UCB announced today the launch of the 2008 UCB Crohn’s Scholarship Program, which will award 30, one-time scholarships of up to $10,000 each to students diagnosed with Crohn’s disease who demonstrate academic ambition and drive to reach beyond the boundaries of their condition.

UCB, a global leader in the biopharmaceutical industry,is dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of innovative pharmaceutical and biotechnology products in the fields of central nervous system disorders, allergy/respiratory diseases, immune and inflammatory disorders and oncology.

“I am humbled each year as the scholarship applications are submitted. The applicants are truly remarkable,” said David Robinson, Vice President, Immunology Business Unit, UCB. “Their determination and perseverance, despite the many challenges they face due to Crohn’s, is an inspiration and a credit to their own drive and fortitude. They are all gifted individuals, and I have no doubt they will reach their academic and personal goals.”

Crohn’s disease is a chronic and debilitating inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, affecting more than 500,000 people in the United States. Crohn’s is a lifelong chronic condition, but most people are diagnosed in their late teens and early twenties. Crohn’s sufferers go through unpredictable periods when the disease flares up and causes symptoms. These episodes are often followed by times of remission - periods in which symptoms disappear or decrease and good health returns.

Scholarship applications are available at www.CrohnsAndMe.com, an interactive Web site designed to connect people living with Crohn’s disease and their supporters and empower them to live fully and be proactive in their care. The application deadline is April 18, 2008 and winners will be notified in July 2008.

Where to look for other scholarships

• Colleges.com - Click on our Scholarship Search and go crazy with the list we have complied for you of almost all of the available scholarships out there!
• High School Guidance Counselors and Career Centers - They usually have information on scholarships, and certain web site where you can find
• Community Organizations - Rotary, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Boy and Girl Scouts of America
• Church - Diocese headquarters, Religious Youth Groups
• Explore Fortune 500 and local companies
• State Department - Oftentimes, if you live in a certain state and plan to attend college in that state, there may be money set aside for you. It never hurts to ask!
• World Wide Web - After you have thoroughly searched the colleges.com scholarship search page, feel free to do your own research on various websites! There is more than enough information out there, and if you look hard enough, you will find what you are looking for!