Scholarships for Students with Learning Disabilities in the USA

Looking for a Learning Disabilities Scholarship?

We all have the right to be educated, but students with learning disabilities find it hard to do that despite that they have talent in that field. The optimistic part is that to face this challenge many organizations are providing scholarships and financial aid. 

So if you are looking for assistance with your education journey while having a learning disability you are at the right place!!! This article will explore the various divisions of learning disabilities along with scholarships available for that mainly focusing on the US.

Divisions of Learning Disabilities

It is a vast sector to cover A to Z. Some major of them are stated below:

1. Dyslexia: Dyslexia is a specific learning disability in which people face problems with reading and spelling. They struggle to understand the sound of words, remember the words, and process the words quickly. It creates more issues like lack of focus, problems with staying focused, etc.
2. Dysgraphia: Dysgraphia can be considered a glitch in the brain like you can not write what you are thinking though you have the talent and knowledge to do that. Kids with dysgraphia might struggle with messy handwriting, trouble spacing words or even spelling mistakes.
3. Dyscalculia: Dyscalculia is an issue when you can not process numbers and math well. Simple calculation seems to be tough for you. Different tasks like counting, adding, and subtracting become hard for the student.
4. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD): Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is when there is mix up issues in the “hearing system” like one can not differentiate between similar sounds or understand sound. They have really problem with understanding when some one talking fast.
5. Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NVLD): People with NVLD might have a tough time understanding things like facial expressions or body language, which can make social situations very uncomfortable. They may also struggle with tasks that involve space or organizing stuff, like puzzles or keeping their room neat. Besides their hands might not always do what they want them to do, making tasks like writing or tying shoelaces challenging.
6. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Imagine you are trying to do your homework, but your brain starts to focus on other things that are not important at that moment. ADHD is like having a busy brain that's always on the move. People with ADHD might find it hard to stay focused on tasks, organize their stuff, or follow instructions because their attention jumps around a lot. 

ADHD Scholarships

Shockingly approximately 6.1 million children in the United States between the ages of 2 to 17 have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).            

1. ADHD College Success Scholarship
   • Overview: Launched by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), this one-time scholarship supports students with ADHD. It can be used for tuition, tutoring, educational resources, and more.
   • Eligibility: Students with a documented diagnosis of ADHD.
   • Application Procedure:
     • Complete the online application form.
     • Provide documentation of ADHD diagnosis.
     • Submit transcripts and a personal statement.
     • Include letters of recommendation.
   • Award Amount: Not specified.
   • Deadline: The scholarship opens on May 28, 2024.
   • Link: NCLD Scholarships
2. Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship
   • Overview: This $5,000 scholarship, awarded over two years, supports a graduating high school senior with a documented learning disability or ADHD. It is for students enrolling in a two-year community college, vocational/technical training, or a specialized program.
   • Eligibility: Graduating high school seniors with a documented learning disability or ADHD.
   • Application Procedure:
     • Complete the online application.
     • Provide proof of learning disability or ADHD.
     • Submit high school transcripts.
     • Provide a personal statement.
     • Include one letter of recommendation.
   • Award Amount: $5,000 over two years.
   • Deadline: Typically in early November.
   • Link: Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship

Dyslexia Scholarships

Studies suggest that Dyslexia affects between 5% and 10% of the world's population.

1. Joseph James Morelli Scholarships
   • Overview: This scholarship supports students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education in STEM fields.
   • Eligibility: High school or post-high school students with dyslexia, attending an accredited undergraduate school, technical school, or community college in the United States next fall.
   • Application Procedure:
     • Complete the online application.
     • Provide documentation of dyslexia diagnosis.
     • Submit transcripts and a personal statement.
     • Include letters of recommendation.
   • Award Amount: $500 - $2,500.
   • Deadline: Typically in early May.
   • Link: Morelli Scholarships

Learning Disabilities Scholarships

It may sound awful but approximately 14% of the U.S. population has some form of learning disability. 

1. Anne Ford Scholarship
   • Overview: Awarded by NCLD, this scholarship provides $10,000 over four years to a high school senior with an identified learning disability.
   • Eligibility: High school senior with a documented learning disability, planning to enroll in a full-time bachelor’s degree program, minimum GPA of 3.0.
   • Application Procedure:
     • Complete the online application form.
     • Provide proof of learning disability diagnosis.
     • Submit high school transcripts.
     • Provide a personal statement.
     • Submit two letters of recommendation.
   • Award Amount: $10,000 over four years.
   • Deadline: Typically in early November.
   • Link: NCLD Scholarships
2. The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award
   • Overview: Sponsored by NCLD, this award honors students with learning disabilities who have demonstrated excellence in any field.
   • Eligibility: Students aged 12-25 with a documented learning disability.
   • Application Procedure:
     • Fill out the online application form.
     • Submit documentation of the learning disability.
     • Provide a statement detailing achievements.
     • Include letters of recommendation and supporting materials (e.g., portfolios, videos).
   • Award Amount: Varies.
   • Deadline: Annually, in early December.
   • Link: Website
3. Rise Scholarship Foundation
   • Overview: This foundation offers scholarships specifically for high school seniors with learning disabilities transitioning to college.
   • Eligibility: High school seniors with a documented learning disability, planning to enroll in a post-secondary program.
   • Application Procedure:
     • Complete the online application form.
     • Provide documentation of learning disability.
     • Submit high school transcripts.
     • Write a personal essay.
     • Submit one letter of recommendation.
   • Award Amount: Varies.
   • Deadline: Typically in early February.
   • Link: Rise Scholarship Foundation
4. P. Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship
   • Overview: Awarded to a high school senior with a learning disability who has artistic talent and plans to pursue a career in visual arts.
   • Eligibility: High school senior with a documented learning disability, demonstrating financial need, and planning to major in visual arts.
   • Application Procedure:
     • Complete the application form.
     • Submit a portfolio of artwork.
     • Provide proof of learning disability.
     • Include high school transcripts and a letter of recommendation.
   • Award Amount: Varies.
   • Deadline: Usually in late March.
   • Link: P. Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship

General Disabilities Scholarships

This category includes a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities that may not be strictly classified as learning disabilities but still impact a student’s educational performance.

1. Lime Connect Pathways Scholarship for High School Seniors
   • Overview: Provides scholarships to high school seniors with disabilities, including learning disabilities, who are planning to enroll in a post-secondary program.
   • Eligibility: High school seniors with documented disabilities, planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate program.
   • Application Procedure:
     • Complete the online application.
     • Provide documentation of disability.
     • Submit high school transcripts.
     • Write a personal essay.
     • Submit letters of recommendation.
   • Award Amount: Varies.
   • Deadline: Varies (typically in early spring).
   • Link: Lime Connect Scholarships
2. Incight Scholarship
   • Overview: This scholarship supports students with disabilities pursuing post-secondary education.
   • Eligibility: High school seniors, college students, or graduate students with a documented disability.
   • Application Procedure:
     • Complete the online application form.
     • Provide proof of disability.
     • Submit transcripts and a personal statement.
     • Include a letter of recommendation.
   • Award Amount: Varies.
   • Deadline: Typically in early April.
   • Link: Incight Scholarship
3. Microsoft Disability Scholarship
   •  
   • Overview: This scholarship aims to empower high school students with disabilities to pursue a career in the technology industry.
   • Eligibility: High school seniors with a documented disability, planning to pursue a career in technology, engineering, computer science, or a related field.                                    
   • Application Procedure:
     • Complete the application form.
     • Provide documentation of disability.
     • Submit transcripts, a resume, and a personal essay.
     • Provide two letters of recommendation.
   • Award Amount: Varies.
   • Deadline: Typically in early March.
   • Link: Microsoft Disability Scholarship
4. BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarships
   • Overview: Designed for current undergraduate or graduate students with disabilities at a four-year university or college in the United States or Canada. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in business/commerce, computer science, engineering, math, physics, statistics, or a related discipline and have an interest in a career in financial services.
   • Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students with disabilities.
   • Application Procedure:
     • Complete the online application.
     • Provide documentation of disability.
     • Submit transcripts, a resume, and a personal statement.
     • Include letters of recommendation.
   • Award Amount: $10,000 (USA) or $5,000 (Canada).
   • Deadline: Typically in early December.
   • Link: Lime Connect Scholarships
5. Google Lime Scholarship
   • Overview: Supports students with disabilities pursuing a degree in computer science or a related field.
   • Eligibility: Students with disabilities enrolled in or accepted to a full-time undergraduate, graduate, or PhD program in computer science, computer engineering, or a closely related technical field.
   • Application Procedure:
     • Complete the online application.
     • Provide documentation of disability.
     • Submit transcripts, a resume, and responses to essay questions.
     • Provide letters of recommendation.
   • Award Amount: Varies.
   • Deadline: Typically in early December.
   • Link: Google Lime Scholarship

Federal Student Aid Programs

The U.S. Department of Education provides billions of dollars in federal aid each year to students pursuing higher education. Grants and scholarships are "free" money, while loans must be repaid. Examples of federal aid programs include:

1. Federal Pell Grants: For undergraduates with financial need.
2. Federal Stafford Loans: Based on financial need, with variable interest rates. The government pays the interest while the student is in school.
3. Federal PLUS Loans: Made to parents, with variable interest rates.
4. Campus-Based Programs: Managed by participating schools and include federal supplemental educational opportunity grants, federal work-study, and Perkins loans.

• Eligibility: Varies by program.
• Application Procedure: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Award Amount: Varies by program.
• Deadline: FAFSA typically opens on October 1 for the following academic year.
• Link: Federal Student Aid

Tips to get the scholarship

Here are some friendly tips to help with scholarship applications:

1. Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to gather what you need and write your essays. Procrastination doesn't make things easier!
2. Documentation Matters:  Make sure all your paperwork about your learning disability is up-to-date and easy to understand. This helps the folks reviewing your application get a clear picture.
3. Share Your Story:  Use your personal statement to talk about your own experiences, the challenges you've faced, and how your learning disability has shaped your goals for school and beyond. It's your chance to shine!
4. Choose Your Supporters Wisely:  Pick people who really know you well and can talk about your strengths and accomplishments. Their words can make a big difference!
5. Read Everything Carefully: Don't skip over the instructions! Take your time to read and follow them closely. It's important to get it right to avoid any hiccups along the way.