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Scholarships For Students with Disabilities

Scholarships for students with disabilities may be available to any student with a documented disability, or specifically for students with certain conditions. Students may need to be majoring in particular areas in order to qualify for some scholarships. Students with disabilities may also eligible to apply for more general scholarships, based on merit, need, their race or ethnicity, or community service participation. Before applying for any scholarship, make sure that you meet all the requirements and expectations of the awarding organization.

For more information about resources for students with disabilities, go to this website:
https://study.com/resources/college-resource-for-students-with-disabilities

Google Lime Scholarship

The Google Lime Scholarship is offered each year to students with disabilities majoring in computer science or engineering or another computer-related field. The scholarship awards up to $10,000 for students in the U.S. or $5,000 for students in Canada. Students should be able to demonstrate leadership, a passion for technology, and have a record of excellent academic performance. Scholarship applicants will need:

  •  Information regarding experience and education
  •  A current resume
  •  Unofficial transcripts
  •  A letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, or supervisor
  •  Four essays showing a passion for computer science and technology

Winners will be invited to attend the annual Google Scholars' Retreat at the Googleplex campus in Mountain View, California, and may be considered for internship opportunities at Google. Applications are typically due in early December of each year.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities' Anne Ford Scholarship

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) puts out the Anne Ford Scholarship, worth $2,500 per year for four years, for high school seniors with ADHD or specific learning disabilities. The award is intended for students who can demonstrate self-advocacy, are committed to higher education, are active in their school and community, have a record of academic achievement, and are seen as role models. To be eligible, students must be:

  •  Graduating seniors attending a bachelor's degree program at a university beginning in the fall
  •  Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  •  Provide information indicating financial need
  •  Provide documentation of their disability
  •  Be a U.S. citizen.

Applications open in the fall of each year, although exact dates may vary; semifinalists will be interviewed in March, and winners announced in the spring.

The Microsoft disAbility Scholarship

Microsoft's disAbility scholarship program is designed to empower students with disabilities and encourage them to achieve their dreams. The scholarship is worth up to $5,000 a year, renewable for four years, and is available to high

school seniors. To qualify, students should must meet the following requirements:

  •  Be a current high school senior with a documented disability, as recognized by the World Health Organization
  •  Plan to attend a 2 or 4-year institution immediately after graduation and major in a field of engineering, business administration, computer science, or pre-law
  •  Have a financial need
  •  Have a passion for technology
  •  Demonstrate leadership at school
  •  Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  •  Be enrolled at least half-time

Applicants will need to send in a resume detailing extracurricular activities, work experience, and honors won, an unofficial transcript, three essays (two 500 word, one 250 word), and two letters of recommendation, with at least one being from a member of school faculty. Applications are due by March 1, 2020.

The Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation Scholarship

Founded in honor of Joseph James Morelli, a student with learning disabilities who tragically passed away at a young age, the The Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation Scholarship aims to assist students with learning disabilities in achieving careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The value of the scholarship ranges from $500 to $2,500, which can be spent on tuition, books, testing, tutoring, assistive technologies, or other forms of accommodation. In order to be eligible, students must meet the following qualifications:

  •  Be a high school student approaching graduation, or an undergraduate student enrolled in the fall
  •  Be pursuing a degree in a STEM field
  •  Have a demonstrated learning disability, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia

Applicants will need to provide their email address, a recommendation letter from a teacher or counselor, documentation proving their learning disability, and their most recent transcript. Applications open in January and close on March 13, 2020. Winners will be notified by the end of May and receive their funding over the summer.

The American Council of the Blind Scholarship Program

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) and the American Foundation for the Blind offer scholarships for blind students ranging in value from $2,000 to $7,500. To qualify for the scholarship, a student must meet the following criteria:

  •  Be a graduating high school student planning to attend a university or technical college, an undergraduate student, or graduate student
  •  Be legally blind
  •  Have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
  •  Be a full-time student, or part-time student working at least 32 hours a week
  •  Be involved in their school or local community

Applicants will need to make an account and will be sent a link to the application via email. Applications generally open in November and run through February. Scholarship winners will attend the ACB's national conference in July.