Calling all middle school, high school, and college students! As you move through your school years and begin to think about who you are as a person and what you want to do next in your life, consider applying for a scholarship or entering an essay contest. The process of filling out a scholarship application or writing an essay can be both empowering and rewarding. Sharing your story with others enables you to showcase your strengths, accomplishments, and dreams, and you may even earn an award or some cash for college in the process!
This list is intended to aid in your research. The organizations listed here are in no particular order and are specifically for students with disabilities. You should also speak with your teachers and school counselors to inquire about essay contests and scholarships available to all students. Also look for potential scholarships in your own community. Check the websites for your local community foundation, your local United Way, and your local Center for Independent Living or Disability Network.
This list has been compiled by MDE-LIO Parent Liaison Amy Shepherd.
Scholarships
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 31
Thirty $8,000 merit-based scholarships are available from NFB. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Finalists are announced every spring. They then attend NFB’s national convention in July, when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected.
Lighthouse Guild Scholarships
Deadline: March 31
Lighthouse Guild offers merit-based scholarships for students with vision loss who are newly transitioning to college or graduate education. Each year, up to 20 scholarships are awarded to outstanding high school students who are legally blind across the United States. An annual scholarship is also awarded to at least one qualifying graduate student. The award is unrestricted, so it can be used for tuition, room and board, books, supplies, or travel.
The Jewish Braille Institute of America, Inc.
Deadline: April 10
The Jewish Braille Institute of America, Inc., offers the Nathan L. and Susan K. Wolfson Fund for Jewish college students who are BVI.
Michigan Council for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MCBVI) Scholarships
Deadline: May 15
MCBVI will offer three scholarships for students in Michigan who are Blind/Visually Impaired (BVI). One scholarship will be awarded for each of the following categories: technical/vocational career, undergraduate degree, and graduate degree. These scholarships are intended to promote the education of students who are BVI and to promote a more diverse, equal, and inclusive society by decreasing barriers. To apply, email Dr. Joe Todd at [email protected] or Merrilee Hill-Kennedy at [email protected].
AER Scholarships
Deadline: May 15
The Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) offers the Ferrell Scholarship to students who are legally blind and are preparing for a career in the education or rehabilitation of children or adults who are BVI.
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan Scholarship Program
Deadline: October 1
The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan’s annual scholarship program awards up to $1,750 (one for $1000, one for $500, and one for $250) to students across the state who are legally blind. Full-time college students or graduating high school seniors who are attending college full-time in the spring may apply. All finalists must attend the entire National Federation of the Blind of Michigan state convention, which will be held in November.
Michigan Council for Exceptional Children Yes I Can! Awards
Deadline: December 20
The Yes I Can! Awards honor students with disabilities who excel. These awards celebrate the achievements of children and youth with disabilities; encourage these individuals to seek their highest potential; and increase public awareness of the abilities, aspirations, and personal qualities of those with disabilities. Each candidate must be nominated by one individual (e.g., teacher, principal, related service provider, friend, parent).
Lions of Michigan
Deadline: December 30
The Lions of Michigan White Cane scholarship is for high school seniors and college students. The scholarship form can be found under the White Cane drop-down menu on the Lions of Michigan site above.
Learning Ally National Achievement Awards
Deadline: December 31
Each year, Learning Ally offers three endowed scholarship awards for outstanding students with print and learning disabilities and the educators who ensure our students thrive academically. These awards are for high school seniors and college students.
Michigan AER Chapter Scholarship
Deadline: March 1
The Michigan Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (MAER) will offer a $500 scholarship to an individual who has been a Michigan resident for at least two years, is Blind/Visually Impaired (BVI), and is enrolled in college or some other postsecondary program to train for employment. A high school diploma, GED, or certificate of completion is required, along with two letters of recommendation, an essay about how they plan to use the scholarship, and proof of the visual impairment.
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 15
The Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program awards three students an individual prize of $3,000. This competitive scholarship is available to full-time college students with low vision, chosen from among those who meet the visual acuity and academic guidelines.
Scholarships and Grants for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Want more scholarship ideas? The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons offers a list of scholarships and grants that are available for students.
Essay and Reading Contests
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Essay Contest
Submission Deadline: April 30, 2023
This contest is for multiple age categories. The annual youth and adult writing contests are sponsored by the NFB Writers’ Division.
Michigan Regional Braille Challenge
Offered in January and February
The Michigan Regional Braille Challenge is an annual competition hosted by MDE-LIO, in partnership with Genesee Intermediate School District (ISD) and Kent ISD. Braille Challenge is designed to motivate students who are BVI to emphasize their study of braille, while rewarding their success with fun-filled, but challenging, regional and national events. The competition is held each January and February; registration opens each December at MDE-LIO Events.
The National Federation of the Blind and American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults Braille Readers Are Leaders Contest
Available in November
This Braille literacy contest is for students and adults learning braille across the US to compete against participants in similar contest categories for seven weeks. The purpose is to promote the joy of reading for pleasure; to promote a pride in Braille as a viable literacy medium equal to print; and to demonstrate the importance of independent reading in the development of braille literacy skills.
Products, services, and programs noted above are included for information only, and their inclusion should not be interpreted as a recommendation of MDE-LIO.