contact details, and upload your completed application and essay.
- 5Submit before June 1, 2026. You will receive a confirmation email and Christine Kowalski will be notified of your submission directly.
Questions about the scholarship can be directed to Christine Kowalski at t.c.kowalski@hotmail.com or by phone at 360-632-7760.
Sibling College Scholarship In Memory of Gavin Kowalski
Honoring siblings who have walked the trisomy journey with love and courage.
Recent Comments