American Council of the Blind Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by American Council of the Blind
Overview
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) created its Scholarship Program in 1982. In collaboration with partner organizations and individual supporters, ACB provides awards between $2,000 and $7,500 to support entering freshmen, undergraduate and graduate students, and those enrolled in technical colleges.
Purpose
These scholarships are intended to defray costs of post-secondary education, including tuition and fees, room and board, and expenses related to assistive technology.
Who is eligible
- Applicants must be legally blind.
- Most scholarships require a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
- Students must be enrolled in a U.S. post-secondary institution as either a full-time student or a part-time student who is employed at least 32 hours per week.
- Candidates should demonstrate participation in school and community activities.
Required materials (must accompany the completed application)
1. A professional certification of legal blindness from an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or physician. Legal blindness is defined as vision no better than 20/200 in the best eye with glasses or contact lenses, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less in the best eye at the widest diameter with glasses or contact lenses.
2. Academic transcript(s). Entering freshmen must provide high school transcripts; graduate applicants must submit undergraduate transcripts. Except in extenuating circumstances, applicants should have a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
3. Two letters of recommendation from a current or recent instructor, a career counselor, or an employer. Each recommendation should be sent separately.
4. Proof of acceptance to a post-secondary school. Entering and transferring students must include a notice or letter from the admissions office confirming acceptance or consideration for admission. If this documentation is not available at the time of application, it must be submitted as soon as it becomes available. Students who are continuing at the same school they attended during 2023 are exempt from this requirement.
Additional opportunity
Recipients are invited to attend ACB’s National Conference and Convention in July. The conference offers chances to connect with fellow students who share similar experiences, form lasting friendships, expand professional networks, and attend sessions on new assistive technologies and developments in the blind community.