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Scholarship Program

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Purpose

The Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program provides Scholarships for eligible New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut legally blind college students to attend select colleges and universities in the New York Tri-State Area. The Program is designed to provide financial support and career preparation assistance for legally blind individuals to enter and advance in the profession of their choice. We offer competitive undergraduate and graduate scholarships.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration for The Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program, a student must be:

  • A legal resident of the United States, residing in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.
  • Legally blind – Applicants should be registered with their state’s vocational rehabilitation agency for the blind. Otherwise-qualified students who are significantly visually impaired but not “legally blind” should contact the Lavelle Fund’s office.
  • Financially eligible, as defined by the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) determined by the FAFSA Financial Aid form.
  • Studying at one of 10 participating colleges and universities in the Tri-State New York area.

Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarships are both need and merit-based. Scholarships are generally awarded for the duration of the academic program but may fail to be renewed at the discretion of the Fund (e.g., due to lack of academic progress, non-academic/conduct violations, or change in the student’s financial status). The Lavelle Fund reserves the right to modify or terminate scholarships at any time for any reason in its sole discretion, with or without notice.

Lavelle Scholar Lassa Fisiru learning about the fragrance making process at MANE while on a career exploration field trip.

Image courtesy of Visions

Colleges and Universities

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How To Apply

Students must be accepted into a Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship college or university, complete the federal FAFSA form in addition to their college’s own financial aid application form, and seek sponsorship from their state’s Vocational Rehabilitation agency. Applicants should then contact Kate Morris, Scholarship Program Coordinator and complete The Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program’s mandatory Waiver/Release of Information Form authorizing the release of student assessment, education, and employment data to the Lavelle Fund for the Blind.

Student at their desk with an open laptop and notebook.

Applicant Selection

Scholarship recipients are determined through a comprehensive, in-depth vetting and interview process. Candidates must demonstrate academic consistency and strong technology, mobility, and interpersonal skills (e.g., are able to self-advocate and work well with peers and professionals). Recipients will be expected to progress academically, be actively engaged in career preparation activities including training, networking and internship opportunities, regularly participate in Scholar meetings, and demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, both in-person and online.

A Waiver/Release of Information Form is required to enable Scholarship Program staff to obtain related information at any point during the application process, the Scholar’s program of study and post-graduate subsequent transition into employment.

Accepted applicants must agree to, and abide by, the terms set forth in the Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Agreement (and related updates). The Lavelle Fund for the Blind reserves the right to adjust or revoke a scholarship award should student information change or the student fail to accurately provide all required information.

Contact

Should you have questions about the Scholarship Program, please contact:

Kate Morris
Scholarship Program Coordinator
(212) 668-9801, ext. 101
(generally on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays)
[email protected]