Let's face it—college is expensive. But finding money now can help you worry less about college expenses later on.
Scholarships are the best way to earn money for college, and you can find opportunities for just about every part of your personality, interests, and life as a student. That includes documented learning disabilities; there are some amazing scholarships just for LD students with dyslexia, autism, visual and hearing impairments, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and more.
Every student should try to set aside some time to apply for scholarships, and the more you apply for, the more chances you have to win! Here are some great opportunities to get your LD scholarship search started.
Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships
Students pursuing all types of higher education should check out these two scholarships from the National Center for Learning Disabilities. If you're a high school senior with a learning disability who’s planning to enroll in a full-time bachelor's degree program this fall, you should apply for the Anne Ford Scholarship. This $10,000 award is distributed over four years to one student with a documented learning disability.
Students who plan to enroll in two-year community college programs, vocational or technical training programs, or specialized programs for students with disabilities in the fall also have a chance to win money for school through the Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship. This one is worth $5,000 and has the same requirements and deadline as the Anne Ford Scholarship. Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who also have a learning disability are especially encouraged to apply. Just create an account and follow the requirements listed on the website, which include a recommendation letter and answers to three questions that can be answered in text, video, or audio format.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with an annual deadline in April for both awards, so don't miss out on this chance to fund your education!
Related: Top College Search Tips for Students With Learning Differences
INCIGHT Scholarship
Are you or someone you know a current resident of Washington, Oregon, or California with a disability and pursuing an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree? The INCIGHT Scholarship provides funding for students who meet these criteria. Applicants must be enrolled in a community college, undergraduate, vocational school, or graduate program for the upcoming school year and have any type of disability as defined by the ADA, DSM-V, IDEA, or other governing body (visit the scholarship link to view a list of examples).
The amount is not disclosed, but half of the award will be disbursed in the fall and the other half in the winter. Applications are due by April 15, and recipients are required to complete either 30 hours of community service or volunteer at one INCIGHT event. Don't miss out on this great opportunity!
Lime Connect Pathways Scholarship for High School Seniors
The Lime Connect Pathways Scholarship is designed for high school seniors with disabilities who are pursuing degrees at four-year colleges and universities in the US and Canada. It's just for members of The Lime Network—a community of high-achieving students and professionals with disabilities—but the good news is it's free to join!
Students with both visible and invisible disabilities are encouraged to apply. Multiple students are selected each year for these merit-based awards, though financial need is also taken into consideration. An essay related to living successfully with a disability is required, and the deadline is April 15, so be sure to join and apply by then.
BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Scholarship
Lime Connect also offers the BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities who are interested in careers in Financial Services with a focus on Capital Markets. Applicants must be pursuing Business/Commerce, Computer Science, Engineering, Math, Physics, Statistics, or a related discipline at a four-year university in the United States or Canada.
A letter of reference from a professor, advisor, or supervisor and an essay about your career goals in financial services are required. US recipients will receive $10,000, while Canadian recipients will receive $5,000. Previous winners and applicants are encouraged to reapply if they are eligible, so get your applications in before April 8!
Related: Top Tips to Help Students With Disabilities Find Supportive Colleges
Mays Mission Scholarships
Did you know that the Mays Mission for the Handicapped offers scholarships for students with physical and/or mental disabilities? You'll need to document a significant disability, score 20 or higher on the ACT or 970 on the SAT, and be enrolled in a four-year undergraduate program.
If accepted, you'll also need to maintain a GPA of 3.0, submit your grades, and write a monthly "update letter" about any struggles and triumphs you experience on campus. The application deadline is June 30, and applications must be sent through the mail.
Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Awards
Sponsored by Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, this scholarship works a little differently. Students ages 19 and younger with LD and ADHD who have demonstrated initiative, talent, determination, and notable accomplishments in fields such as art, music, science, math, athletics, or community service must be nominated to receive a Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award.
Scholarships include the $1,000 grand prize, a $500 Special Recognition Award, and honorable mentions. The awards ceremony takes place at the annual Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Gala on April 4 in Darien, Connecticut, with transportation and hotel accommodations provided for the winners and their parents. The annual nomination deadline falls in January, so be sure to share this opportunity with your network and prepare for the next cycle!
Dyslexia/Auditory Processing Disorder Scholarship
Here's an opportunity for US and Canadian undergraduate students with dyslexia and/or auditory processing disorder to share their academic and personal triumphs. Sponsored by Gemm Learning, the Dyslexia/Auditory Processing Disorder Scholarship asks for an educational or inspirational 500–650-word essay describing what it’s like to live with a learning struggle. The winning student’s essay will also be featured on Gemm Learning’s blog. This annual scholarship opportunity is worth $1,000, with a deadline of October 31.
Related: College Search and Scholarship Resources for LD Students
There are so many other scholarship opportunities out there for LD students, but hopefully, these are helpful and encourage you in your search. Remember to never give up and keep applying! There are awards available for all kinds of things, so keep searching and don't limit yourself. Good luck!
Keep your search going by finding even more opportunities in our Scholarship Search database!
