[Nfbv-announce] Need money for school? Check out NFB scholarships

[John Bailey]

National Federation of the Blind
2016 Scholarship Program



To recognize achievement by blind scholars, the National Federation of the Blind annually offers blind college students in the United States and Puerto Rico the opportunity to win one of thirty merit-based, national-level scholarships worth from $3,000 to $12,000. All scholarships awarded are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS



All applicants for these scholarships:

1.    must be legally blind (PDF document) in both eyes, and

2.    must be residing in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, and

3.    must be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, postsecondary course of study in a degree program at a United States institution in the 2016 scholastic year, except that one scholarship may be given to a person employed full-time while attending school part-time, and

4.    must participate in the entire NFB national convention and in all of its scheduled scholarship program activities.

In addition to a scholarship, each winner will receive assistance to attend the 2016 National Federation of the Blind Annual Convention which takes place June 30 to July 5, 2016, in Orlando, Florida, providing an excellent opportunity for high-level networking with active blind persons in many different professions and occupations.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2016. See Scholarship FAQ for details.

Please Note: Some PDF files will not upload to the online Application form. If this occurs, please attach the PDF file to an email and send it to Scholarships at nfb.org.

TO APPLY FOR AN NFB SCHOLARSHIP:

·        Confirmation of Legal Blindness (PDF document). Are you eligible?

·        Submissions Checklist. This webpage lists the requirements for a complete application. Documents must be submitted online or postmarked by March 31, 2016. Complete applications tend to have an advantage in the competition.  The NFB Scholarship Committee takes no responsibility for notifying you if required information is missing from your application.

·        Frequently Asked Questions (Scholarships FAQ). Answers include useful advice for any applicant.

·        2016 Scholarship Application Form, online edition: available 11-1-2015 through 3-31-2016.

·        2016 Scholarship Application Form, print edition: available upon request 11-1-2015 through 3-31-2016.

·        "The Secret to Winning a National Federation of the Blind Scholarship" by Scholarship Chairperson Patti S. Gregory-Chang, Esq.

·        "Self-Advocacy in Higher Education" by Mark Riccobono

·        2016 NFB Scholarship Program flyer

What kind of student wins an NFB scholarship?  You may read about past NFB National Scholarship recipients in August-September "convention issues" of the Braille Monitor.

    Braille Monitor, August-September 2015
    Braille Monitor, August-September 2014
    Braille Monitor, August-September 2013
    Braille Monitor, August-September 2012
   Braille Monitor, August-September 2011

Please direct any additional questions to the chairperson.  Email is preferred.

Chairperson Patti Chang, Esq.
Email: scholarships at nfb.org
Office: (410) 659-9314, extension 2415

NFB Scholarship Program
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
200 East Wells Street
   at Jernigan Place
Baltimore, Maryland 21230


OTHER POSSIBLE RESOURCES:

1. “College Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities” guidebook <http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/affordable-colleges-for-students-with-disabilities/> will help students and their families better understand the vast number of financial aid options available to students with disabilities, including those who face cognitive, physical, or other types of disabilities while attending school. Key elements of the guide include:

·        A comprehensive review of scholarships, listed by disability

·        Amounts awarded and deadlines for each scholarship

·        Debt-forgiveness options for those who acquired a disability post-graduation

2. "Helping Students with Visual Impairments" guide:
http://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/helping-students-with-visual-impairments/

The guide was created in part by four experts in the field, who lent their experience and expertise to help provide students with visual impairments the tips and resources needed to succeed in school. Key features include:

·        Tips for choosing the right college

·        An in-depth look at the top assistive technology and tools being used 

·        Scholarships available for students with visual impairments



Page taken from: https://nfb.org/scholarships