[NABS-L] NFB of Minnesota 2026 Joyce and Tom Scanlan Scholarship Announcement

[Ben Zheng]

Dear all,


Please see an exciting announcement below regarding the 2026 NFB of
Minnesota Joyce and Tom Scanlan Scholarship! We encourage all qualified
candidates to apply and to share this opportunity with students who may
benefit. If you or someone you know meets the eligibility requirements, we
strongly encourage you to apply before the April 15 deadline.


The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota announces our 2026 Joyce
and Tom Scanlan scholarship. Applications are being accepted until April 15.


What’s In It for you?

This year we will be awarding two scholarships of $3,000 each to qualified
applicants who are legally blind and attending school next fall in
Minnesota.


In addition to the monetary award, finalists will have the opportunity to
attend the Annual Convention of the National Federation of the Blind during
July 3-8  at our expense in Austin, Texas, this year. At the convention,
scholarship finalists will have the chance to meet other blind students
from throughout the country and gain valuable insights into succeeding as
blind people.


Additionally, both finalists are required, at our expense, to attend the
National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota convention in the fall, with
dates and location still to be determined. The scholarships will be
presented at the banquet of our state convention.


Who can Apply and How?

Candidates must be students who are legally blind and attending a
post-secondary school full-time or part-time in Minnesota.


On the scholarships page of our website, you will find additional
information as well as a link to our online application. Be sure to include
the additional required documents and send them to scholarships at nfbmn.org.
A Microsoft Word version of this information and application can also be
requested through the same email address.


What Else is Needed Besides an Application?

The following documents must also be supplied:


Personal essay from applicant

NFB scholarships are awarded on the basis of scholastic excellence and
community/campus service and leadership. In your essay, discuss your
academic and career goals as well as your academic, community, and/or
employment experiences. Tell us about yourself and why you are a deserving
recipient of the scholarship. Since the awards are restricted to legally
blind people, the committee will also be interested in the techniques you
use to succeed as a student who is blind. If you are a part-time student,
tell us how your part-time status supports your educational goals.


Two letters of recommendation

You can send these via email to the committee at scholarships at nfbmn.org.


Transcripts

Please send a current, official transcript from the institution you’re now
attending and transcripts from all other post-secondary institutions you’ve
attended. If you have not yet completed one year of college study, submit a
transcript from the high school you previously attended.


Is There an Interview?

All applicants will be contacted by a member of the scholarship committee
shortly after the application deadline of April 15. A telephone interview
will enable you to tell the committee more about yourself and your goals
for the future.


What is the Deadline?

Your application, essay, letters of recommendation, and transcript(s) must
be received by April 15.


What if There are Questions?

If you or anyone else has any questions regarding these awards, please
contact the Scholarship Committee via email at scholarships at nfbmn.org or
call us at (612) 872-9363.


To learn more about us and what we do here in Minnesota, please visit our
state affiliate website at www.nfbmn.org.


Sincerely,

NFB of Minnesota Scholarship Committee


2801 Hennepin Ave. S. #126, Minneapolis, MN 55408


Ben Zheng

National Federation of The Blind of Minnesota

President

Minnesota Association of Blind Students