Although the college application process can be extremely stressful for blind and low-vision students, they may have an advantage when it comes to affording the rising costs of post-secondary education thanks to scholarships for visually impaired students.
As modern technology continues to make the world an easier place to navigate for individuals with sight-related disabilities, the collegiate campus is also becoming more welcoming to the visually impaired with audio textbooks, touch-based navigation, and easy-access dormitories.
The following are 25 of the most generous scholarships that have been established to empower visually impaired students for reaching post-secondary education.
1. Al Camp Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: June 15th
Through the Georgia Council of the Blind (GCB), the Al Camp Memorial Scholarship is granted annually for $1,000 to Georgia residents who are legally blind or financially dependent on legally blind parents to pursue post-secondary education at a vocational school, junior college, or four-year accredited university. Applicants must submit certification of legal blindness, two letters of recommendation, a financial statement, and an audio recording of his/her educational goals.
Contact
Al Camp Memorial Scholarship
1477 Nebo Rd.
Dallas, GA 30157
(706) 410-1023
gcbfyi@yahoo.com
2. American Council of the Blind Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 1st
Annually, the American Council of the Blind Scholarship Program is available for visually impaired undergraduate and graduate students nationwide who are currently enrolling in or attending an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution on a full-time basis. For consideration, candidates must provide an autobiographical sketch, certification of legal blindness, certified official academic transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and proof of acceptance.
Contact
American Council of the Blind Scholarship Program
6300 Shingle Creek Parkway Suite 195
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
(612) 332-3242
deetheien@acbes.org
Scholarship Link
3. Arthur E. and Helen Copeland Scholarships
Deadline: August 15th
Sponsored by the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA), the Arthur E. and Helen Copeland Scholarships provide $500 annually to one male and one female student member who is legally blind and enrolling at a two-year or four-year technical institution as a full-time undergraduate student. Applicants must have participated in USABA sports programs, be U.S. citizens, have good academic records, and be involved in civic/community service activities.
Contact
Arthur E. and Helen Copeland Scholarships
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719) 866-3224
mlucas@usaba.org
4. Association of Blind Citizens Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
Each year, the Association of Blind Citizens (ABC) offers three college colleges for $1,000 apiece to visually impaired graduating high school seniors from California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island who are seeking a college degree. Qualified applicants must be legally blind, be U.S. legal residents, be accepted to an accredited higher learning institution or vocational program, and submit a 500-word autobiographical sketch.
Contact
Association of Blind Citizens Scholarships
P.O. Box 246
Holbrook, MA 02343
(781) 654-2000
scholarship@blindcitizens.org
5. Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship for Blind Students
Deadline: May 30th
At George Washington University, the Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship for Blind Students is presented annually for $1,500 to assist visually impaired or blind students who are currently enrolled at least part-time in one of the university’s undergraduate degree programs. Recipients will be chosen based on financial need, specific disability-related expenses, scholastic excellence, promise for career advancement in a chosen field, and other notable circumstances.
Contact
Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship for Blind Students
Marvin Center Suite 242
800 21st St. NW
Washington, DC 20052
(202) 994-8250
dss@gwu.edu
6. Barry and Velma Berkey Scholarship Fund
Deadline: May 12th
For full-time students who have achieved at least sophomore-level standing at George Mason University, the Barry and Velma Berkey Scholarship Fund provides $1,000 annually to a deserving visually impaired student who is majoring in Art and Visual Technology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, English, Geography, History, Journalism, Music, Nursing, Physics, Psychology, Social Work, or Teaching. Applicants must maintain enrollment of at least six credits each semester with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Contact
Barry and Velma Berkey Scholarship Fund
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 993-2474
ecarter1@gmu.edu
7. Christian Record Services for the Blind Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
As one of the leading producers of free full-vision publications for children and teens with visual impairments, Christian Records Services for the Blind awards several partial scholarships annually for up to $2,000 to legally blind young people who are striving to obtain a college degree in the United States. Eligible candidates must be legally blind at 20/200 with correction, be planning to attend college as a full-time undergraduate student, and secure training that will enable independence.
Contact
Christian Record Services for the Blind Scholarships
4444 South 52nd St.
Lincoln, NE 68516
(402) 488-0981
info@christianrecord.org
Scholarship Link
8. Christine H. Eide Memorial Scholarship Award
Deadline: September 2nd
Established by Torris Eide of Queens in honor of his daughter before passing away in 1976, the Christine H. Eide Memorial Scholarship Award is granted through Lighthouse International for up to $1,000 annually for legally blind college students. Eligible candidates must be enrolled full-time as undergraduate or graduate students in an accredited U.S. university. Applicants are required to submit proof of legal blindness, proof of acceptance, and a one-page essay.
Contact
Christine H. Eide Memorial Scholarship Award
111 East 59th St.
New York, NY 10022
(800) 829-0500
mshorey@lighthouse.org
9. Dale M. Schoettler Scholarship for Visually Impaired Students
Deadline: May 21st
Within the California State University system, the Dale M. Schoettler Scholarship for Visually Impaired Students is bestowed each year for up to $6,500 upon deserving full-time undergraduate and graduate students who are striving to receive a quality education in pursuit of a professional career in business, humanities, arts, and the sciences. Students must provide verification of legal blindness from a physician, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, and be enrolled at one of the 23 CSU campuses statewide.
Contact
Dale M. Schoettler Scholarship for Visually Impaired Students
1600 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132
(415) 338-1111
lhernandez@calstate.edu
10. Florence Margaret Harvey Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
Sponsored by the Delta Gamma Foundation, the Florence Margaret Harvey Memorial Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 by the American Federation for the Blind (AFB) to an outstanding visually impaired undergraduate or graduate student who is pursuing a degree in the field of education or rehabilitation. Applicants must submit an official transcript, two letters of recommendation, and certified proof for visual acuity of 20/200 or less by an optometrist.
Contact
Florence Margaret Harvey Memorial Scholarship
2 Penn Plaza Suite 1102
New York, NY 10121
(212) 502-7600
accessworld@afb.net
11. Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 1st
The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) hosts the Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program each year to provide $3,000 to three full-time undergraduate students throughout the United States who have low vision and meet the visual acuity guidelines. Qualified candidates must be registered for at least 12 undergraduate units per semester, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and actively participate in community service.
Contact
Fred Scheigert Scholarship Program
5311 B St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
(800) 733-2258
scholarship@cclvi.org
12. Gladys C. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
Administered through the American Federation for the Blind (AFB), the Gladys C. Anderson Memorial Scholarship is granted for $1,000 each year to a deserving female undergraduate or graduate student who is studying classical or religious music at an accredited U.S. institution. In addition to proof of legal blindness, an official college transcript, and two letters of recommendation, applicants must submit a sample of a musical performance on compact disc.
Contact
Gladys C. Anderson Memorial Scholarship
2 Penn Plaza Suite 1102
New York, NY 10121
(212) 502-7600
accessworld@afb.net
Scholarship Link
13. Jewish GuildScholar College Scholarships
Deadline: January 15th
Each year, the Jewish GuildScholar College Scholarships are granted for up to $15,000 to outstanding legally blind junior and senior-level high school students who demonstrate the academic promise to succeed at a college or university of their choice. In order to qualify, applicants must submit an online application, proof of legal blindness, verification of U.S. citizenship, documentation of academic achievement, three letters of recommendation, and two 500-word personal statements.
Contact
Jewish GuildScholar College Scholarships
15 West 65th St.
New York, NY 10023
(212) 769-7801
guildscholar@guildhealth.org
14. Joseph Roeder Assistive Technology Scholarship
Deadline: May 16th
In honor of a senior access technology specialist with 40 years of excellence in the field of design engineering, the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) offers the Joseph Roeder Assistive Technology Scholarship for $2,500 annually to a blind individual who is interested in obtaining education in computer science, information systems, or engineering. Eligible candidates must be accepted for full-time enrollment at an accredited U.S. institution and demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a career in access technology.
Contact
Joseph Roeder Assistive Technology Scholarship
1310 Braddock Place
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 310-0500
patthomas@vibonline.org
15. Judy Van Nostrand Arts Scholarship Award
Deadline: September 2nd
Through Lighthouse International, the Judy Van Nostrand Arts Scholarship Award offers $10,000 to a deserving college student who has overcome the challenges of vision loss to make exceptional creative endeavors in visual arts, performing arts, writing, music, and graphic arts. Qualified applicants must be severely visually impaired, be U.S. citizens, be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution full-time, and show promise in academic achievements in the arts.
Contact
Judy Van Nostrand Arts Scholarship Award
111 East 59th St.
New York, NY 10022
(212) 821-9227
mshorey@lighthouse.org
16. Juliette RP Vision Foundation College Scholarships
Deadline: May 1st
For individuals who have suffering a gradual decision in their vision as the result of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) or other inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration, the Juliette RP Vision Foundation College Scholarships provide $1,000 to U.S. high school seniors who have overcome vision problems for admissions into college. Along with the application, students must submit two letters of recommendation, an official high school transcript, college entrance examination reports, and medical proof of legal blindness.
Contact
Juliette RP Vision Foundation College Scholarships
P.O. Box 44515
Rio Rancho, NM 87174
(888) 465-1482
scholarships@juliettefoundation.org
17. Karla M. Lortz Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: July 31st
Offered through the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Council, the Karla M. Lortz Memorial Scholarship is granted for $1,000 annually to a visually impaired student who will be a freshman or sophomore at an accredited Ohio institution during the fall semester. Preference will be given to Ohio residents who are enrolled in non-traditional studies, including accounting, business, computer science, engineering, finance, mathematics, science, and/or technology.
Contact
Karla M. Lortz Memorial Scholarship
400 East Campus View Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43235
(614) 985-9052
Donna.Foster@rsc.ohio.gov
18. National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 31st
Ranging in value from $3,000 to $12,000 each, the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Scholarship Program offers up to thirty merit-based national-level scholarships annually for legally blind college students in the United States and Puerto Rico based on academic excellence as well as community service leadership. Qualified applicants must be legally blind in both eyes, be pursuing a full-time post-secondary course of study at a U.S. institution, and agree to participate in the entire NFB national convention.
Contact
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program
200 East Well St.
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314
scholarships@nfb.org
Scholarship Link
19. Nola Webb-McKinney Scholarship Fund
Deadline: August 1st
Sponsored by the American Council of the Blind of Ohio (ACBO), the Nola Webb-McKinney Scholarship Fund presents $2,500 annually to a blind undergraduate or graduate student who is pursuing a degree in a blindness-related area, including special education, rehabilitation, teaching, or counseling. Eligible candidates must be Ohio residents, be attending a two or four-year Ohio institution, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be committed to serving others who are also blind or visually impaired.
Contact
Nola Webb-McKinney Scholarship Fund
3805 North High St. Suite 305
Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 268-0380
acbo.director@gmail.com
20. Paul and Ellen Ruckes Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
Annually, the American Federation for the Blind (AFB) awards the Paul and Ellen Ruckes Scholarship for $1,000 to full-time visually impaired undergraduate or graduate students throughout the United States who are enrolled full-time in an accredited degree program for engineering, computer science, or life sciences. Applicants must submit an application, official transcript, proof of legal blindness from an optometrist, and two letters of recommendation.
Contact
Paul and Ellen Ruckes Scholarship
2 Penn Plaza Suite 1102
New York, NY 10121
(212) 502-7600
accessworld@afb.net
21. Roy Johnson Trust Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
Within Michigan’s Bureau of Services for Blind Persons, the Roy Johnson Trust Scholarship is granted each year for up to $3,000 to legally blind individuals of either sex who have received a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in the United States and are pursuing graduate studies in the state of Michigan. Recipients will be chosen based on financial need, scholastic record, academic accomplishments, recommendation letters, and personal circumstances.
Contact
Roy Johnson Trust Scholarship
P.O. Box 30652
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-2062
turneys@michigan.gov
22. See the Future “Full-Ride Tuition” Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
Developed in partnership with the Kane Family Foundation, the See the Future “Full-Ride Tuition” Scholarship is designed to cover all tuition fees and up to $1,500 in books per school year for two visually impaired or blind students who are attending the University of Colorado at Boulder, Denver, or Colorado Springs. Eligible scholars must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher, achieve an A or B in at least one Advanced Placement course, and possess an ACT composite score of 25 or above.
Contact
See the Future “Full-Ride Tuition” Scholarship
P.O. Box 3022
Colorado Springs, CO 80962
(719) 471-3200
twtheune@comcast.net
23. TAER Outstanding Student of the Year Scholarship
Deadline: February 25th
Annually, the Texas Association for Education and Rehabilitation (TAER) awards the Outstanding Student of the Year Scholarship for $1,000 to a deserving high school senior or undergraduate college student who has demonstrated unparalleled achievements in academics, vocational goals, athletics, or the arts. Nominees must be Texas residents, have been accepted or be currently attending college in the state with good academic standing, and document a severe visual impairment or legal blindess.
Contact
TAER Outstanding Student of the Year Scholarship
P.O. Box 13019 SFA Station
Nacogdoches, TX 75962
(936) 468-1036
munromicha@sfasu.edu
24. VisionCorps Foundation Red Rose Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
As a two-year $3,000 scholarship that provides $1,500 in financial support each year, the VisionCorps Foundation Red Rose Scholarship is awarded to a legally blind graduating high school senior or recent high school graduate who demonstrates financial need to attend a two or four-year college in the United States. Preference will be given to students who have an interest in pursuing a career in rehabilitation services for people who are blind with a degree in rehabilitation, teaching, counseling, or orientation and mobility instruction.
Contact
VisionCorps Foundation Red Rose Scholarship
244 North Queen St.
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-5951
info@visioncorps.net
25. William and Dorothy Ferrell Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 28th
Established by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AERBVI), the William and Dorothy Ferrell Scholarship Fund is awarded biennially to two deserving legally blind students who have a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the best-corrected eye and/or a visual field of 20 degrees or under. Applicants must be studying at the post-secondary level for a career in the field of services to children, adolescents, or adults who are blind or visually impaired.
Contact
William and Dorothy Ferrell Scholarship Fund
1703 North Beauregard St. Suite 440
Alexandria, VA 22311
(703) 671-4500
scholarships@aerbvi.org
Scholarship Link
According to an annual survey from the American Printing House for the Blind, there are an estimated 59,193 children under the age of 21 who are legally blind in the United States. Since each and every one of these students has the right to reach for the stars in their education, organizations and universities nationwide have created scholarships to help the visually impaired navigate the complex financial aid process and overcome all potential obstacles for attending college. If you have a moderate vision impairment or total blindness, be sure to check out these 25 great scholarships for visually impaired students to see a bright future!
See also: 25 Great Scholarships for Students with Disabilities
