Robert Guthrie PKU Scholarship

The Robert Guthrie PKU Scholarship
In memory of Dr. Robert Guthrie, this higher education scholarship program was started after his death in June 1995 by National PKU News. Dr. Guthrie developed the newborn screening test for phenylketonuria (PKU) in 1961. He then worked tirelessly for more than thirty years to establish newborn screening programs in the United States and many other countries. Every family of a child with PKU born after the mid-1960's, in a country where newborn screening is done, has reaped the benefits: more than 20,000 children have been saved from devastating mental retardation caused by untreated PKU. Early screening and a special diet have allowed these young people to grow up normally and lead full, productive lives.

There is no question that young people with PKU who are bound for higher education programs owe this opportunity to early screening and diet treatment. Without PKU identification early in life, they could be living in institutions or group homes for the retarded instead of planning to attend college or technical school. It seemed fitting to establish a scholarship program in Dr. Guthrie's name. The scholarship will benefit bright young people with PKU who are planning to obtain higher education degrees through college or technical school.

From its start in 1989, Dr. Guthrie was a member of the Board of Directors of National PKU News. National PKU News is a nonprofit organization devoted to bringing news and other information to families living with PKU. Beyond his single-minded dedication to preventing the mental retardation caused by PKU, throughout his life Dr. Guthrie was a devoted advocate for families living with it. National PKU News was started with his strong support and encouragement.

We hope families, and others whose lives have been touched by Dr. Guthrie's remarkable career, will generously support The Robert Guthrie PKU Scholarship.

Who is eligible:

Scholarships are open to any college-age young person with PKU who is on the diet. Residents of any country are eligible to apply.

Applicants must be accepted to an accredited college or technical school before the scholarship is awarded, but may apply for the scholarship before acceptance is confirmed.

Who will review scholarship applications:

A scholarship committee will review all applications. The committee consists of well-known PKU professionals and Guthrie family members.

Scholarship awards:

Each year, scholarships will be announced in January. The number of scholarships awarded each year and the amount granted may vary, depending on available funds.

Academic excellence and financial need of the applicant will be among factors considered.

Application deadline:

Applications will be available after August 1 each year for that year's applications.

Completed applications must be received by November 1 each year.

The Robert Guthrie PKU Scholarship
c/o National PKU News
6869 Woodlawn Ave. NE #116
Seattle, WA 98115-5469