Scholarships for Students Who Have Parent with Disability

A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further his or her education. The terms "scholarship" and "grant" are often used interchangeably, but there are usually differences between these two forms of aid. Most scholarships are merit based. This means that they are awarded to students with certain qualities, such as proven academic or athletic ability. Many scholarships have rules, maintaining a certain GPA, for example, that you have to follow to continue receiving aid. Students with disabilities may be able to apply for awards intended for people with disabilities. Those scholarships may be intended for disabled students in general, or in relation to a specific disability. Most grants are need based. This means that they are usually awarded based on your or your family's financial situation.

A total of fifteen $1000 scholarships will be given out Fall 2015.

These scholarships are part of Through the Looking Glass' National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families. Deadline for applications is March 23, 2015.

There are separate eligibility requirements for high school seniors and for college students:

High School Seniors

To be eligible, a student must be a high school graduate (or graduating senior) by Summer 2015, have at least one parent with a disability, and be planning to attend an accredited technical or vocational school or a two or four-year college in Fall 2015.

Those planning to attend a two or four-year college should be pursuing an AA, AS, BA or BS degree.

College Students

To be eligible, a student must be currently enrolled in an accredited technical or vocational school or a two- or four-year college with continued enrollment through Fall 2015, have at least one parent with a disability, and be 21 years of age or younger as of March 23, 2015.

Those enrolled in a two or four-year college should be pursuing an AA, AS, BA or BS degree.

All application materials must be postmarked by March 23, 2015. Individuals may submit only one application per award period.

Selection criteria for all scholarships include academic performance, community activities and service, letter of recommendation and an essay describing the experience of growing up with a parent with a disability.

Five of the fifteen scholarships will also consider financial hardship and academic potential in addition to the other selection criteria.

Please go to: www.lookingglass.org for more information, including the application form, complete application directions and an FAQ page that answers many common questions as well as offers helpful suggestions.

Scholarships Available

The best source of information on student funding is always the Student Financial Aid Office at your college or university. Information and regulations change fairly frequently, but they will have the latest information.

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