Menu
Education Grants for Disabled Adults

Education Grants for Disabled Adults

Higher education can open doors for disabled adults, providing them with opportunities for personal growth, career advancement and financial independence. However, the cost of college or vocational training can be a barrier. Thankfully, there are various grants specifically designed to support disabled adults pursuing further education. Below, we outline some of the top education grants available to disabled adults, detailing the eligibility criteria, application process and how these grants can help.

1. Pell Grants

Pell Grants are federal education grants awarded to low-income undergraduate students, including disabled adults. These grants do not require repayment and can be used for tuition, books and other educational expenses.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program.
  • The grant is available to students who have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree.

Learn more at https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell. 

2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)

The Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) is a Social Security Administration (SSA) program designed to help disabled individuals pursue education or training to achieve employment goals. This program allows SSI recipients to save money for education-related expenses without impacting their SSI benefits.

Who Qualifies?

  • Disabled adults who are current SSI recipients and have a clear employment or educational goal.
  • Funds can be used for tuition, books and other educational needs.

To learn more, visit www.ssa.gov.

3. The Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Scholarship

The Ethel Louise Armstrong (ELA) Foundation provides scholarships to women with disabilities who are pursuing graduate degrees. The foundation is dedicated to empowering disabled women to advance their careers and education.

Requirements

  • Applicants must be women with disabilities enrolled in an accredited graduate program in the United States.
  • Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, leadership potential and dedication to disability advocacy.

For more information, visit www.ela.org.

4. Incight Scholarship

The Incight Scholarship is designed to help disabled students reach their educational and career goals. This scholarship program provides financial support to disabled adults pursuing both academic and vocational education.

Application Process

  • Applicants must have a documented disability and be enrolled in a post-secondary program at an accredited institution.
  • Selection is based on academic performance, community involvement and leadership.

Explore more at www.incight.org.

5. Microsoft Disability Scholarship

The Microsoft Disability Scholarship aims to encourage disabled students to pursue higher education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields. The scholarship provides financial assistance to cover tuition and other educational costs.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Applicants must be high school seniors with disabilities planning to enroll in a college or university for a STEM-related degree.
  • Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need and interest in a technology-related career.

To apply, visit www.microsoft.com.

6. AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability

The American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) offers the Frederick J. Krause Scholarship to support disabled students pursuing higher education in health-related fields. This scholarship encourages disabled individuals to enter professions that improve disability health outcomes.

Who Is Eligible?

  • Applicants must be disabled students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in the U.S.
  • Priority is given to students studying public health, disability studies, or other health-related fields.

For further details, visit https://aahd.us/initiatives/scholarship-program/. 

7. The Google Lime Scholarship

The Google Lime Scholarship is a scholarship initiative by Google in partnership with Lime Connect. It aims to support disabled students pursuing degrees in computer science and other technology-related fields.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must have a disability and be pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or Ph.D. degree in a technology-related field.
  • The scholarship considers academic achievement, leadership and passion for computer science.

For additional information, visit https://buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com/scholarships/google-lime-scholarship. 

8. The American Council of the Blind (ACB) Scholarship Program

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) offers a variety of scholarships for legally blind students pursuing higher education. These scholarships provide essential financial support for tuition, books and other expenses.

Application Details

  • Applicants must be legally blind and enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution.
  • Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, leadership and community involvement.

To learn more, visit www.acb.org.

9. The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Scholarship Program

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) offers an annual scholarship program for blind and visually impaired students. The program awards multiple scholarships each year to students across a range of academic disciplines.

Who Qualifies?

  • Applicants must be legally blind and enrolled in a full-time post-secondary program.
  • Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement and career goals.

For more details, visit https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/career-development/2024/05/08/national-federation-of-the-blind-nfb-scholarships-for-blind-students/. 

10. The DisABLEDperson Inc. National Scholarship Competition

The DisABLEDperson Inc. National Scholarship Competition is a bi-annual scholarship offered to disabled students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. The scholarship is aimed at encouraging educational and professional advancement among individuals with disabilities.

Who Can Apply?

  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens with a documented disability.
  • The scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students attending an accredited U.S. college or university.
  • Selection is based on academic performance, written essays and commitment to career development.

For more information, visit www.disabledperson.com.

Conclusion

Education grants provide essential support for disabled adults seeking to advance their education and careers. In addition to these specific programs, exploring other resources like state-specific assistance programs, financial aid options and housing assistance can also help ensure a more comprehensive approach to funding your education. Taking advantage of these grants and resources can open doors to higher education and empower disabled adults to achieve greater independence and success.

Related Posts