Scholarships for Students with Disabilities: Where to Begin?

I'm a high school junior with a physical disability, and I want to find scholarships that can help make college more affordable. I've heard there are scholarships out there specifically for students with disabilities, but the whole process seems a bit overwhelming right now. How do I start searching for these scholarships? Are there any well-known programs or databases that I should be aware of? Also, any advice on what makes an application stand out would be awesome.

Starting your scholarship search can indeed feel overwhelming, but rest assured that there are plenty of resources available to help you find scholarships for students with disabilities.

One place to start is with the federal government. The U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search tool is very useful, as it allows you to filter by scholarship type. The same goes for Appily's scholarship database, which also lets you filter by category.

There are also numerous non-profit organizations that offer scholarships specifically for students with disabilities. For example, the National Center for Learning Disabilities provides the Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships. The National Federation for the Blind awards scholarships to high-achieving visually impaired students. The Sertoma Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship is for students with hearing impairment. These are just a few examples, and a more detailed search can definitely turn up more opportunities.

For your scholarship applications, standing out really comes down to conveying your story effectively. Many scholarship committees want to understand the obstacles you've overcome and how your experiences shaped you as a person. Don't shy away from discussing your disability, as it's a significant part of your story. Discuss how it has impacted your academic journey, how you've worked to overcome any challenges, and how it's influenced your future goals. This approach allows you to demonstrate your resilience and determination.

Furthermore, clearly state your educational and career goals, and illustrate how the scholarship will help you reach them. This shows the committee that you have a clear plan and that their investment will go towards meaningful, achievable goals.

Finally, make sure to proofread, follow all the guidelines, and meet the deadlines. These might seem like small things, but they can make a big difference in how your application is received. Good luck with your scholarship hunt!