I'm a high school junior diagnosed with ADHD, and I'm starting to look into college funding options. Are there scholarships specifically for students with ADD or ADHD? I'm curious about any opportunities that might recognize the unique challenges we face. Additionally, do these scholarships require proof of diagnosis, and what criteria might be considered besides academic performance? Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!
Yes, there are several scholarships available specifically for students with ADHD. These include but are not limited to:
1. The Shire ADHD Scholarship Program: This program offers a financial award, along with a one-year ADHD coaching program to high school seniors and incoming college freshmen diagnosed with ADHD.
2. The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior with a documented learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD.
3. Rise Scholarship Foundation: This foundation provides five annual awards to students with documented learning disabilities which can include ADHD.
4. Learning Disabilities Association of Iowa Scholarship: It offers three annual scholarships, and ADHD students are encouraged to apply.
In terms of documentation, these scholarships do typically require a diagnosis of ADHD from a licensed health care provider. They each have separate criteria regarding eligibility, so you'll want to look into each one individually for specific details. They may consider factors beyond academics including hobbies, extracurricular activities, service to the ADHD community, or work experiences.
It's also worth noting that some colleges have disability services offices that may also be aware of ADD/ADHD-specific scholarships or may have institution-specific grants or scholarships.
Typically, scholarships for students with specific conditions like ADHD serve to acknowledge the additional challenges these conditions can present in an academic setting. They are designed to lend support helping students succeed and thrive in their academic pursuits. Best of luck with your scholarship search!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.