Bausch Health Companies Inc. and its dermatology business, Ortho Dermatologics, recently named the recipients of their 2022 Aspire Higher Scholarship program. The program, which has provided a total of $918,000 in scholarships since launching in 2013, will award nine students who have been treated for a dermatologic condition with a scholarship of up to $10,000 to pursue their undergraduate or graduate degrees.

“For nine years, Ortho Dermatologics and our Aspire Higher Scholarship program have supported approximately 70 students who have been affected by dermatologic conditions by helping them achieve their higher education goals,” says Richard Lajoie, vice president and general manager, Ortho Dermatologics, in a news release. “We are proud to continue that support with the 2022 Aspire Higher Scholarship recipients who have inspired us with their personal stories. We are truly honored to have the opportunity to help them pursue their academic aspirations through this scholarship, and we also thank the health care providers who had a critical hand in helping to treat their conditions.”

The 2022 honorees were chosen from nearly 200 applications and were selected in part due to their essays that provided an overview of their educational journeys while living with dermatologic conditions and the role a health care professional played in treating the condition. The program recognizes students nationwide across a wide range of educational pursuits, with scholarships in three categories, including the Undergraduate Scholar Awards, the Graduate Scholar Awards and the Today’s Woman Scholar Awards for mothers pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees.

The 2022 Aspire Higher Scholarship Program recipients are:

Undergraduate Scholar Awards

• Gabrielle Lattin, Alexander, Ark. – University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• Kaiya Simmons, Miller Place, N.Y. – Barnard College
• Eman Jaradat, Burke, Va. – George Mason University

Graduate Scholar Awards

• Zhisheng Shao, Philadelphia, Pa. – Temple University, School of Podiatric Medicine
• Ariella Kushner, Edison, N.J. – Columbia University, School of Nursing
• Brandon Abzug, Delray Beach, Fla. – University of Florida, Levin College of Law

Today's Woman Scholar Awards

• Kenya Dilday, New York – CUNY School of Law
• Angelica Teaupa, Pacifica, Calif. – University of San Francisco
• Allison Downing, Mount Joy, Pa. – Prescott College

“For years, I struggled with a skin condition that had a challenging impact on my life and confidence. When added to the responsibilities of being a mother, student and holding a part time job, it made life difficult at times. I am appreciative of Ortho Dermatologics and the support they are providing me through this scholarship, which is helping to bring me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a lawyer,” says Kenya Dilday, CUNY School of Law, New York.