Scholarship and Award Opportunities for Visually Impaired Students
Courtesy of the Lighthouse Guild and the American Foundation for the Blind.
Link: http://www.specialacademy.org/scholarships
Total: Varies each year ($250-$1,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: Rolling application process.
Award Criteria and Application Process: Provides funding to college students who have a disability and are majoring in art. Physician’s letter, portfolio and proof of U.S. residency.
Contact:
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.entrypoint.org
Total: Unknown.
Award Criteria and Application Process: This is an internship program for college students with disabilities. Offers summer internships and semester co-ops in major companies throughout the U.S., including NASA, IBM, National Institutes of Health, Texas Instruments, J.P. Morgan Chase. Open to students with disabilities majoring in life sciences, computer science, engineering, mathematics, and some social science and business fields. Must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students, be a science, math, engineering, or computer science major (some opportunities available for business majors), have at least a B-average GPA, and be a U.S. citizen.
Contact:
1200 York Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20005
Tel 1: (202) 326-6649
Tel 2: (202) 326-6400
Total: One-year duration awarded each year ($1,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: November 15th
Award Criteria and Application Process: Provides financial assistance to disabled undergraduate and graduate students who are studying a field related to health and disability. Application, personal statement and proof of U.S. residency.
Contact:
Tel: (301) 545-6140, ext. 206
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: 30 scholarships ($500 – $2,500)
Filing Date/Deadline: March
Award Criteria and Application Process: All legally blind students admitted to academic and vocational training programs at the post-secondary level are eligible. A cumulative grade point average of 3.3. is generally required. The awards are based on academic excellence, community interaction and leadership qualities. Leading candidates are interviewed by phone. Scholarships are presented at the ACB annual convention.
Total: One (1) scholarship ($2,500).
Filing Date/Deadline: August 1st
Award Criteria and Application Process: Open to blind undergraduate or graduate student who is pursuing a degree in a blindness-related area. Must be Ohio residents, and attend a two- or four-year Ohio institution. Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Contact:
Nola Webb-McKinney Scholarship Fund
3805 North High St., Suite 305
Columbus, OH 43214
Tel: (614) 268-0380
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown ($500-$2,500).
Filing Date/Deadline: Varies by affiliate chapter.
Award Criteria and Application Process: Certification of legal blindness is required. Generally open to students pursuing a post-secondary education in a college, trade or mechanical program.
The awards are based on academic excellence, community interaction, work experience and leadership qualities. Must reside in the state of the affiliate chapter.
Link: http://www.afb.org/scholarships.asp
Total: Eight (8) scholarships ($2,000-$3,500/each).
Filing Date/Deadline: April 15th
Award Criteria and Application Process: Online application, essay, transcripts, proof of legal blindness and letters of recommendation.
Contact:
American Foundatoin for the Blind
1000 Fifth Ave., Suite 350
Huntington, WV 25701
Tel: (800) 232-5463
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.afcea.org/education/scholarships/military
Total: Two (2) scholarships: one (1) in the Spring and one (1) in the Fall ($2,500 each).
Filing Date/Deadline: April 15th
Award Criteria and Application Process: To provide financial assistance to disabled military personnel and veterans. They must be working toward a degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, etc. Based on academic excellence, leadership and financial need.
Contact:
AFCEA Foundation
Tel: (703) 631-6138
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: One (1) scholarship ($2,500).
Filing Date/Deadline: March
Award Criteria and Application Process: For undergraduate and graduate students who are preparing for a career as a teacher of science and mathematics. Preference is given to disabled veterans. Full-time status and GPA of at least 3.0.
Contact:
AFCEA Foundation
Tel: (703) 631-6138
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.aerbvi.org
Total: Two (2) scholarships ($1,000 each) biennially to selected applicants studying for a career in the field of services to children or adults who are blind or visually impaired.
Filing Date/Deadline: February
Award Criteria and Application Process: Must be legally blind and studying at the post-secondary level for a career in the field of services to persons who are blind or visually impaired. Applications must be typed and submitted electronically to AER at [email protected]. The letters of recommendation and an original, signed proof of vision status must be mailed separately to AER Scholarship Committee, 1703 North Beauregard Street, Suite 440, Alexandria, VA 22311-1717. Please check each of the state affiliates for separate chapter scholarships: http://www.aerbvi.org/modules.php?file=article&name=News&sid=506
Contact:
AER Scholarship Committee
1703 North Beauregard Street, Suite 440
Alexandria, VA 22311-1717
Tel: (703) 671-4500
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown ($500).
Award Criteria and Application Process: For qualified visually impaired students who wish to better themselves by enrolling in academic, vocational, or technical training programs at the post-secondary level. Must be an Ohio resident (1 full year prior to application). Must be visually impaired (legal definition). Must complete application and the required supporting documents. Former recipients are NOT eligible.
Contact:
Mail applications to:
Mrs. Jan Jasko
7012 Beresford Ave.
Parma Hts, OH 44130-5050
Link: http://www.blindcitizens.org/abc_scholarship.html
Total: One (1) $3,000, three (3) $2,000 scholarships, and 11 $1,000 scholarships.
Filing Date/Deadline: April 15th
Award Criteria and Application Process: Provide a 300 to 500-word autobiographical sketch of yourself. Please include how the scholarship award would help you achieve your goal to attend college or a recognized vocational program. Provide a high school or college transcript, a certificate of legal blindness or a letter from your ophthalmologist, and two letters of reference. The scholarships may be applied to tuition, living expenses or related expenses resulting from vision impairment. (*For residents of CA, CN, FL, MA, NH and RI only.)
Contact:
The Association of Blind Citizens
P.O. Box 246
Holbrook, MA 02343
Tel: (781) 961-1023
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown (Up to $5,000/year).
Filing Date/Deadline: April 1st
Award Criteria and Application Process: Applicants must be high school seniors, high school graduates or full-time students attending an accredited undergraduate college or university, and under the age of 40. Applicants must provide written documentation that they meet the definition of Disabled as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants must plan on earning a degree or certificate in Finance, Business or Computer Systems AND plan on a career with a banking institution.
Contact:
P.O. Box 1465
Taylor, SC 29687
Tel: (864) 268-3363
Fax: (864) 268-7160
Total: Unknown (up to $5,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: April 7th
Award Criteria and Application Process: For traditionally under-represented U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad for up to one academic year. The program aims to diversify the kinds of student who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go. These include but are not limited to students with high financial need, community college students, students in under-represented fields such as the sciences and engineering, students from diverse ethnic backgrounds, students attending minority-serving institution, and students with disabilities.
Contact:
Institute of International Education
Gilman Scholarship
1800 West Loop South, Suite 250
Houston, TX 77027
Tel: (713) 621-6300, ext. 25
Fax: (713) 621-0876
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown.
Award Criteria and Application Process: For dependent children and spouses of veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces who are blind (either service or non-service connected.) Veterans need not be members of the Blinded Veterans Association.
Contact:
The Kathern F. Gruber Scholarship Program and the Thomas H. Miller Awards
Blinded Veterans Association
477 H Street NW
Washington, DC 20001-2694
Tel: (202) 371-8880
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Three (3) scholarships ($500-$1,500).
Filing Date/Deadline: May
Award Criteria and Application Process: Applicants must be legally visually impaired or have a parent or parents that are legally visually impaired. They must be a high school graduate or equivalent and be graduating by the Summer and not have been previously enrolled solely in any college. If receiving a GED, it must be earned by the Summer. The length of the essay should be at least 3 pages and not exceed 15 pages double-spaced.
Contact:
Mouse Hole Scholarships
16810 Pinemoor Way
Houston, TX 77058
Tel: (713) 876-6971
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.caped.net
Total: Eight (8) scholarship (up to $1,500).
Award Criteria and Application Process: For students with disabilities attending a California institution of higher education.
Contact:
Terry Stark
71423 Biskra Road
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Tel 1: (760) 346-8206
Tel 2: (760) 341-4084
Fax: (760) 340-5275
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: 36 scholarship ($10,000 each).
Award Criteria and Application Process: For legally blind CSU graduate and undergraduate students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. Students may attend any CSU campus and nominations for the scholarship will be received from financial aid offices.
Contact:
1600 Holloway Ave
Student Services, Rm. 110
San Francisco, CA 94132
Tel: (415) 338-2472
E-mail: [email protected]
Filing Date/Deadline: Applications are accepted beginning in January.
Award Criteria and Application Process: 1) Completed application (sent as a separate Word attachment). 2) Personal essay (sent as a separate Word document). 3) Eye report (must be mailed). 4) Two letters of recommendation (please have the individuals writing the letters send it to the scholarship coordinator’s email as a Word attachment). 5) Financial statement of need (sent as a separate Word document). 6) Official transcripts from the school student is currently attending (must be mailed).
Contact:
Maureen Reid
Scholarship Coordinator
1850W Roosevelt Rd.
Chicago, IL 60608
Tel: (312) 666-1331, ext. 3655
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://services.christianrecord.org/scholarships
Total: Four (4) scholarships ($500 each, payable in installments of $250/semester).
Filing Date/Deadline: April – June
Award Criteria and Application Process: Scholarships in all areas of study for undergraduate students who are legally blind. Applications for tuition scholarships are accepted between November 1 of the present year and April 1 of the following year for assistance the next Fall term. Students will receive a letter informing them of the committee’s decision by June.
Contact:
4444 South 52nd St.
Lincoln, NE 68516
Tel: (402) 488-0981
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.cclvi.org
Total: Four (4) scholarships ($3,000 each).
Filing Date/Deadline: March 15th
Award Criteria and Application Process: Available to full-time college students with a vision range from low vision (20/70 in the better eye with best possible correction, or a field restricted to no greater than 30 degrees), to those who, in spite of more significant vision or field restriction, are still able to benefit from the use of low vision devices to perform daily visual tasks. Applicants must provide a statement from an ophthalmologist indicating that the applicant’s visual acuity is no better than 20/70 in the better eye with the best possible correction, or is limited to a field of 30 degrees. Applicants must be either freshman who have been accepted to a university of their choosing, or continuing students in good standing. Prospective freshmen students, as well as those choosing to attend another university in the Fall, MUST provide acceptance letters from the university of their choosing. Applicants must have maintained a Grade Point Average of at least 3.0 (“B”) on a scale of 4.0 (“A”).
*The Carl Foley Graduate Scholarship Program is for graduate students attending one of several colleges and universities, which offer a degree in the field of low vision. Applicants need not be visually impaired. Application is made through the school directly.
Contact:
1400 North Drake Road, #218
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Tel: (616) 381-9566
Toll-free: (800) 733-2258
Link: http://www.deltagamma.org
Total: Two (2) scholarships: one (1) graduate ($2,500) and one (1) undergraduate ($1,000).
Award Criteria and Application Process: Open to members of the Delta Gamma sorority who are either blind or visually impaired or are pursuing professional training in areas related to working with persons who are blind or visually impaired or in sight preservation.
Contact:
Delta Gamma Foundation
3250 Riverside Drive
Columbus, OH 43221-0397
Tel: (614) 481-8169
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.disabledperson.com
Total: Two (2) scholarships: one (1) in the Fall and one (1) in the Spring ($2,000 each).
Filing Date/Deadline: October and February
Award Criteria and Application Process: Open to undergraduate and graduate students who have a disability and submit outstanding essays on an assigned topic. Full-time enrollment and submission of an essay. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Contact:
Tel: (760) 420-1269
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.dominican.edu
Total: Unknown.
Award Criteria and Application Process: An endowed scholarship for students who are legally blind and are interested in studying music.
Contact:
Office of Admissions
50 Acacia Ave.
San Rafael, CA 94901
Tel: (415) 457-4440
Toll-free: (888) 323-6763
Total: Unknown ($500-$2,500).
Filing Date/Deadline: June 1st
Award Criteria and Application Process: Available only to women graduate students with physical disabilities who are enrolled in a college or university in the U.S. The student must currently be accepted to a graduate program in an accredited college or university in the U.S. and must be active in a local, state, or national disability organization – either in person or electronically – which is providing services and/or advocacy for people with disabilities. The student must be willing to update ELA with an annual letter on September 1 of each year on her progress in her academic and working career. Must submit a ELA Verification of Disability form filled out and signed by the Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or physician. An essay on 1,000 words or less, typewritten in 16-point font or larger and double-spaced explaining, “How I Will Change the Face of Disability on the Planet.” Two typed letters of recommendation from current teachers, faculty members or employers on their letterhead regarding your scholastic aptitude, leadership abilities and personal qualifications. An unofficial copy of student’s transcript reflecting the most recent college/university academic year.
Contact:
Deborah Lewis
Executive Director
Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation, Inc.
2460 North Lake Ave., PMB #128
Altadena, CA 91001
Tel: (626) 398-8840
Total: Four (4) scholarships (2 x $1,500, 1 x $1,000 and 1 x $500)
Filing Date/Deadline: April 15th
Award Criteria and Application Process: Applicants must be legally blind and must be a resident of Florida. Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma. (High school students who are graduating this term may also apply.) Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university or be accepted for enrollment and must be seeking a college degree. Must have a GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants who are full-time must carry at least 12 credit hours per semester/quarter to be eligible for the $1,500 award. Those who are part-time must carry a minimum of 6 credit hours per semester/quarter to be eligible for the $500 award.
A narrative statement regarding vocational objectives and outlook for employment in your chosen field. Please include any awards or scholarships you have received or that are pending. Part-time students must include an explanation for part-time status (e.g., employed student, family responsibilities, etc.). Two letters of recommendation and an official transcript from the school currently or most recently attended.
Contact:
Florida Council of the Blind
6500 Montrose Trail
Tallahassee, FL 32309
Sheila Young
2304 Amherst Ave.
Orlando, FL 32804
Tel: (407) 425-9200
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown.
Award Criteria and Application Process: Students who are blind and are interested in pursuing a Juris Doctor degree.
Contact:
Fordham University School of Law
Financial Aid Office
33 West 60th Street, 9th Floor
New York, NY 10023
Tel: (212) 636-6815
Fax: (212) 636-6018
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: 50 awards ($1,500-$2,500 in vouchers for company products).
Filing Date/Deadline: March
Award Criteria and Application Process: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or Canadian residents, who are legally blind and planning to pursue a full-time course of study at either the college/university or graduate school level. Winners are selected by the partnering organizations based on academic achievement, extracurricular or community service leaderships and demonstrated personal qualities.
Total: One (1) scholarship ($1,500).
Filing Date/Deadline: May 15th
Award Criteria and Application Process: For blind and visually impaired high school seniors and college students who are majoring or planning to major in music, art, drama, or creative writing. Required submissions are a recording of two (2) contrasting pieces for music students; 10 slides of their work for art students; a recording of one (1) dramatic and one (1) comic scene for drama students; and a varied selection of their writing for creative writing students.
Contact:
Friends-in-Art
c/o Harvey Miller
402 East French Broad Street
Brevard, NC
Tel: (828) 712-3410 or (828) 862-3412
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown ($1,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: March 26th
Award Criteria and Application Process: Open nationally to high school seniors who are considered legally blind and have low vision or are visually impaired, requiring the use of visual aid(s), other than the use of eyeglasses, in their daily life. The purpose of this scholarship is to help students with visual challenges reach their full potential. This will further allow the students to build confidence and self-esteem as they prepare to begin their college or vocational school education.
Contact:
P.O. Box 1245
Smithtown, NY 11787
Tel: (631) 366-3461
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.apollo.gmu.edu/finaid
Total: One (1) scholarship ($2,500).
Filing Date/Deadline: May 25th
Award Criteria and Application Process: Scholarship for a blind or visually impaired full-time undergraduate student with the intent to major in teaching, social work, music, journalism or nursing. An ophthalmologist certification of visual impairment is required. Must be a U.S. citizen.
Contact:
Liz Carter
Disability Resource Center
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Tel: (703) 993-2400
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: One (1) scholarship ($1,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: June 15th
Contact:
Debbie Williams
Scholarship Committee Chair
Georgia Council of the Blind
1477 Nebo Road
Dallas, GA 30157
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.google.com/jobs/scholarships
Total: Unknown (US $10,000 / CAD $5,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: December 6th
Award Criteria and Application Process: U.S. and international scholarship for students studying computer science. A student entering their junior or senior year of undergraduate study or be enrolled in a graduate program at a university in the U.S. or Canada (in addition to U.S. and Canadian citizens, international students with disabilities in the U.S. or Canada are also encouraged to apply. Enrolled in a Computer Science or Computer Engineering program, or a closely related technical field as a full-time student. A person with a disability (defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term, or recurring, issue that impacts one or more activities that others may consider a daily function); this definition also includes the perception among others that a disability exists. Submit contact and education information, current resume, academic transcripts, answers to essay questions, and two letters of recommendation from a professor, adviser or supervisor.
Contact:
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.incighteducation.org
Total: 100 scholarships ($500-$2,500).
Filing Date/Deadline: March
Award Criteria and Application Process: Documented disability: can be physical, learning, cognitive, etc. Full-time attendance at trade school, college or university. Completion of an entire application. Letter of reference submitted with application (letter can be written by anyone applicant chooses and can be of any length).
Contact:
Incight
310 SW 4th Ave., Suite 530
Portland, OR 97204
Tel: (971) 244-0305
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.wolfsonfund.org
Total: Unknown ($2,500 with the possibility of renewal for a second year).
Filing Date/Deadline: February 20th
Award Criteria and Application Process: Will provide merit awards for Jewish students at accredited colleges or universities who are blind or visually impaired. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students, currently enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester.
Contact:
Beth Rudich
Tel: (212) 889-2525, ext. 106
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown ($1,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: May 1st
Award Criteria and Application Process: For individuals who are experiencing a gradual loss of their vision as a result of Retinitis Pigmentosa or other inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration. Open to high school seniors. Application, two letters of recommendation, transcript, SAT/ACT scores and proof of legal blindness.
Contact:
P.O. Box 44515
Rio Rancho, NM 87174
Tel: (505) 235-4781
E-mail 1: [email protected]
E-mail 2: [email protected]
Link: https://www.lasikplus.com/scholarship/
Total: Four (4) scholarships (One each calendar quarter @ $2,500/each).
Filing Date/Deadline: March 1st, June 1st, September 1st, December 1st.
Award Criteria and Application Process: Must a full-time freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student currently enrolled at an accredited university in the U.S. or its territories. Have a minimum 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). Be a citizen of legal permanent resident of the U.S. or its territories, or otherwise have a student visa valid for the entire duration of the specific Essay Scholarship Contest entered.
Entrants must submit their essay electronically by sending it, via email, to [email protected]. To be eligible for consideration, each entry must include the essay, the entrant’s contact information (including, at a minimum, the entrant’s contact information, including the entrant’s full name, the name of the University or College of enrollment, current major, email address and phone number where the entrant can be contacted).
Contact:
LasikPlus
14 Hope Street, Suite 2
Brooklyn, NY 11211
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: https://learningally.org/NAA/Application-LTL
Total: Six (6) awards: three top winners ($6,000/each) and three Special Honors winners ($2,000/each).
Filing Date/Deadline: June 30th
Award Criteria and Application Process: For high school senior members with learning disabilities, who plan to continue their education after graduation, in recognition of their academic achievement, outstanding leadership, and service to others.
Contact:
Scholarship Office
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
Tel: (609) 243-7051
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: https://learningally.org/NAA/Application-SAA
Total: Seven (7) National Achievement Awards: three top winners ($6,000/each), three Special Honors winners ($3,000/each), and an additional winner ($1,000).
Award Criteria and Application Process: Be legally blind. Have received, or will receive, a bachelor’s, masters or doctorate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S. or its territories (applicants need not plan to continue their education further). Have an overall academic average for their undergraduate years of 3.0 or more on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent, if an alternative grading system is used). Provide evidence of leadership, enterprise and service to others.
Contact:
Scholarship Office
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
Tel: (609) 243-7051
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.lighthouseguild.org/scholarships
Total: 10 college bound scholarships and 1-3 graduate scholarships ($10,000 each).
Filing Date/Deadline: March 31st
Award Criteria and Application Process: For college bound students who are legally blind. Proof of legal blindness, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency, copies of school transcripts and copies of ACT/SAT results, three letters of recommendation, and two personal statements.
Contact:
The Lighthouse Guild
15 West 65th Street
New York, NY 10023
Tel: (212) 769-7801
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.limeconnect.com/opportunities
Total: Varies each year ($10,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: May
Award Criteria and Application Process: Provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities studying a business-related field. Open to full-time students. Application and essay.
Contact:
Tel: (212) 521-4469
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.lionsclubs.org
Total: Unknown.
Contact:
300 West 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60521-8842
Toll-free: (800) 847-5786
Link: http://www.maysmission.org/schol.html
Total: Seven (7) scholarships to college students with physical and/or mental disabilities.
Filing Date/Deadline: June 30th
Award Criteria and Application Process: Must be able to document a significant disability, score of 18 or better on the ACT or 870 on SAT, be enrolled in a four-year study program (undergraduate only) working toward a baccalaureate degree and provide proof of enrollment. Upon acceptance to our program, recipients agree to provide proof of full-time enrollment each semester, submit
grades, maintain a GPA of 2.3 and write an “update letter” providing the Mission with
information pertaining to grades, struggles, triumphs, campus life and a general “how are you doing” letter.
Contact:
Mays Mission for the Handicapped
604 Colonial Dr.
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Tel: (501) 362-7526
Toll-free: (888) 503-7955
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown (tuition exemption).
Award Criteria and Application Process: To receive a full tuition waiver as a blind student, you are not required to be in a certificate or degree program, a common criteria in other financial aid programs. You are eligible for a full tuition waiver if you are a legally blind Minnesota resident. Periodic exams will be required if blindness is temporary.
Contact:
One Stop Student Services Center
Tel: (612) 624-1111
Link: http://www.nafeo.org/community/index.php
Total: Two (2) scholarships ($10,000 each and may be renewed for three additional years).
Filing Date/Deadline: April 15th and September 15th
Award Criteria and Application Process: To provide financial assistance to high school seniors who have a disability and plan to attend a designated Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Full-time enrollment, application and essay. For enrollment at Bethune-Cookman College, Morgan State University and Tennessee State University.
Contact:
Tel: (202) 552-3300
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.nfmc-music.org
Total: Seven (7) scholarship ($700-$2,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: March 1st
Award Criteria and Application Process: To aid young instrumentalists and vocalists with disabilities who are members of the National Federation of Music Clubs. Letter from physician, CD recording and recommendation letter. For students age 12 to 19.
Contact:
Cheryl Schmidt
Tel (direct): (320) 231-0027
Tel (main): (317) 882-4003
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.nfb.org/scholarships
Total: 30 merit-based, national-level scholarships ($3,000-$12,000/each).
Open Period: November to March 31st
Award Criteria and Application Process: Must be legally blind in both eyes, and must be residing in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. Must be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the 2016 scholastic year, except that one scholarship may be given to a person employed full-time while attending school part-time. Must participate in the entire NFB national convention and in all of its scheduled scholarship program activities. (*In addition to a scholarship, each winner will receive assistance to attend the National Federation of the Blind Annual Convention.)
Contact:
Chairperson Patti Chang, Esq.
200 East Wells Street (at Jernigan Place)
Baltimore, MD 21230
Tel: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2415
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown ($2,000-$3,000).
Award Criteria and Application Process: Awarded to legally blind state residents pursuing a full-time college or graduate course of study.
Link: http://www.nib.org/content/scholarship-application
Total: One (1) scholarship ($2,500).
Filing Date/Deadline: May 27th
Award Criteria and Application Process: To provide funding to upper division and graduate students preparing for a career in assistive technology. Work, community experience and essay. Top candidates will be interviewed by phone.
Contact:
National Industries for the Blind
Attn: Scholarship Program
1310 Braddock Place
Alexandra, VA 22314
Tel 1: (703) 310-0343
Tel 2: (703) 310-0568
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.press.org/activities/aboutscholarship.cfm
Total: One (1) four-year scholarship ($2,000-$2,500 with $500 book stipend).
Filing Date/Deadline: February
Award Criteria and Application Process: For high school seniors who are disabled and are planning to major in journalism. Essay, samples of work, letters of recommendation, transcript, financial need and proof of acceptance.
Contact:
Tel: (202) 662-7599
Link: http://www.tourismcares.org
Total: One (1) scholarship ($3,500).
Filing Date/Deadline: April 2nd
Award Criteria and Application Process: Limited to undergraduate or graduate students with physical and/or sensory disabilities who are planning a career in the travel and tourism industry.
Contact:
National Tour Foundation
546 East Main Street
Lexington, KY 40508
Toll-free: (800) 682-8886
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.newoutlookpioneers.org
Total: Up to 22 scholarships ($500-$2,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: March
Award Criteria and Application Process: Open to students with physical and mental disabilities. Must submit a one-page essay describing how the student has met the challenge of their disability and one page of supporting documentation.
Contact:
Tel: (303) 571-9256
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.apollo.gmu.edu/finaid
Total: One (1) scholarship ($10,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: March 1st
Award Criteria and Application Process: 1) Be a U.S. citizen. 2) Be a full-time undergraduate student enrolled at Northern Arizona University. 3) Have a significant medical condition and/or disability. 4) Provide a resume describing his/her personality, activities, awards, special performance and talents, and any other information that the applicant believes to be relevant. 5) Submit a one-page essay describing how he/she is able to see past the barriers of his/her medical condition and how it benefits and inspires them to reach goals and overcome challenges on a daily basis. 6) Submit a one-page letter of recommendation from a teacher who knows him/her very well. The purpose of this letter is to provide information about the person, not their academic background. The letter is to be signed, dated and placed in a sealed envelope and submitted with the scholarship application. 7) Submit a one-page letter from his/her current physician describing the applicant, their attitude toward their medical condition, and the specifics of that condition, along with any other information. The scholarship will attempt to cover tuition, fees and on-campus housing to the recipient through the provision of an approximately $10,000 scholarship. Any excess funds will be made available to the student to use for such items as food, books and medical expenses. Preference will be given to an incoming freshman; however, other applicants meeting the aforementioned criteria are encouraged to apply.
Contact:
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown (amount varies).
Filing Date/Deadline: Varies
Award Criteria and Application Process: Complete application form, include a copy of college transcript, and a one to two-page essay on “Your career goals and how you plan to reach them.” Eligible students must be residents of the state of Ohio and must be legally blind.
Contact:
Leah Monaghan
Scholarship Coordinator
Office for Disability Services
150 Pomerene Hall
1760 Neil Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210-1297
Tel: (330) 941-1372
Total: One (1) scholarship ($1,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: July 31st
Award Criteria and Application Process: Visually impaired student who will be a freshman or sophomore at an accredited Ohio institution during the Fall semester. Preference is given to Ohio residents who are enrolled in non-traditional studies, including accounting, business, computer science, engineering, finance, mathematics, science and/or technology.
Contact:
Karla M. Lortz Memorial Scholarship
400 East Campus View Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43235
Tel: (614) 985-9052
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Gift of Sight Grant ($1,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: March 31st
Award Criteria and Application Process: Open to a high school graduating student who is legally blind or visually impaired. The applicant must be of Italian descent who will begin full time study in the Fall. Application, proof of vision impairment, transcript, ACT/SAT scores, two letters of recommendation from teachers, and essay.
Contact:
Michele Ment
NYS Scholarship Chair
1027 Farmers Mill Road
Carmel, NY 10512
Tel: (516) 485-7011
Total: Varies annually ($5,000-$10,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: July
Award Criteria and Application Process: Provide financial assistance to residents of NY, NJ, OK or PA who are attending college in any state and are experiencing financial need because of special circumstances such as illness or injury. Must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Contact:
Otto Sussman Trust
P.O. Box 1374
Trains Meadow Station
Flushing, NY 11370-9998
Tel: (845) 575-3230
Total: Unknown.
Award Criteria and Application Process: Applicants will be evaluated and may receive assistance with tuition, books, visual aids, housing, transportation, and/or their special needs.
Contact:
Jodi: (509) 886-1055
Donna Gills: (509) 884-7924
Link: http://www.usafunds.org
Total: Varies annually ($750-$1,500 renewable for a maximum of $6,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: February
Award Criteria and Application Process: Provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students from ethnic minority groups or for students with physical disabilities. Financial need, academic performance, leadership, community service.
Contact:
Tel: (507) 931-1682
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown.
Award Criteria and Application Process: To be eligible, students must be enrolled in an Illinois grade school or high school; have been diagnosed by a medical doctor with a visual impairment that requires accommodations within their school environment; and have a family experiencing financial limitations.
Contact:
Kerry Obrist
65 E. Wachler Place, Suite 1010
Chicago, IL 60601
Tel: (312) 236-8569
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Six (6) scholarship: one (1) $12,000 four-year scholarship, one (1) $10,000 four-year scholarship, one (1) $8,000 four-year scholarship, and three (3) $4,000 two-year scholarships.
Filing Date/Deadline: March 1st
Award Criteria and Application Process: Open to residents of Colorado who will be attending college in any state. Must be visually impaired with a GPA of 3.4 or above and an ACT score of 25 or above.
Contact:
Dr. Thomas Theune
The See the Future Fund
P.O. Box 63022
Colorado Springs, CO 80962-3022
Tel: (719) 471-3200
E-mail 1: [email protected]
E-mail 2: [email protected]
Total: Two (2) merit-based “full-ride tuition” scholarships (plus an additional $1,500/year for books).
Filing Date/Deadline: March 1st
Award Criteria and Application Process: For visually impaired or blind students who meet the See the Future Fund criteria: 1) Acceptance to CU-Boulder, CU-Denver, or CU-Colorado Springs, 2) unweighted high school GPA of 3.4 or higher (through senior year), 3) achieve an A or B in at least one AP or IB course during junior or senior year. If a school district does not offer AP or IB courses, the student must address this in their application. If an applicant is graduating from the Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind, that student must achieve an A or B in at least one AP class from a local high school, and 4) an ACT composite score of 25 (80th percentile) or above.
Contact:
Dr. Thomas Theune
The See the Future Fund
P.O. Box 63022
Colorado Springs, CO 80962-3022
Tel: (719) 471-3200
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.sophiasheart.org
Total: Varies ($1,000).
Filing Date/Deadline: January
Award Criteria and Application Process: Financial assistance for college for disabled and other high schools seniors who have been challenged by a roadblock or setback. Community service, extracurricular activities, GPA and essay.
Contact:
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown (exemption from tuition).
Contact:
South Dakota Board of Regents Scholarship Commitee
207 East Capitol Ave
Pierre, SD 57501-3159
Tel: (605) 773-3455
Total: Unknown ($500 each).
Filing Date/Deadline: July 31st
Award Criteria and Application Process: Awarded to members of USABA for two years and have been admitted to an academic, vocational, technical, professional, or certification program at the post-secondary level.
Contact:
Kevin Brousard
33 North Institute Street
Brown Hall, Suite 015
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Tel: (719) 866-3019
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://www.grad.berkeley.edu/financial/pdf/newman.pdf
Total: One (1) scholarship ($3,500).
Filing Date/Deadline: April 2nd
Award Criteria and Application Process: For substantially visually impaired graduate students. Award will be based on scholastic achievement. Applicants must be registered for the Fall semester when they receive the award.
Contact:
Please submit completed application and supporting documents to:
Graduate Services: Fellowships
318 Sproul Hall #5900
Berkeley, CA 94720-5900
Total: Unknown (varies).
Filing Date/Deadline: Spring
Award Criteria and Application Process: UGA student registered with the Disability Resource Center. Must be Georgia resident with a GPA of at least 2.5 and have 30 completed semester hours.
Contact:
Disability Resource Center
The University of Georgia
114 Clark
Howell Hall
Athens, GA 30602-3338
Tel: (706) 542-9719
Link: http://www.swimwithmike.org
Total: Varies annually (need-based).
Filing Date/Deadline: May 1st
Award Criteria and Application Process: Provides financial assistance for college or graduate school to physically challenged athletes. Open to athletes who have participated in organized competitive youth, high school or college athletics. Application, personal statement, letters of recommendation, verification of disability and documentation of financial need.
Contact:
Tel: (213) 740-4155
E-mail: [email protected]
Link: http://education.kennedy-center.org/education/vsa/programs/soloists_award.cfm
Total: Unknown ($2,000 and the opportunity to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC).
Filing Date/Deadline: March 29th
Award Criteria and Application Process: Open to soloists and ensembles of any instrument or genre including classical, jazz, hip-hop, rock, and more. Must be a musician with a disability between the ages of 14 and 25, have never won the VSA International Young Soloists Competition and be present for the International Young Soloists Events and Performances in Washington, DC.
Contact:
Very Special Arts
1300 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Toll-free: (800) 933-8721
Total: Six (6) scholarships ($1,500-$3,000/year for two years).
Award Criteria and Application Process: Must be legally blind (visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better corrected eye, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less in the better corrected eye as confirmed by a physician). Must be a legal U.S. citizen residing in Pennsylvania. Must be enrolled in or under consideration for admission to post-secondary educational or technical institutions.
Contact:
Vision Corps Foundation
Attn: Scholarships
244 N. Queen Street, Suite 301
Lancaster, PA 17603
Tel: (717) 393-5894
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: Unknown (amount varies).
Award Criteria and Application Process: Awarded to high school seniors and undergraduates who are interested in majoring in computer science or computer programming.
Contact:
c/o Janis Olsen
Summit Bank Building
310 4th Avenue South, Suite 822
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Total: 50 scholarships ($7,430).
Filing Date/Deadline: June 14th
Award Criteria and Application Process: For students with disabilities interested in working in the executive, judicial or legislative branches of the federal government during the Fall semesters. Be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university. Be at least a second semester sophomore at the time of the internship. Have at least a 2.75 GPA. Be a U.S. citizen. Self-identify as a person with a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Application materials should include: official transcript, three letters of recommendation, resume, three writing samples, completed application form, and campus sponsorship agreement.
Contact:
1333 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202) 238-7900
Total: Unknown ($1,500 or less).
Filing Date/Deadline: Varies
Award Criteria and Application Process: To be considered, applicant must be a legal resident of Washington State, eligible for vocational rehabilitation services with DSB, and a high school senior who will graduate the year that the scholarship application is submitted.
Contact:
Child and Family Program
Scholarship Program
3411 South Alaska Way
Seattle, WA 98118
Tel: (206) 721-4422
Toll-free: (800) 552-7103
Link: http://www.wmich.edu/visionstudies/scholarships
Total: Unknown (varies).
Award Criteria and Application Process: Most financial support requires students to become employed after graduation in the field of vision rehabilitation for two years for every year that support is provided. A limited number of graduate assistantships are available. These assistantships provide financial assistance to students who work 10 to 20 hours a week for the department.
Contact:
Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies
Attn: Nancy Cretsinger
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Tel: (616) 387-3455
E-mail: [email protected]
Total: 10 scholarships ($2,000 each).
Filing Date/Deadline: March
Award Criteria and Application Process: Applicants must be from the state of Wisconsin, be legally blind, have completed at least one year carrying a full academic load, and have an accumulated grade point of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Contact:
Tel: (608) 255-1166
Toll-free: (800) 783-5213
E-mail: [email protected]