MannKind Al Mann Centennial Scholarship

$100,000
10 winners, $10,000 each
Open
Application Deadline
Mar 20, 2026
Winners Announced
Apr 20, 2026
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Incoming freshman or current undergraduate student
Age:
18-22 years old
Diagnosis:
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Field of Study:
Life sciences or a related field

Al Mann was a visionary in the field of diabetes innovation, making the world a better place through his scientific advancements and his widespread philanthropy. 

Despite the progress that has been made in understanding and treating diabetes, it remains a dangerous and difficult condition that must be carefully managed. Those living with diabetes may struggle with fatigue, weakness, blurred vision, and other symptoms that can make daily life challenging, especially on top of the responsibilities of monitoring insulin levels.

This scholarship seeks to empower young adults with diabetes to pursue their dreams in the life sciences.

Any incoming freshman or current undergraduate student who is between the ages of eighteen and twenty-two may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they are living with type 1 or 2 diabetes and if they are pursuing life sciences or a related field. Applicants must be motivated to make a meaningful impact in the diabetes sector and community. The scholarship is currently open to students who are studying or planning to study at a community college or university in the United States.

To apply, tell us about your field of study, how living with diabetes has affected you, what keeps you grounded in the face of challenges, what contribution you hope to make, and how you would describe yourself to your career inspiration. Additionally, submit a video sharing how you would describe yourself to your career inspiration. Reminder: A complete application includes responses to all essay questions as well as submission of the required video.

By applying for the scholarship, you acknowledge that your email will be shared with The Diabetes Link and MannKind for the purpose of providing scholarship-related updates and information about relevant programs and resources.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Multi-Year Scholarship
This scholarship provides financial support over multiple years. The total award will be distributed in annual installments of $5000 per year, with each disbursement occurring on April 20th. The recipient must continue to meet eligibility requirements each year to receive subsequent payments.
Published January 2, 2026
Essay Topic

1. Why are you pursuing a degree in life sciences, and how has living with diabetes influenced your education, goals, or perspective on your future career?


Please share an example or experience if possible. Consider what inspires you most about your field and how your experiences have shaped your path.


2. When you encounter challenges or setbacks, what keeps you grounded and helps you stay on course?


3. If you could make one meaningful contribution, discovery, or bring a new idea to your field of study or the diabetes community, what would it be, and why is it important to you?


Think about the potential impact, your goals, and your personal vision.


Video Submission Prompt (1–2 minutes)

If you were talking with your career inspiration, how would you describe yourself to show who you are and what matters most to you?


If you don’t have a specific person in mind, imagine speaking to a mentor, role model, or future colleague. This is your chance to share your values, passions, and perspective beyond your written responses. Speak authentically; no professional editing is needed.


400600 words

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Mar 20, 2026. Winners will be announced on Apr 20, 2026.