Supporting students with disabilities, along with other student groups, as they work toward higher education is critically important, as is improving access to educational resources and funding. Doing so makes college and professions more diverse and representative, something we can all get behind.
If you’re a student with a disability and you’re looking for some extra help paying for college or want to take advantage of the many academic and career support programs available, you’ve come to the right place. This guide highlights 40 scholarships to help you reach your academic and career goals, including paths focused on public service such as teaching, law, nursing, and firefighting. Read on to find the funding sources that fit your individual goals and learn about professional resources, advocacy organizations, and opportunities for networking.
Scholarships & Grants for Students with Disabilities
Plenty of scholarships and grants are exclusively available to students with disabilities, and even those that aren’t are worth applying to. Whether you have visual or hearing loss, a speech impediment, a physical disability, or a different type of disability, here’s a look at 40 top scholarships to consider for public-service-related majors and other academic fields.
Eligible to full-time undergraduate (sophomore or higher) and full- or part-time graduate students with a disability (as defined by the ADA) who are pursuing studies related to health and disability. Examples of fields of study include, among others, public health, disability studies, rehabilitation engineering, audiology, and special education.
How to Apply
Submit the online application via the link on the scholarship page. Application submittals include college transcripts, documentation of disability, two letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
Applicants with a demonstrated disability can apply for this award if they are a graduating high school senior or current undergraduate. They must possess a 2.8 or higher GPA.
How to Apply
Students should submit an unofficial copy of their high school and/or college transcripts and write an essay ranging from 500-1,000 words.
Master’s and doctorate students pursuing degrees in accredited programs focused on communication sciences and disorders can apply to this award if they plan to help others once they graduate.
How to Apply
Applicants must supply university transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a letter of good standing, an essay, and a completed application.
Applicants should have a disability recognized by the ADA, DSM-V, IDEA, or another qualified governing body. They must be enrolled at an accredited university, community college, or vocational school.
How to Apply
Applicants must live in California, Oregon, or Washington. Materials must be submitted online and all recipients must complete 30 hours of community service.
Undergraduate and graduate students with a self-defined disability can apply for this award if they plan to work in communications, media, or entertainment – regardless of their chosen major.
How to Apply
Applicants must supply a completed online application, answers to three essay questions, a resume, unofficial transcripts, and a letter of recommendation.
The ACB provides several awards for undergraduate and graduate students with documented visual disabilities. Some focus on specific degrees while others are open to all majors.
How to Apply
Regardless of the award for which they apply, all students must be legally blind, possess a 3.0 GPA or higher, enrolled full-time (or part-time and working a minimum of 32 hours per week), and show evidence of being involved in their community.
Undergraduate and graduate students can apply to several awards presented by the Lighthouse Guild, provided they provide legal blindness documentation given by a vision specialist.
How to Apply
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and provide school transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement of 500 words or less.
Applicants must be visually impaired and currently pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies, regardless of subject area. They must also show evidence of academic promise, leadership, and community service.
How to Apply
Application materials include a personal narrative in writing and video, details of honors, explanation of activities, a letter of recommendation, and official transcripts.
Students who received a cochlear implant to address hearing loss/impairment can apply for this award if they possess at least a 3.0 GPA and reside in the U.S. or Canada.
How to Apply
Applicants must demonstrate academic commitment, community service, and involvement in extracurricular activities. They must also submit an online application.
Students with moderate to profound hearing loss who are attending law school or a graduate (master’s or doctoral) degree program in public policy or public administration. Hearing loss must be pre-lingual. Applicants must use listening and spoken language as their primary mode of communication.
How to Apply
Fill out and submit the application (linked on the scholarship page) along with all required documents by mail or via the email address provided. Application submittals include official transcripts, essay, and three letters of recommendation.
U.S. citizens with minimum 40dB bilateral hearing loss can apply for this if they are working towards a bachelor’s degree and possess a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2.
How to Apply
Required materials include two letters of recommendation, high school and college transcripts, and a recent audiogram conducted by a hearing health professional.
Applicants must be pursuing a graduate degree in speech-language pathology or audiology at an accredited school. They must also hold a 3.5 GPA or higher.
How to Apply
Applicants must supply two letters of recommendation, official college transcripts, and evidence of a high GPA.
College students with a cleft palate, cleft lip, or craniofacial difference can apply for this award if attending an accredited postsecondary institution. Preference given to students currently enrolled in a field related to cleft or craniofacial conditions and to first-year students in any field.
How to Apply
Requirements for consideration include students with a craniofacial difference who can submit official transcripts demonstrating a 3.0 or higher GPA alongside their application.
Students with Learning, Cognitive, or Developmental Disabilities
This award exists for high school seniors who plan to attend a community college, vocational school, or specialized program for students with learning disabilities.
How to Apply
Applicants must provide documentation of a learning disability, financial documentation, and evidence of participating in community and school activities.
Graduating high school seniors with a documented learning disability and/or ADHD can apply to this award if they intend to enroll in a bachelor’s program on a full-time basis.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit evidence of a 3.0 or higher GPA, demonstrate financial need, and provide documentation of an identified and current learning disability/ADHD.
Students with an autism diagnosis who plan to pursue a full-time degree at a four-year institution, community college, vocational school, or cooperative life skills program are eligible to apply.
How to Apply
Follow the link on the scholarship website to fill out the online application and submit required documents.
Students enrolled in last year of high school or college on the undergraduate or graduate level with physical disabilities that require them to use a wheelchair or other mobility device can apply.
How to Apply
Students must submit a ‘visual poem’ focused on overcoming personal challenges. They must also supply evidence of enrollment and good standing alongside a 3.0 or higher GPA.
Available to high school seniors with a visible or invisible disability (i.e. someone who considers themselves to have a “long-term or recurring issue that impacts one or more major activities that others may consider to be a daily function.”) Applicant must be accepted (or has applied to and is awaiting acceptance) to a four-year college.
How to Apply
Follow the link on the scholarship page to apply online. Application requirements include a resume or CV and completion of an essay question related to living successfully with a disability. Finalists are required to submit a letter of recommendation.
Open to high school seniors and graduates and college undergraduates with a permanent physical disability that may have resulted from one of several listed causes. Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a part-time or half-time course of study at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university, or at a vocational-technical school. Applicant must also be either a permanent resident of one of eight Illinois counties or former patient at the Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital (regardless of residence).
How to Apply
Complete the application (linked on the scholarship website) and submit it by mail at the address provided.
Virginia residents or those enrolled in a Virginia-based college can apply for this award if they’re seeking a bachelor’s in emergency management or related degree on a full-time basis.
How to Apply
Requirements include a completed online application, 500-word essay, two letters of recommendation, current resume, official transcripts, and proof of current enrollment.
Students attending a participating campus must agree to spend at least 10 hours per week engaged in community service and 280 hours each summer. Students receive a scholarship and stipend.
How to Apply
Application materials and deadlines are set by individual campus partners, so students should check with the representative at their school.
Applicants must be in their final year of study for a bachelor’s or master’s degree accredited by the CSWE. They must also possess a 3.0 or higher GPA and be enrolled on a full-time basis.
How to Apply
Students must supply a completed application, official college transcripts, an academic resume, statement of purpose, and a demonstrated commitment to championing social justice and equity.
U.S. citizens working towards bachelor’s or master’s degrees in programs focused on cybersecurity can apply so long as they can obtain security clearance and qualify for Federal employment.
How to Apply
Students must apply directly to their college, provided it is a participating institution. The school then provides application instructions.
These awards support students interested in pursuing a degree focused on geography, language, or other fields of study deemed important to national security. Applicants must attend an accredited institute and agree to work in a government position after graduating.
How to Apply
Applicants should speak to a campus representative prior to filling out an application. They should demonstrate a serious commitment to language study and provide official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
Covers in-state tuition, room, board, books, and other fees
Deadline
2/15/23 (Annual)
Eligibility
Kentucky residents enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at a public Kentucky institution can apply for this award if studying topics related to energy or the environment.
How to Apply
Applicants must supply a completed application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and information about their current GPA. They should also provide an academic/volunteer resume and a 500-word essay on career goals.
Applicants must show a dedication to reaching their goals, specifically as they relate to lessening health, safety, and environmental risks for others. They must also be graduating high school seniors planning to attend a two- or four-year college.
How to Apply
Students submit an online application alongside information on volunteer and leadership involvement, high school transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.
Open to any rank of auxiliary officer with a minimum of one year in good standing enrolled in a degree program at an accredited, accepted institution.
How to Apply
Complete the application (linked above) and submit it via the email address provided. Requirements include a completed application (including auxiliary coordinator’s endorsement), unofficial copy of current transcript with entire academic history and current semester program, and current Bursar statement.
Graduate students with disabilities who are enrolled in areas of medicine, science, or other STEM topics can apply to this award and use funds to support their research project.
How to Apply
Follow application link on the program webpage. Applicants must supply a completed form, official transcripts, a support letter from a research/academic advisor, letter of recommendation, and proof of U.S. citizenship.
High school seniors who can demonstrate a commitment to citizenship, integrity, leadership, and drive can apply to this award if they plan to enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree the following year.
How to Apply
Applicants must provide evidence of college acceptance, a recommendation letter from a community leader, and documentation demonstrating both financial need and academic performance.
Students age 21 or younger who have demonstrated a commitment to public service by volunteering at least 100 hours at a DAV or DAV Auxiliary location can apply for this award.
How to Apply
Students must submit an application, evidence of completed volunteer hours signed by a supervisor, academic transcripts, and a 750- to 1,000-word essay.
Students working toward an associate (second year) or bachelor’s degree (juniors or seniors) in forestry can apply to this award if they demonstrate leadership qualities and/or financial need.
How to Apply
Follow link on scholarship website to application PDF. Materials required include a basic application, personal narrative, reference from your department head or forestry professor, optional additional references, and the most recent academic transcript available.
Students accepted to Pepperdine University’s Caruso School of Law receive consideration for this award if they demonstrate an interest in using their law degree in public service to others.
How to Apply
Students receive consideration for the John Merrick Scholarship by submitting their general admissions application. They should discuss their passion for public service in required personal statement/essay.
Up to $20,000 ($5,000 a year for up to four consecutive years)
Deadline
3/15/23 (Annual)
Eligibility
High school seniors living with a recognized and confirmed disability can apply for this award if they plan to study engineering, law, business, computer science, computer information systems, or a related field.
How to Apply
Applicants must supply a resume, unofficial transcripts, three essays, and two letters of recommendation. They must possess a 2.5 GPA or higher and demonstrate leadership potential.
Full-time students enrolled in a fire protection or fire administration degree at the bachelor’s or master’s level can apply if they attend an accredited U.S. or Canada-based college.
How to Apply
Application requirements include official transcripts, letters of recommendation, cumulative GPA, statement of purpose, and supporting documentation.
Graduating college seniors receive this award to pursue one year of public service in any global location of their choosing. They must plan on beginning graduate school or a career upon their return.
How to Apply
Applicants must develop a proposal for how they will spend their time – and the award – to further the public good. They must include a budget, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a resume.
Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Foundation
Amount
$2,500
Deadline
5/31/23 (Annual)
Eligibility
Available to students with a minimum 3.5 GPA actively pursuing a graduate degree or licensure/credential to teach STEM in a U.S. school at the K-12 level. Applicants must be in at least the second semester of their program and taking at least two semester-equivalent courses per term.
How to Apply
Follow the link on the scholarship webpage to access the online application. Applicants should include a personal statement outlining career goals, a statement on teaching philosophy, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a current resume.
Applicants must be U.S. residents enrolled in an accredited, health-related degree. They must maintain a 3.3 or higher GPA and be from a disadvantaged population. They must also demonstrate exceptional financial need.
How to Apply
Application requirements include providing a certification of exceptional financial need, agreeing to a service obligation, and supplying all supporting documentation.
Applicants must be SOPHE members who are currently enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or graduate degree focused on public health education.
How to Apply
Students must have completed at least one-third of their materials when applying. They must include official transcripts, a letter of recommendation, list of service activities, resume, demonstrated financial need, and a personal statement.
Student and Career Resources for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities have many resources at their disposal to help support their academic and professional goals. We highlight a few in this section, with emphasis on financial aid tools, professional development opportunities, advocacy services, and educational services.
Financial Aid
30 Top Scholarships for Public Service StudentsLooking for even more funding opportunities for your public service career goals? Use this comprehensive resource to find a variety of scholarships, grants, and fellowships.ps.
Reducing Your Student Loans Through Acts of Public ServiceDid you know that qualifying students can have some or all of their federal loans forgiven by working in underserved areas, for a nonprofit, or through other options? Learn more about the variety of programs available.
Professional Development and Networking
ADA National NetworkThis comprehensive resource provides information, guidance, and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act – including resources for jobseekers.
Lime ConnectThis global nonprofit connects university students with disabilities and hiring companies to help them find professional opportunities after college.
Association on Higher Education and DisabilityAHEAD has worked to advocate for the rights of students and education professionals with disabilities since 1977. The group provides many resources and professional development opportunities.
Disability Rights Education & Defense FundDREDF serves students with disabilities by providing legal advocacy, public policy initiatives, and promotion of civil rights laws for individuals in all walks of life.
DREAMDREAM focuses on providing disability rights, education, activism, and mentoring for college students across the U.S. with disabilities of all types.
Public Service Education
Law School Disability Programs DirectoryThe American Bar Association offers this resource for law students with disabilities as well as lawyers and others in the legal community who advocate for this population. Students can learn about which law schools offer programs related to disabilities.
National Association of Social WorkersThe NASW provides a section of its website devoted to resources for students considering a career in social work. Students can find information on tools for job seekers, financial resources, and continuing education opportunities.
National Association of Special Education TeachersNational organization of those teaching or preparing to teach in the special education field. Although focused primarily on special ed teachers, students visiting the site can access a wealth of articles, publications, and other resources on topics that affect them.
