The National Federation of the Blind gives 30 college scholarships to the nation's top blind students every year during their annual convention. These awards include the $12,000 Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship; 1 Scholarship for $10,000; 2 Scholarships for $7,000 each; 4 Scholarships for $5,000 each; and 22 Scholarships for $3,000 each. Each winner will be brought to the NFB annual convention next July at Federation expense and will receive other useful gifts.
When a student applies for a national scholarship, his or her application is also automatically sent to the NFB New Jersey Affiliate state to be entered in the state competition. It is also possible to apply only for a state scholarship. For more information on NFB-NJ scholarship opportunities, contact:
www.nfb.org/nfb/scholarship_program.asp
American Council of the Blind will present more than two dozen scholarships and awards to outstanding blind students in 2009. All legally blind, full-time students admitted to academic and vocational training programs at the post-secondary level are encouraged to apply for one of these scholarships. Part-time students who are working full-time are also invited to apply for the John Hebner Memorial Scholarship. A cumulative grade point average of 3.3 is generally required, but extenuating circumstances may be considered for certain scholarships. Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes. Applications may be completed on line, but supporting documentation must be submitted in hard copy print.
The Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCLVI) accepts applications for their Scholarship Program. The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) will award three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to entering freshmen, undergraduate and graduate college students who are visually impaired, maintain a strong GPA and are involved in their school/local community. Applications may be submitted beginning January 1st and all materials must be received by March 1st. If there are questions or additional information is required, please e-mail to: scholarship@cclvi.org
www.cclvi.org/scholars.htm
Lighthouse International
Lighthouse, Inc. offers awards to college bound high school seniors, and undergraduate and graduate students who are legally blind. Applicants must be citizens, and reside and attend school in one of these states: NY, NJ, CT, PA, and New England States. Lighthouse, Inc. also offers Career Achievement Awards for exceptional employees, employers, and self-employed individuals.
www.lighthouse.org
The Jewish Guild for the Blind has created an annual scholarship program for
college bound high school students who are legally blind . Applications will be accepted from students at the end of their junior year, with recipients selected and scholarships awarded the following academic year. The GuildScholar Program will award 12 to15 scholarships of up to $15,000 each.
www.jgb.org/guildscholar.asp
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps jobs are open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents aged seventeen or older. Members serve full or part-time over a ten- to twelve-month period. Participants receive an education award to pay for college or graduate school, and/or to pay back student loans. They also receive health insurance, training, and student loan deferment. For more information on AmeriCorps, contact: NJ Commission on National & Community Services, NJ Department of State,
P.O. Box 459, 225 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08625-0459
(609) 633-9627 call 1-800-942-2677 (TTY 1-800-833-3722) or consult: http://www.nj.gov/state/americorps/fellows.html
Other Scholarship Resources:
http://www.jgb.org/pdf/Scholarship-Comparison-Chart.pdf
American Foundation for the Blind
www.afb.org/Section.asp?Documentid=2962
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER)
www.aerbvi.org
Blinded Veterans Association
www.bva.org/scholar/kfg.application.1207.doc
National Council for Support on Disability Issues
www.ncsd.org/scholar/scholarship.htm
The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid
www.finaid.org/otheraid/disabled.phtml
Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D)
www.rfbd.org
Lions Club International
www.lions.org
International Kiwanis Club
http://www.kiwanis.org/FindaClub/tabid/84/Default.aspx
TeleSensory Low Vision Scholarship
www.telesensory.com/about3-14.html11
Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Financial_Aid&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=1721
Student Inventors Scholarships
www.invent.org/collegiate/
Student Video Scholarships
www.christophers.org/vidcon2k.html
Coca-Cola Two-Year Scholars Foundation
www.ptk.org/schol/aaat/cocacola.htm
Ayn Rand Essay Scholarships
www.aynrand.org/contests/
Gates Millennium Scholarships
www.gmsp.org/
Xerox Scholarships for Students
www.xerox.com
Presidential Freedom Scholarships
www.nationalservice.org/scholarships/
Microsoft Scholarship Program
www.microsoft.com/college/ss_overview.mspx
Burger King Scholarship Program
www.bkscholars.scholarshipamerica.org/