Opportunities are available for students with disabilities to pursue their educational dreams through various scholarships designed to support their academic journeys. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals who face unique challenges in their pursuit of higher education.

Scholarships tailored for students with disabilities play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and equal access within the educational landscape. They aim to alleviate the financial burdens associated with tuition, textbooks, and other academic expenses, empowering recipients to focus on their studies and career aspirations without the added stress of financial constraints.

Each scholarship offers its own set of eligibility criteria, which often include proof of disability status, academic achievement, and sometimes community involvement or leadership qualities. Some scholarships may be specific to certain types of disabilities, while others are more broadly applicable. For instance, the AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability supports students pursuing degrees related to health and disability studies, while the Google Lime Scholarship is geared towards students in computer science and related fields.

The application processes for these scholarships typically involve submitting personal essays, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and proof of disability. Deadlines vary, so prospective applicants are encouraged to carefully review each scholarship’s requirements and deadlines to ensure timely submission.

Beyond financial support, these scholarships often provide networking opportunities, mentorship, and access to a supportive community of fellow scholars and professionals. They recognize the resilience, determination, and unique perspectives that students with disabilities bring to academia and beyond.

This guide explores eight prominent scholarships available in 2024-25, detailing their specific criteria, application processes, and the impact they can have on recipients’ educational and professional journeys. Whether you’re pursuing studies in STEM fields, healthcare, business, or the arts, there are scholarships tailored to meet diverse academic interests and career aspirations.

Top Scholarships for Students with Disabilities in 2024-25

1. AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability

The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability is dedicated to supporting students with disabilities pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in fields related to health and disability. Administered by the American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD), this scholarship aims to encourage academic excellence and leadership among individuals who have a demonstrated commitment to the health and disability community.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship, applicants must:

• Have a documented disability (defined as a physical, cognitive, sensory, or other impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities).
• Be enrolled full-time or part-time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program in the United States for the upcoming academic year.
• Be pursuing a degree in a field related to health or disability studies, including public health, health promotion, disability studies, rehabilitation engineering, audiology, social work, or medicine.
• Demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Exhibit leadership potential and a commitment to advancing the health and wellness of individuals with disabilities.

Application Process and Deadline:

The application process for the AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship includes the following steps:

• Application Form: Complete the online application form available on the AAHD website. Provide personal and academic information, along with details about your disability and career goals.
• Personal Statement: Write a personal statement (typically 500-1000 words) outlining your academic achievements, career aspirations in the health or disability field, and how the scholarship will assist you in achieving your goals.
• Letters of Recommendation: Submit two letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or professionals familiar with your academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to disability issues.
• Documentation: Provide documentation of your disability, such as a letter from a healthcare provider or educational institution verifying the nature of your disability.
• Deadline: The application deadline for the AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship typically falls in the spring, with specific dates announced annually on the AAHD website. It’s crucial to submit all required materials by the specified deadline to be considered for the scholarship.

The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship not only provides financial support but also connects recipients with a network of professionals and advocates in the health and disability fields. It is designed to empower students with disabilities to pursue their academic and professional ambitions while making meaningful contributions to their communities.

2. Microsoft Disability Scholarship

The Microsoft Disability Scholarship aims to empower students with disabilities to achieve academic success and pursue careers in the technology industry. This scholarship is part of Microsoft’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, supporting students who demonstrate a passion for technology and are pursuing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or a related STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Microsoft Disability Scholarship, applicants must:

• Have a disability (defined as a physical, cognitive, visual, or auditory impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities).
• Be enrolled full-time in an accredited 2-year or 4-year undergraduate program at a university in the United States, Canada, or Mexico.
• Be pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related STEM discipline.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Application Process and Deadline:

The application process for the Microsoft Disability Scholarship typically includes the following steps:

• Online Application: Complete the online application form available on the Microsoft website. Provide personal information, academic background, details about your disability, and career goals.
• Personal Statement: Write an essay (usually around 500 words) discussing your academic achievements, career aspirations in the technology industry, and how your disability has influenced your academic journey and career goals.
• Resume: Submit a current resume highlighting your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, internships, and any relevant work experience.
• Letters of Recommendation: Provide two letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or employers who can attest to your academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to the field of technology.
• Documentation: Include documentation verifying your disability, such as a letter from a healthcare provider or educational institution.
• Deadline: The application deadline for the Microsoft Disability Scholarship varies each year but generally falls in the early spring. It’s important to check the Microsoft website for updated deadlines and submit all required materials by the specified date.

The Microsoft Disability Scholarship not only provides financial support but also offers recipients opportunities for mentorship, networking with Microsoft employees, and participation in the company’s annual Ability Summit. This scholarship aims to empower students with disabilities to excel in their academic pursuits and contribute to the advancement of technology and innovation.

3. Google Lime Scholarship

The Google Lime Scholarship is designed to support students with disabilities who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field. Administered in partnership with Lime Connect, this scholarship aims to foster diversity and inclusion within the tech industry by providing financial support, networking opportunities, and career development resources to talented students with disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Google Lime Scholarship, applicants must:

• Have a visible or invisible disability (including but not limited to physical, cognitive, sensory, or psychiatric disabilities).
• Be enrolled as a full-time student in a degree-granting program at a university in the United States or Canada.
• Be pursuing a degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field.
• Maintain a strong academic record with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Application Process and Deadline:

The application process for the Google Lime Scholarship typically includes the following steps:

• Online Application: Complete the online application form available on the Lime Connect website during the application period.
• Personal Information: Provide personal details, academic background, information about your disability, and career goals.
• Resume: Submit a current resume highlighting your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, internships, and any relevant work experience.
• Essays: Write several short essays addressing prompts provided in the application, focusing on your personal experiences, career aspirations in technology, and how your disability has influenced your academic journey.
• Letters of Recommendation: Obtain and submit two letters of recommendation from professors, advisors, or employers who can speak to your academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to the tech industry.
• Documentation: Provide documentation of your disability, such as a letter from a healthcare provider or educational institution verifying your disability status.
• Deadline: The application deadline for the Google Lime Scholarship varies each year but generally falls in the early spring. It’s crucial to check the Lime Connect website for updated deadlines and submit all required materials by the specified date.

The Google Lime Scholarship not only provides financial support but also offers recipients the opportunity to participate in the Google Scholars’ Retreat, where they can connect with fellow scholars and Google mentors. This scholarship is a testament to Google’s commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the technology sector by supporting talented individuals with disabilities in achieving their academic and professional goals.

4. The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities

The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities is dedicated to providing financial assistance and support to students with disabilities who are pursuing higher education. This scholarship program reflects Wells Fargo’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their educational goals and succeed in their chosen careers.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities, applicants must:

• Have a disability (visible or invisible) as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Be a high school senior or undergraduate student enrolled full-time at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university in the United States.
• Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
  Demonstrate financial need and be in good academic standing.

Application Process and Deadline:

The application process for The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program typically includes the following steps:

• Online Application: Complete the online application form available on the Wells Fargo website or through their designated scholarship platform during the application period.
• Personal Information: Provide personal details, academic background, information about your disability, and financial situation.
• Essay: Write an essay (usually between 500-1000 words) addressing a specific prompt related to your personal background, educational goals, and how the scholarship would support your aspirations.
• Letters of Recommendation: Obtain and submit one or two letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, employers, or community leaders who can speak to your academic achievements, character, and potential for success.
• Documentation: Provide documentation of your disability, such as a letter from a healthcare provider or educational institution verifying your disability status.
• Deadline: The application deadline for The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program varies each year. It’s important to check the Wells Fargo website or the scholarship platform for updated deadlines and submit all required materials by the specified date.

Recipients of The Wells Fargo Scholarship not only receive financial assistance but may also benefit from networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and other resources offered by Wells Fargo to support their academic and professional development. This scholarship program aims to empower students with disabilities to overcome financial barriers and pursue their educational dreams with confidence.

5. The Anne Ford Scholarship

The Anne Ford Scholarship is a prestigious award that supports students with learning disabilities who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community service. Established by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) in honor of Anne Ford, an advocate for individuals with learning and attention issues, this scholarship aims to empower and encourage students to pursue their educational goals despite the challenges they may face.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for The Anne Ford Scholarship, applicants must:

• Have a diagnosed learning disability (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, or ADHD) and provide documentation of the disability.
• Be a graduating high school senior who will enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university in the United States for the upcoming academic year.
• Demonstrate financial need, which may require submission of the Free
• Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or other financial documentation.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

Application Process and Deadline:

The application process for The Anne Ford Scholarship typically includes the following steps:

• Online Application: Complete the online application form available on the NCLD website during the application period.
• Personal Information: Provide personal details, academic background, information about your learning disability, and financial situation.
• Essay: Write an essay (usually between 500-1000 words) addressing a specific prompt related to your experiences with your learning disability, achievements, and future goals.
• Letters of Recommendation: Obtain and submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, counselors, or mentors who can attest to your academic achievements, leadership potential, and character.
• Documentation: Provide documentation of your learning disability, such as a psycho-educational evaluation or a letter from a healthcare provider.
• Deadline: The application deadline for The Anne Ford Scholarship typically falls in the early spring. It’s important to check the NCLD website for updated deadlines and submit all required materials by the specified date.

Recipients of The Anne Ford Scholarship not only receive financial support but also become part of a community of scholars and advocates dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of learning disabilities. This scholarship honors Anne Ford’s legacy by empowering students to embrace their strengths, overcome challenges, and excel academically and personally.

6. The National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Scholarship Program is one of the largest scholarship programs for blind and low-vision students in the United States. Founded on the belief that blindness should not hold individuals back from achieving their goals, this program provides financial support to outstanding students who are blind or have significant visual impairments. The scholarships aim to assist recipients in pursuing higher education and preparing for successful careers.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for The National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program, applicants must:

• Be legally blind (vision of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less).
• Be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study (including vocational, technical, undergraduate, or graduate studies) at an accredited institution in the United States.
• Demonstrate academic achievement and personal ambition.
  Be active in their school, local community, or the NFB.

Application Process and Deadline:

The application process for The National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program typically includes the following steps:

• Online Application: Complete the online application form available on the NFB website during the application period.
• Personal Information: Provide personal details, academic background, information about your visual impairment, and activities within the NFB or local community.
• Essay: Write an essay (usually between 500-1000 words) addressing a specific prompt related to your personal experiences, achievements, and future goals.
• Letters of Recommendation: Obtain and submit two letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, employers, or community leaders who can speak to your academic achievements, leadership potential, and involvement in the blindness community.
• Documentation: Provide documentation of your legal blindness, such as a certification from a healthcare provider or educational institution.
• Deadline: The application deadline for The National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program typically falls in the early spring. It’s important to check the NFB website for updated deadlines and submit all required materials by the specified date.

Recipients of The National Federation of the Blind Scholarship not only receive financial assistance but also become part of a supportive community of blind individuals dedicated to advocating for equality and opportunity. This scholarship program embodies the NFB’s commitment to empowering blind students to pursue their educational and professional aspirations with confidence and determination.

7. The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Scholarships

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Scholarships aim to empower students who are deaf or hard of hearing by providing financial support and fostering academic achievement in pursuit of higher education. Founded with a commitment to advancing listening and spoken language for individuals with hearing loss, these scholarships recognize the potential and achievements of recipients within the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must have a significant bilateral hearing loss, which typically means a hearing loss of 70 decibels or greater in the better-hearing ear. They should be enrolled in or planning to enroll in a postsecondary program, such as a college or university. Successful applicants demonstrate a strong academic record, exhibit leadership skills, and are actively involved in their communities. The scholarships are open to students pursuing various fields of study, encouraging diverse educational paths and career aspirations.

Application Process:

To apply, candidates must complete an online application form available on the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing website. Alongside the application, applicants are required to submit academic transcripts demonstrating their academic performance, a personal statement outlining their achievements and goals, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or community leader familiar with their academic and personal achievements. Documentation verifying the degree of hearing loss is also necessary to qualify for consideration.

Deadline:

The application deadline typically falls in the early spring, although specific dates may vary each year. It is crucial for applicants to check the association’s website for the most up-to-date information regarding deadlines and submission requirements.

Recipients of the Alexander Graham Bell Association scholarships not only receive financial assistance but also join a supportive network of peers and mentors dedicated to advancing opportunities for individuals with hearing loss. These scholarships exemplify the association’s commitment to promoting educational excellence and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential despite hearing challenges. Through these initiatives, the Alexander Graham Bell Association continues to advocate for inclusivity and equal access to educational opportunities for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

8. The Sertoma Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship

The Sertoma Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship is a commendable initiative aimed at supporting individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf in their pursuit of higher education. Sponsored by Sertoma, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting those with hearing health issues, this scholarship recognizes the unique challenges faced by individuals with hearing impairments and seeks to empower them through financial support and encouragement.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the Sertoma Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship, applicants must:

• Have a clinically significant bilateral hearing loss, as documented by an audiogram and described in an audiologist’s report.
• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher at an accredited college or university in the United States.
• Demonstrate strong academic achievement, typically with a minimum GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
• Display active involvement in their community and exhibit leadership qualities.

Application Process:

Applicants are required to complete an online application form available on the Sertoma website. They must also submit transcripts, proof of hearing loss, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining their educational goals, career aspirations, and how the scholarship would benefit them. The application deadline usually falls in the spring, and applicants are encouraged to check the Sertoma website for specific dates and details.

The Sertoma Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also promotes awareness and understanding of hearing health issues, fostering a supportive environment for individuals to thrive academically and professionally despite their hearing challenges.