bookcases

As the mom of a high achieving and physically challenged (severe) student, I plan to have him apply to any scholarships programs we've discovered through internet search or the usual scholarship search web sites. There aren't many, however, although his academic record is excellent so that may get him merit aid in general. I wondered whether anyone knew of any scholarship programs earmarked for disabled students, maybe one we hadn't heard of. Thanks for any info or leads.

Proud Husky

Here are a few to start:

1. ChairScholars Foundation (http://www.chairscholars.org/)--National Scholarships up to $20,000 for students with disabilities. Due in February 2008.

2. Horatio Alger National Scholarship (www.horatioalger.org)--National Scholarships up to $20,000 for students who have shown perseverance in overcoming adversity. Due mid-October 2007.

3. Dell Scholars Program (www.dellscholars.org)--National Scholarship up to $20,000 for students who have overcome adversity and have participated in an approved college-prep program (GEAR UP, UPWARD BOUND, etc.). Due January 15, 2008.

Another option is to do a word-specific google search for scholarship opportunities. A quick search resulted in this website: http://www.finaid.org/otheraid/ld.phtml.

I am a 2006 high school graduate with a physical disability, and I applied for over 75 scholarships throughout high school. I ended up winning 18 scholarships--8 of which were national. Most scholarships are awarded for more than just academic records. The way I look at a scholarship (and as most scholarship organizations look at students) is that it's a financial investment in a student's potential--how well will this student do in college, how well will they represent what the organization stands for, how likely are they to give back. Thus, besides academic records, they look at your extracurricular involvement, leadership, and community service. If you have those, combined with an excellent academic record and strong personal story, your son would make for a competitive scholarship applicant.

If you have any questions, feel free to send me a PM. I'd be happy to answer them.

bookcases

thanks, Proud Husky!
The list and advice is very useful. I will try to PM you with a few other questions.

yogiskins

Proud Husky,

I have a Daughter who is challenged but received a $ 20,000 a Year Merit, Presidential and other Scholarship to attend a certain college in CA. These were given to her Soley on her academic achievements.
The School is $ 45,000 per Year - Do you have any insight on Scholarships to help with Living Costs- Aid to help Bath - Transporatation for Wheelchair

Thanks In Advance

a Concerned but Optimistic Dad

patsmom

yogiskins,
This thread is over 2 years old and the OP hasn't posted here for a year so he probably won't see your question. However, if you click on his name, you will see an option to send him an e-mail. If his address hasn't changed, he might still get it if you send him your question that way. In the meantime, maybe someone else will see your post and chime in.

metermaid

CALIFORNIA-HAWAII ELKS MAJOR PROJECT, INC.
Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities
awards 20 to 30 scholarships of $1000 to $2000 yearly, renewable for 4 years. This scholarship program is a financial needs based and academic use scholarship. Individuals applying must be a United States citizen and a resident of California or Hawaii; have a physical impairment, neurological impairment, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and/or speech-language disorder; and be a senior in high school, a high school graduate, or have passed the General Educational Development (GED) Examination or the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE).

For more info and an app:
Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Students with Disabilities

There are also some scholarships for students with blood disorders, if that might appy.

If you'd like more info, feel free to pm me.