Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired Opens College Scholarship Program for Blind, Deaf-Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Deadline to Apply is April 30

February 24, 2026 

(TRENTON) – Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha today announced blind, deaf-blind, and visually impaired students can now apply for scholarships offered through the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The program is open to high school seniors and college students of any age who will be registered to attend the Fall semester of the 2026-2027 academic year at any qualified US Institution. Students must be active or eligible CBVI clients. For full eligibility requirements, please visit here.  

"These scholarships offer financial assistance to ensure that individuals with visual impairments can achieve their academic and professional aspirations," said Commissioner Cha. “Higher education is a gateway to endless possibilities, and it’s crucial that everyone, regardless of visual ability, has the chance to explore all that it has to offer. We urge those interested to learn more about this program and apply for the 2026-2027 school year.”

“Education should be accessible to everyone. These scholarships make higher education more attainable by alleviating financial pressures,” said Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire. “Beyond financial aid, these scholarships recognize and celebrate the remarkable talents and achievements of students with visual impairments. They embody our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity, equity, and a sense of belonging for all.”

“For well over two decades, the CBVI’s Board of Trustees has awarded scholarships to outstanding students with visual impairments pursuing higher education. We are excited to continue this support to the next generation of scholars. These scholarships work to foster equal opportunity and help reduce financial burden,” said CBVI Executive Director Dr. Bernice Davis. “I urge CBVI consumers to check their eligibility and apply.”

Five privately funded scholarships will be available, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Each scholarship will be awarded to a student who best fits the qualifications.

Available scholarships are:

  1. The Caroline Rose Foster Scholarship for Independence and Self-Determination
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Sponsors: The CBVI Board of Trustees
    • Award is based on the following criteria in order of priority: Response to essay questions, strength of letters of recommendation, GPA, and SAT score.
  2. The Nathan & Sally Rogoff Scholarship for Academic Excellence
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Sponsor: NJ Commission for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CBVI) - Board of Trustees
    • Award is based on the following criteria in order of priority: Response to essay questions, GPA, SAT score, strength of letters of recommendation, involvement in extracurricular activities, and volunteer/community service.
  3. The Sarah J. Churchill Scholarship for Volunteerism and Support to a Charitable Cause
    • Amount: $1,000
    • Sponsor: Fund for the New Jersey Blind
    • Award is based on the following criteria in order of priority: Charitable work such as volunteer or community service, response to essay questions, involvement in extracurricular activities, and strength of letters of recommendation, GPA, and SAT score.
  4. The Cathy and Herb Bodensiek Scholarship for Students Majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) or Business Administration 
    • Amount: $2,500
    • Sponsor: Estate of Herb Bodensiek
    • Award is based on the following criteria in order of priority: Candidate must major in STEM or Business Administration, response to essay questions, GPA, SAT score, strength of letters of recommendation, involvement in extracurricular activities and volunteer/community service, and financial need.
  5. The Mary Louise Buckley Scholarship for Students Majoring in Health Services or Communications 
    • Amount: $5,000
    • Sponsor: Estate of Mary Louise Buckley
    • Award is based on the following criteria in order of priority: Candidate must major in Health Services or Communications, involvement in extracurricular activities, volunteer and community service activities, response to essay questions, GPA, SAT score, strength of letters of recommendation, and financial need.

All interested applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 for all scholarships and must be an active or eligible CBVI client.

Applications and supporting documents must be submitted online or emailed as an attachment on or before April 30, 2026 to CBVI.Scholarship@dhs.nj.gov. Applicants will not be sent notification of missing documentation.  

Applicants who wish to receive the application and application instructions in Spanish may email CBVI.Scholarship@dhs.nj.gov.

Selected scholarship winners will be recognized during an awards ceremony at the Trenton Thunder Ballpark on July 29, 2026.

For questions or additional information, please email Bryan.McClain@dhs.nj.gov.