Through the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award, AAPD recognizes outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community.
Scholarship Details
- Two recipients are selected
- Each recipient receives $10,000 in recognition of their contributions to the disability community
- Each recipient receives an additional $15,000 to further a new or existing project or initiative
- Supported projects or initiatives must increase opportunities for people with disabilities
- A recipient may be an individual or a two-person group
- The award recognizes leadership, advocacy, and dedication to the broader cross-disability community
- Recipients of will be honored at the virtual AAPD National Community Event in the spring
- The award was established in 1999 in honor of AAPD co-founder Paul G. Hearne
Eligibility Criteria
- Identify as a person with a disability
- Identify as an emerging leader
- Project must focus on creating impact within the United States and territories
Application Process
- Review the current AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award requirements.
- Complete the required award application.
- Provide information demonstrating your leadership, advocacy, and contributions to the disability community.
- Describe the new or existing project or initiative that would be supported by the award funding.
- Provide all additional information and supporting materials required by AAPD.
- Submit the completed application according to the program's instructions and applicable deadline.
Applicants will not be required to disclose their specific disability. However, by filling out an application, you agree you are a person with a disability. The AAPD Paul G. Hearne Emerging Leader Award is named in honor of Paul G. Hearne, an advocate and visionary leader with a lifelong disability who achieved success as a nonprofit executive, foundation president, federal agency director, and mentor to countless people with disabilities.
