Scholarships for Students with Learning Disabilities

Scholarships are "free money" given to a student for their college education--unlike loans, this money does not have to be paid back. Many private scholarships are available that grant money to students based on their particular strengths, interests, disabilities, and other characteristics or qualities. Finding this money can be the hard part, but we're here to help. The following is a list of scholarships particularly for students with learning disabilities.

Anne Ford & Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships

National Center for Learning Disabilities
Scholarships ranging from $2,500-$10,000 for high school seniors with LD who are pursuing post-secondary education or career training.

The Hal Hazelett Scholarship

Two $1,000 scholarships for students with LD, one of which is designated for a student pursuing an education and/or a math degree. One ADD/ADHD scholarship will also be awarded.

Incight Go Getter Scholarship

A renewable $750 award available to high school students with physical, learning, cognitive, hearing, or vision disabilities.

LD Resources Foundation

Awards of assistive technology tools (ex. Kurzweil products, Dragon Naturally Speaking and MacSpeech Dictate, Franklin Dictionary) are available to college students diagnosed with LD and/or AD/HD.  Students must be enrolled at a college/university with the intention of pursuing an undergraduate degree.

The Lime Connect Fellowship Program

This program is available to a current sophomore at a four-year university in the U.S. The student must have a disability, such as LD.  The comprehensive program includes educational workshops, interview preparation, organized mentor programs, and continued support and coaching through the recruitment process via a leadership development program, plus a $1,000 award.

The Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Award

Three $6,000 and three $2,000 awards available to high school seniors with LD who demonstrate leadership skills, scholarship, and a high level of service to others; must be a member of Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic (RFB&D).

Rise Scholarship Foundation
A $2,500 scholarship is available for a current high school senior with a documented LD who plans to attend a college or university in the upcoming academic year.

Saralu Belkofer Scholarship

Two $2,000 awards are available to students with LD. Students must be a high school senior or involved in post-secondary education. An additional Internet marketing internship is available, if the student(s) is interested.

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Youth Achievement Award

A $1,000 award for a student with LD and/or ADHD who has demonstrated initiative, talent, and determination resulting in a notable accomplishment in any field - including art, music, science, math, athletics or community service.

Theodore R. & Vivian M. Johnson Scholarship Program

Available to students with disabilities with financial needs who enroll in a State University System of Florida institution.

If you do not qualify for many of these scholarships, or are simply looking for more opportunities to get money for college, do not despair. Think beyond your LD: what do you want to study? What activities have you been involved in? Are you or your parents members of any associations or groups? Any of these may lead to a scholarship. Sign up for a free scholarship search engine like Fastweb or Sallie Mae's Scholarship Search to create a profile and search for all scholarships that may apply to you. Learn as much as you can about financial aid--the more knowledgeable you are, the better prepared you will be when college bills arrive.