🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
$1,000 to $2,500 per academic year
⏱
Duration
One academic year
🗓
Deadline
March 31 (Annually)
🔬
Fields
Multiple fields including Engineering, Computer Science, Literature, Music, and Rehabilitation/Education for the blind
🏆
Awards/Year
Varies (Multiple awards across different named funds like Ruckes and Dillman)
🌏
Study Country
United States
🏛️
Provider
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
📊
Acceptance
Check official website
The AFB Scholarship Program offers several distinct scholarships to support students who are legally blind or visually impaired. Notable awards include the Paul and Ellen Ruckes Scholarship (for Engineering/CS) and the Rudolph Dillman Memorial Scholarship (for Rehabilitation/Education). The program aims to empower students to reach their professional and personal goals by reducing the financial burden of higher education.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to legally blind students pursuing higher education in the US. Applicants must provide medical certification of their visual impairment and meet specific criteria for individual awards within the program.
🏛️ Host University
Any accredited college or university in the United States
🤝 Sponsor
American Foundation for the Blind
🔬 Fields of Study
Multiple fields including Engineering, Computer Science, Literature, Music, and Rehabilitation/Education for the blind
✨ Key Benefits
Financial awards ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 to assist blind or visually impaired students with the costs of post-secondary education.
🎯 Target Students
Blind and Visually Impaired Students
🏷 Tags
Blindness
Visual Impairment
USA
Undergraduate
Graduate
Financial Aid
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
Partial (Funds are typically applied to tuition or related educational expenses)
Total Award
$1,000 to $2,500 per academi
✈️ Travel: No
🏠 Accommodation: No
💊 Health Insurance: No
🔄 Renewable: No (However, students may re-apply in subsequent years if they remain eligible)
💳 App Fee: $0 (Free to apply)
🎓 Tuition Coverage
Partial (Funds are typically applied to tuition or related educational expenses)
🎁 Other Benefits
Networking opportunities within the AFB community and recognition through AFB publications.
🔄 Renewable
No (However, students may re-apply in subsequent years if they remain eligible)
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be a US citizen or legal resident; Must be legally blind or visually impaired; Must be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate and Graduate
📊 Minimum GPA
3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Preferred)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English as required by the host institution
💼 Work Experience
Not required
🏆 Leadership
Preferred (Demonstrated leadership and community service are part of the selection criteria)
💰 Financial Need
Considered for certain specific awards within the program
🎯 Target Students
Blind and Visually Impaired Students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Personal statement regarding career goals and impact of visual impairment)
Rec Letters
Yes (Typically 2-3 letters of recommendation)
Application Fee
$0 (Free to apply)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (Typically 2-3 letters of recommendation) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Proficiency in English as required by the host institution
- Interview: No
- Min GPA: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (Preferred)
📋 Application Process
Ensure that your eye report or medical documentation is current and clearly states legal blindness. Focus your essay on how you use assistive technology to succeed academically.
💡 Insider Tip: Since AFB often uses a joint application with the American Council of the Blind (ACB), ensure you check all boxes for specific scholarships you are eligible for to maximize chances.