✨ Should I Apply for National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
🌍 Overview
⏱
Duration
One-time award (Winners may win up to two scholarships in their lifetime)
🗓
Deadline
March 31 (Annual)
🌐
Fields
All fields of study
🌏
Study Country
United States
🏛️
Provider
National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
📊
Acceptance
Check official website
The National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program is the largest of its kind for blind students in the United States. It aims to recognize achievement and encourage further excellence among blind scholars while providing a platform for networking with blind leaders across the nation.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to legally blind students residing in the U.S. or Puerto Rico who are pursuing or plan to pursue a full-time degree program in the upcoming academic year.
🏛️ Host University
Any accredited post-secondary institution in the United States or Puerto Rico
🤝 Sponsor
National Federation of the Blind
🌐 Fields of Study
All fields of study
✨ Key Benefits
Each of the 30 winners receives an $8,000 cash prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to the NFB National Convention for networking and mentorship.
🎯 Target Students
Legally blind students
🏷 Tags
Blindness
Visual Impairment
Disability
USA
Undergraduate
Graduate
Merit-based
💸 Funding Breakdown
Tuition
No (Funds are awarded directly to the student for tuition, books, or living expenses)
Living Stipend
Varies (Award can be used for living expenses at the student's discretion)
✈️ Travel: Full travel, lodging, and registration provided for the NFB National Convention
🏠 Accommodation: No (Except for travel and lodging for the National Convention)
💊 Health Insurance: No
🔄 Renewable: Yes
💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
No (Funds are awarded directly to the student for tuition, books, or living expenses)
🏠 Living Stipend
Varies (Award can be used for living expenses at the student's discretion)
🏡 Accommodation
No (Except for travel and lodging for the National Convention)
✈️ Travel Allowance
Full travel, lodging, and registration provided for the NFB National Convention
🎁 Other Benefits
Mentorship from blind professionals, networking opportunities, and a technology suite from various sponsors
📋 Renewal Conditions
Recipients may reapply and win a second scholarship in a subsequent year; a maximum of two NFB scholarships may be awarded to any individual.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
Must be legally blind in both eyes; must be a resident of the USA, D.C., or Puerto Rico; must be pursuing a full-time post-secondary course of study.
🎓 Academic Level
Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional (Ph.D., Law, Medicine, etc.)
📊 Minimum GPA
Varies (High academic achievement is expected, but no specific minimum is published)
🗣️ English Requirement
Proficiency in English required for U.S. university enrollment
🎂 Age Limit
No specific age limit
💼 Work Experience
Not required (One scholarship is available for a student who works full-time and attends school part-time)
🏆 Leadership
High (Strong emphasis on community service and leadership within the blind community or broader society)
💰 Financial Need
Considered but secondary to merit and leadership
🎯 Target Students
Legally blind students
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Personal statement regarding personal history, goals, and philosophy on blindness)
Rec Letters
Yes (One letter of recommendation required)
Interview
Yes (Finalists are interviewed by the Scholarship Committee)
Documents Required
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport / National ID
- Yes (One letter of recommendation required) Recommendation Letters
- CV / Resume
- Personal Statement / Essays
- Proficiency in English required for U.S. university enrollment
- Interview: Yes (Finalists are interviewed by the Scholarship Committee)
- Min GPA: Varies (High academic achievement is expected, but no specific minimum is published)
📋 Application Process
Focus on your 'Philosophy of Blindness'—how you manage challenges and your commitment to independence and advocacy. Connect with a local NFB affiliate before applying.
💡 Insider Tip: Ensure your personal essay demonstrates self-advocacy and a proactive approach to your education. Transcripts should be submitted early to avoid delays.