Below is a list of organizations that offer scholarships specifically for North Dakota students who are blind or low vision. If you have any additional questions, contact Shanna Hanson, NDVS/SB Transition Specialist at 701-795-2708 or shanhan@nd.gov.
1. NDAB – North Dakota Association of the Blind
• One $2,000 and three $1,000 cash awards are awarded annually. The Emma Skogen Scholarship ($1000) is specifically for a student attending a vocational or trade school.
• All applicants must have a visual impairment that cannot be corrected with prescription glasses or contacts.
• Applicants must be a resident of North Dakota or reside in a border city, e.g., Fargo-Moorhead or Grand Forks-East Grand Forks.
• Applicants for the $2,000 scholarship should be a full-time student with a GPA of 2.5. Applicants for the $1,000 scholarships may be a part-time student.
• Applicants do NOT need to be members of NDAB to apply.
• All applicants will receive the current year’s membership, if not already a NDAB member.
• All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, service to the community and financial need. Applicants will be notified of the final selection by May 1st.
• Scholarship applications must be received by March 15th. Late submissions will not be considered.
• Applications and additional information can be found on the NDAB website: NDAB College Scholarships – North Dakota Association of the Blind
2. ACB – American Council of the Blind
• Partners with AFB to offer scholarships to those enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student or attending a technical college.
• Applicants must be legally blind (certification of this is required).
• Applicants must maintain a 3.0 GPA, be a full-time student, and be involved in their school and/or local community.
• Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of acceptance from the post-secondary school are required.
• Applications are accepted online from November 1 to February 14.
• Winners are invited to attend the ACB National Conference in July.
• For more information, go to: ACB Scholarship Program | American Council of the Blind
3. NFB – National Federation of the Blind
• The North Dakota chapter of NFB does not offer any scholarships specifically for ND students.
• 30 merit-based scholarships are available nationally.
• Awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership.
• Applications open in November.
• Must be legally blind and reside in the U.S. or its territories.
• Pursuing a full-time, post-secondary course of study. One scholarship is for part-time students.
• Must participate in the entire NFB National Convention and its scheduled scholarship program activities.
• For more information, go to: Scholarship Program | National Federation of the Blind (nfb.org)
4. NDVS/SB and NDSGC Scholarship
• Up to 5 scholarships from a collective total of $2500 will be awarded.
• Applicants must be citizens of the U.S. who are enrolled at an NDSGC higher ed institution (in ND).
• Degree program should be in the areas of science, tech, engineering, or math (STEM) or STEM education.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Must be eligible for services from NDVS/SB.
• Complete an application and an essay on how their visual impairment has affected their pursuit of a career in a STEM field.
• Applications materials are due February 15 and will be awarded in spring.
• For more information, go to: NDVS/SB Scholarship | ND Space Grant Consortium | University of North Dakota (und.edu)
5. Don’t forget the basics!
• Apply for scholarships that are awarded for academic achievement, music, sports, drama, and civic engagement.
• Look for scholarships from community organizations and businesses, including parents’ workplaces, banks, and hospitals.
Good luck to all scholarship applicants!