Scholarships for students with birth defects?

I'm a high school junior with a birth defect and was curious about any scholarships available for students with conditions like mine. Are there specific scholarships I should be aware of that cater to students with birth defects?

Absolutely, there are a few scholarships out there specifically targeted towards students with birth defects or physical disabilities.

1. 180 Medical Scholarship Program: This scholarship is offered by 180 Medical, a leading supplier of medical products, notably catheters, ostomy, and incontinence supplies. They award seven $1,000-competitive scholarships a year to students with a multitude of conditions, which includes various birth defects.

2. The 1-800-Wheelchair Scholarship Fund: This scholarship awards two $500 scholarships each year. Students need to "compose a visual poem, in a style of your choosing, on the theme of overcoming a personal challenge." This scholarship is open to all students, but the theme of overcoming personal challenges lends itself well to students with birth defects.

3. The CHASA Scholarship Program: CHASA offers scholarships to college students who have a diagnosed form of hemiplegia or hemiparesis due to any cause, or a diagnosis of pediatric stroke.

4. Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation (ELA): Though not directly for birth defects, this foundation offers scholarships to women with physical disabilities who are enrolled in a college or university graduate program in the United States.

A good resource for identifying these kinds of scholarships is the Appily Scholarship Search tool which allows students to search for scholarships based on their specific situation and needs. Depending on your on your particular birth defect, you may find more opportunities tailored directly to your situation. Always be sure to confirm the information on the scholarship's official website, as not all scholarships are awarded every year and deadlines frequently change. Good luck with your search!