Updated 11/2020
Introduction
There are many different opportunities for individuals with limb loss or limb difference to find resources that may be able to help pay for their post-secondary education. These resources include scholarship opportunities and other forms of financial aid. This fact sheet will assist you in identifying some of these programs and organizations. The Amputee Coalition also suggests that you check with both your state and your future intuitions (college, university, or vocational) to see if there are specific funding opportunities for individuals living with limb loss or limb difference.
Amputee Coalition College Scholarships
Christina Skoski, M.D. Scholarship
This fund provides $1,000 toward tuition for the academic year to a full-time undergraduate student who has a congenital limb difference or has had an amputation.
Phone: 888-267-5669
Web: amputee-coalition.org/events-programs/scholarships/skoski/
Scott Decker, M.D. Memorial Scholarship
This fund provides $1,000 toward tuition for the academic year to a full-time undergraduate student who has a congenital limb difference or has had an amputation.
Phone: 888-267-5669
Web: amputee-coalition.org/events-programs/scholarships/the-scott-decker-memorial-scholarship/
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
FAFSA
To qualify for federal student aid like grants, loans, and work-study funds, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). General eligibility requirements for federal student aid can be found here: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility/basic-criteria.
Phone: 800-433-3243
Web: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa
Private Scholarships
1800wheelchair.com Scholarship
1800wheelchair.com’s scholarship program bestows one or two $500 awards each year. Participants must meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled at an accredited high school, college, or university in the U.S.
- Enrolled at the graduate level, undergraduate level, or your final year of high school
- Aged sixteen (16) years or older
- Carry a status of “good standing” (i.e. currently enrolled)
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (or equivalent)
Phone: 800-320-7140
Web: https://www.1800wheelchair.com/scholarship/
Academy of Special Dreams Scholarship
The College Scholarships Fund is targeted to traditional college-aged students with a disability who are also pursuing either a full- or part-time course of study in art (any medium). These cash awards are determined on a competitive basis and require the submission of an art portfolio and artist’s statement via email.
Web: https://www.specialacademy.org/scholarship/
AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability
The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability is awarded annually to deserving students with a disability who are pursuing undergraduate/graduate studies (must be at least enrolled as a sophomore in college) at an accredited university. Students also must be focused on studies related to health and disability. This includes but is not limited to disciplines of public health, health promotion, disability studies, disability research, rehabilitation engineering, audiology, disability policy, and special education. Consideration is also given to students whose major will impact the quality of life of those a part of the disability community.
Web: https://www.aahd.us/initiatives/scholarship-program/
Anderson and Stowell Scholarship
The Joey Stowell Scholarship awards $450 toward a college student living with a physical ailment, physical disease, and/or physical disability. Students must be enrolled as a full/part time student and must not be on academic probation.
Web: https://livebellasoul.org/?scholarships=anderson-and-stowell-scholarship
Foundation for Science and Disability (FSD) Student Award Program
The Student Award Program of FSD helps to increase opportunities in science, engineering, mathematics, technology, and pre‑medical/dental areas for graduate or professional students with disabilities. FSD has established a Science Graduate Student Grant Fund which is available to fourth-year undergraduates (who are disabled and have been accepted to a graduate or professional program in the sciences) as well as to disabled graduate students who are pursing advanced degrees in STEM fields. Awards of $1,000 each are made to support research projects of qualified university students in any field of Mathematics, Science, Medicine, Technology, or Engineering.
Google Lime Scholarship
Google is committed to helping the innovators of the future make the most of their talents by providing scholarships and networking retreats for computer science students with disabilities.
Web: https://www.limeconnect.com/programs/page/google-lime-scholarship
Microsoft disAbility Scholarship
Delivering on the mission of Microsoft’s Cross Disability Employee Resource Group (ERG), the disAbility Scholarship enables high school students with disabilities to go to college and pursue a career in the technology industry. This scholarship will be awarded to promising high school seniors who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and have a financial need. The amount of this renewable scholarship is $5,000 per year, up to $20,000 total, which is paid through the Seattle Foundation on behalf of Microsoft’s ERG directly to the financial aid office of the recipient’s school.
Web: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/diversity/programs/microsoftdisabilityscholarship.aspx
Mobility Scooters Direct Scholarship Program
Each year, the Mobility Scooters Direct Scholarship Program awards a $1,500 scholarship to students who apply to the program. To apply, you must be a currently enrolled college or university student and provide a letter of recommendation.
Web: https://www.mobilityscootersdirect.com/scholarship
The Springboard Foundation
The Springboard Foundation extends scholarships to full-time college students who have documented disabilities as defined and protected by either the ADA or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The scholarship recipients are required to be attending a college or university within the United States and maintain a GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) or above.
Phone: 973-241-5960
Web: http://www.thespringboardfoundation.org/
Teresa Haven Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
The scholarship award amount is $1,000 and will be payable via check to the award recipient. Eligibility criteria for this scholarship includes:
- Enrollment in a post-secondary institution in the United States during the award period or evidence of acceptance to a postsecondary institution in the United States immediately following the award period (i.e. award granted in May, student must be accepted to a postsecondary institution for Fall semester of that same year.)
- Must be a student with a disability
- Registration for a minimum of six (6) credit hours per quarter/semester
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Nomination by an ATHEN member
Web: https://athenpro.org/content/scholarship-professional-development
Test Prep Insight Scholarship
Test Prep Insight is committed to giving students with disabilities a better chance to achieve their professional goals. Their annual scholarship program awards $1,500 to help level the financial playing field so that students with disabilities can earn the degree of their dreams. Eligibility requirements include:
- Applicants must be currently enrolled at or planning to attend a 2-4 year university, community college, or graduate school program located in the United States.
- Candidates must have a medically recognized physical or mental disability.
- The minimum GPA required for the application is 2.5, indicating that all candidates are in good academic standing.
Web: https://testprepinsight.com/scholarship/
Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities
The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities is designed to help people with disabilities obtain the education or training necessary to succeed in the career path of their choice. To apply, one must have an identified disability (defined as a long-term or recurring issue that impacts one or more major life activities). Applicants must be high school seniors or graduating seniors and planning to enroll or already enrolled in undergraduate study at an accredited college or university (two- or four-year) in the United States as either full- or part-time students. The program will award up to $2,500 renewable scholarships for full-time students and up to $1,250 renewable scholarships for half-time students.
Web: https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/pwdscholarship/
Additional Resources
Affordable Colleges Online-Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students with Disabilities
org lists selective scholarship opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology (DO-IT)
The DO-IT Center is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through technology and education. It promotes awareness and accessibility—in both the classroom and the workplace—to maximize the potential of individuals with disabilities and make communities more vibrant, diverse, and inclusive. Their website includes an up-to-date list of upcoming scholarship opportunities as well as other resources regarding accessibility and accommodations.
Web: https://www.washington.edu/doit/resources/scholarships
LendEU-Guide to Paying for College for People with Disabilities
This guide can help determine how to get financial aid and access scholarships meant for people with disabilities.
Web: https://lendedu.com/blog/paying-for-college-for-people-with-disabilities/
Study.com-College Guide for Students with Disabilities
This guide offers in-depth details in several areas, including:
- Legal rights of students with disabilities
- Services colleges can or need to make available
- Required accommodations for students
- Technologies and helpful apps for students
Web: https://study.com/resources/college-resource-for-students-with-disabilities
It is not the intention of the Amputee Coalition to provide specific medical or legal advice but rather to provide consumers with information to better understand their health and healthcare issues. The Amputee Coalition does not endorse any specific treatment, technology, company, service or device. Consumers are urged to consult with their healthcare providers for specific medical advice or before making any purchasing decisions involving their care.
© Amputee Coalition. Local reproduction for use by Amputee Coalition constituents is permitted as long as this copyright information is included. Organizations or individuals wishing to reprint this article in other publications, including other websites must contact the Amputee Coalition for permission to do so, by emailing a request to rc@amputee-coalition.org.