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Scholarships

For information on mini-grants, visit the Mini-Grants page.

Scholarships are available for eligible students in Michigan who are Blind/Visually Impaired (BVI). This funding supports students and parents who wish to attend school programs and services, trainings, and recreational and social activities.

Attend Approved Programs

Approved programs include:

  • Enrichment programs
  • Workshops
  • Camps
  • Learning opportunities

Scholarships can also pay for:

  • Registration fees
  • Travel reimbursement up to 100 miles at the current state-approved rate

Scholarships are not intended for MDE-LIO programs.

Who is Eligible

To be considered for a scholarship, a student must:

  • Be a Michigan resident, 0-26 years of age, and attending the K–12 school system.
  • Meet the definition of having a visual impairment, including DeafBlindness, as defined in the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education [PDF]:
    • R 340.1708 Visual impairment explained; determination
    • R 340.1717 DeafBlindness defined; determination
  • Be eligible for financial need, as demonstrated by a Bridge Card or formal documentation from the school confirming the student receives free or reduced meals.

Funding Amount

The maximum funding is $250 per event, and $1,200 per fiscal year (October 1 – September 30), for both parent and student. Mileage reimbursement is included in the amount allowed. If a scholarship is awarded, MDE-LIO will provide funding after the event.

​How to Apply

Use the Scholarship Application Packet [PDF] to apply for a scholarship.

Please submit your application at least 30 days prior to the program. Your request must be approved by MDE-LIO before the event begins. Within three days of receiving your application, MDE-LIO will notify you via email whether your request has been approved or denied.

Before the event, submit the following to MDE-LIO:

  1. Scholarship Application Form (page 3 of the application packet)
  2. Certificate of Eligibility Form (page 5 of the application packet)
  3. Proof of financial need:
    • Copy of your Bridge Card, or
    • Formal documentation from the school confirming the student receives free or reduced meals
  4. Copy of the registration form, flyer, or article announcing the event

After the event, submit the following to MDE-LIO:

  1. Attendance Confirmation Form (page 6 of the application packet)
    • Bring this form to the event. This form must be signed by the event/program coordinator and must be received by MDE-LIO within 30 days after the program ends.
  2. Non-State Employee Travel Voucher
    • To receive a copy of the travel voucher form, please email [email protected]. 
    • Submit this form with your attendance confirmation only if you claimed mileage reimbursement on your scholarship application.

For questions about MDE-LIO scholarships, please email [email protected].