Scholarships for Students Who Have Parent with Disability

Scholarship

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.

Main Document

"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..."

Through the Looking Glass and its National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families are pleased to announce new scholarships specifically for high school seniors or college students who have parents with disabilities.

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.

AmeriCorps - A network of national service programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. AmeriCorps jobs are open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents aged seventeen or older. Participants receive an education award to pay for college or graduate school, or to pay back student loans. For more information, call 1-800-942-2677 (TTY 1-800-833-3722) or consult www.americorps.gov