Cure Nation, are you interested in continuing your education? We put a list of scholarships and funding opportunities just for YOU!
They say that knowledge is power. Through education, we learn about the world and our own capabilities, we expand our perspectives, we become experts in our fields.
Unfortunately, lack of funding can be a daunting, and even prohibitive, obstacle for many people who have disabilities, and that keeps them from pursuing college or secondary education.
“Education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world.” -Nelson Mandela
While financial aid is available in many cases, sorting through the plethora of options can be pretty overwhelming. So, we thought we would help!
Below you’ll find a list of scholarships, funding sources and repayment tips that can help lighten the load.
Scholarships
Google Lime Scholarship
Amount: $5,000
Open to: Residents of USA and Canada
Via edu.google.com: “At Google, we believe information should be universally accessible. Our education and scholarship programs aim to inspire and help students become future leaders in computing and technology by breaking down the barriers that prevent them from entering these fields.
As part of our commitment, we’ve partnered with Lime Connect, a nonprofit organization that supports students with disabilities while they pursue education and promising careers, to help university students with disabilities work toward their academic goals in the field of computer science. Selected students will receive $10,000 USD (for those studying in the US) or $5,000 CAD (for those studying in Canada) for the 2018-2019 school year and will be invited to attend the Google Scholars’ Retreat in the summer of 2018.”
Learn more and apply here.
Kristofer Robinson Scholarship Fund
Amount: $5,000
Open to: Residents of Texas, attending a Texas school
The Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) offers the Kristofer Robinson Scholarship annually to paraplegic and quadriplegic students. In order to receive the $5,000 award and renew the scholarship for up to four years, applicants must be a legal resident of Texas, attend an accredited school in Texas, and in need of financial assistance to cover the costs of tuition or other academic expenses. Within the application packet, candidates must submit a copy of their most recent college transcript, two recommendation forms, and a signed copy of the latest tax return from their parent or legal guardian.
Learn more and apply here.
Swope, Rodante P.A Scholarship (SpinalCord.com)
Amount: $2,500
Open to: People with SCI and/or TBI, attending a U.S. school
Swope, Rodante P.A. is committed to rewarding those students who go out of their way to help others, it is our hope that upon completion of their education these students will continue giving back to the community. In support of these students Swope, Rodante P.A.awards $5,000 in higher education scholarships annually.
Learn more and find out how to apply here.
National MS Society Scholarship Program
Amount: $1,000-$3,000
Open to: U.S. citizens with Multiple Sclerosis (or their children)
The National MS Society partners with Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarship programs to administer the program. The Society then engages volunteers nationwide in reviewing applicants and making selection determinations based on academics, the impact of MS, financial need, and other factors. Review committees may consist of people living with MS, donors, and other volunteers impacted by the disease. The program is competitive in nature, and not all applicants will be selected for an award.
Click here to get more information and to visit the application portal.
Foundation for Science & Disability Student Award Program
Amount: $1,000
Open to: 4th year undergraduate and graduate students in science-related fields
The Student Award Program of FSD helps to increase opportunities in science, engineering, mathematics, technology, and pre‑medical/dental areas for graduate or professional students with disabilities. FSD has established a Science Graduate Student Grant Fund, which is available to fourth year undergraduates (who are disabled and have been accepted to a graduate or professional school in the sciences) and graduate science students who have a disability.
Awards of $1000 each are made to support research projects of qualified university students in any field of Mathematics, Science, Medicine, Technology, or Engineering.
Graduate student grant application form and instructions.
Gabriel’s Foundation of HOPE Scholarship
Amount: $500
Open to: Students with disabilities
In honor of Gabriel who was born with severe congenital birth defects in 1990, the Gabriel’s Foundation of Hope provides several $500 scholarships annually. Eligible applicants for the funds include college students living with a diagnosed disability, students desiring to work in a field that will benefit the disabled community, and immediately family members who reside with a person with a disability and are seeking financial assistance to further their education. The number of scholarships and award amount will be determined based on funds available.
To learn more and download the application, click here.
180 Medical Scholarship
Amount: Seven $1,000 scholarships
Open to: Residents of USA
180 Medical is honored to have a scholarship program to help those with spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, transverse myelitis, neurogenic bladder, or ostomy (ileostomy, colostomy, or urostomy).
Realizing the financial burdens that exist for many of these families, they’ve developed the 180 Medical Scholarship Program to honor these young adults who pursue goals of higher education.
Learn more and apply here.
University-Specific Funding Options and Tuition Waivers
In some cases, the college or university that you’ll be attending will offer financial assistance and even tuition waivers for students with disabilities. Try reaching out to your school of choice and inquiring about programs or assistance that you may be eligible for.
For example, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, offers 100% tuition-paid programs for people with spinal cord injuries. For more information, email Jill Godin.
The University of Maryland has information on their website about Community College Tuition Waiver for Students with Disabilities Receiving SSI or SSDI.
Potential Loan Forgiveness for People with Disabilities
Even if you already have student loans, you may have options for total or partial loan forgiveness.
Individuals who are totally and permanently disabled may qualify for a total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge of your federal student loans or TEACH Grant service obligation. If you receive a TPD discharge, you will no longer be required to repay your loans or complete your TEACH Grant service obligation.
To get more information, visit this website.
Adaptive Sports Programs at 21 Universities Nationwide
Are you an athlete who rolls? You may also want to consider going after an adaptive sports scholarship from one of these universities that offer formal adaptive sports programs and teams:
Auburn University- Ball State
- Edinboro University
- Indiana State University – Purdue University Fort Wayne
- Michigan State
- Ohio State
- Oregon State University
- Penn State University
- Portland State University
- Southwest Minnesota State
- Texas A&M
- UCLA
- University of Alabama
(editor’s note: ROLL TIDE!) - University of Arizona
- University of Central Florida
University of Illinois- University of Missouri
- University of New Hampshire – Northeast Passage
- University of Texas @ Arlington
- University of Wisconsin Whitewater
- Wright State University
Learn more about the sports programs offered at each of these schools by viewing the full story on the AbleThrive website!
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