National Federation of the Blind Merit Scholarship

Amount:
$5,000
Deadline:
April 30, 2025
Awards Available: 2

Scholarship Description

Each year, the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois (NFBI) awards scholarships to qualified blind students. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and service to the community. To be eligible for an NFBI scholarship, an applicant must be a legally blind resident of or student in Illinois, who is enrolled full-time in an accredited two-year, four-year or graduate college or university program.

Scholarship Details

  • Awards more than $240,000 annually to blind scholars
  • Recognizes achievements and professional aspirations in blind students
  • Winners selected based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership
  • Includes both national and state scholarship programs

Eligibility Criteria

  • Legally blind high school and college students
  • Must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement
  • Applicants can apply for both national and state scholarship programs

Application Process

  1. Review the national scholarship application checklist and FAQs.
  2. Complete the national scholarship application by March 31 (midnight Eastern Time) and the Illinois state scholarship application by April 30 (midnight Central Time).
  3. Submit all required documentation, including proof of legal blindness, academic records, and letters of recommendation.
  4. Participate in interviews if selected as a finalist.
  5. Winners are announced and scholarships awarded at the annual NFBI convention.

Persons who have previously applied for NFBI scholarships are encouraged to apply again. The Scholarship Committee reviews all applications and selects the scholarship finalists, who will be notified of their selection by June 15, and will be brought to the NFBI convention in the fall. Finalists must attend the entire NFBI state convention which may be virtual. Please disclose all post-secondary institutions you have attended with highest class standing attained and cumulative grade point average, high school attended and cumulative grade point average, and community service you have performed. Applicants must be at least 18 by the beginning of July.

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