Thanks to our generous scholarship partners, the National Federation of the Blind scholarship program is the largest of its kind for blind students in the United States. This year we will award more than 250,000 dollars in cash and prizes. Each of our winners will receive a total monetary award of 8,000 dollars. Learn more about our scholarship program and how to apply.
Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship
This scholarship is given yearly by the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, a nonprofit organization that works to enhance the lives of blind people. Dr. Kenneth Jernigan, himself blind, worked tirelessly to raise the expectations of blind people through his innovative leadership both in the organized blind movement and in the field of services for the blind. His creative approach to life shines through in his many writings and in the programs he administered. His legacy lives on in the generations who look to the understandings he freely offered to inform current programs and practices. The Action Fund dedicates this scholarship to his memory and to the continuation of the timeless work he began.
The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults Scholarship
For more than 100 years the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults has strived to improve the lives of blind and Deafblind children and adults. Best known for annually producing and gifting Braille Calendars, sponsoring the free Braille books for blind children program, and administering the Braille Readers are Leaders contest, the American Action Fund leads in promoting Braille literacy. The American Action Fund is proud to award this scholarship to a deserving and talented blind person.
Scott C. LaBarre Memorial Scholarship
The Scott C. LaBarre memorial scholarship remembers a tireless advocate and beloved mentor of hundreds in our movement. Most famous for negotiation of the Marrakesh treaty allowing cross-border sharing of accessible materials, attorney Scott C. LaBarre for decades built and represented the National Federation of the Blind locally, nationally, and internationally.
Jacquilyn Billey Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded in memory of Jacquilyn Billey and honors her leadership, dedication, and commitment to the National Federation of the Blind throughout her lifetime. Jacquilyn was a tireless advocate for the blind and a loving friend.
Oracle Scholarship for Excellence in a STEM Field
This scholarship awards academic excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Oracle wishes to promote excellence and funds this scholarship based on Oracle’s understanding of its impact on disabled employees and customers throughout the globe.
JAWS for Windows Scholarship
The JAWS for Windows scholarship is funded by the developers of the JAWS screen reader, Vispero. JAWS, Job Access With Speech, has been committed to expanding the opportunities of education and employment for the blind with both speech and Braille since the late 1980’s. In establishing this award Vispero said, “on behalf of all the individuals responsible for the development and support of this product over the years, we are honored to establish this scholarship for students recognized by the Federation.” Vispero will award each winner with a 5-year home software license for their choice of either JAWS screen reading software or ZoomText magnifier with speech.
Adrienne Asch Memorial Scholarship
The Adrienne Asch Memorial Scholarship is given in loving memory of Dr. Adrienne Asch a consummate scholar and a longtime member of our Scholarship Committee.
NFB STEM Scholarship
The NFB STEM Scholarship is jointly supported by the Science and Engineering and Computer Science divisions, and it is awarded to a student studying in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or a related field. Members of these divisions wish to encourage the success of blind STEM students in their chosen field of study.
Mimi and Marvin Sandler Scholarship
The Mimi and Marvin Sandler award is funded by longtime friends of the Federation, Mr. and Mrs. Sandler. Marvin Sandler served as president of Independent Living Aids for more than thirty years. He and his wife wish to further academic excellence by sponsoring this award.
Charles and Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarships
First established by Charles Owen in loving memory of his blind wife, these three awards are now endowed to honor the memory of both. In founding these scholarships, Charles Owen wrote: "There shall be no limitation as to field of study, except that it shall be directed toward attaining financial independence.”
E. U. and Gene Parker Scholarship
The E. U. and Gene Parker Scholarship honors two longtime leaders of the National Federation of the Blind whose participation stood for strong principles and strong support of the Federation's work.
Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship
The Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship, funded by Charles and Betty before their passing, is a reflection of their commitment to education. Charlie, who was extremely successful, left school at an early age to care for his family, but retained a strong belief in higher education.
Edith R. and Alvin J. Domroe Foundation Scholarships
The Foundation supports college scholarships and has funded two scholarships to encourage academic excellence.
Lillian S. Edelstein Scholarships
Up to two students receiving these scholarships hail from or will be attending college in Washington, Idaho, or Oregon.
Jesse and Hertha Adams Charitable Trust Scholarship
The Jesse and Hertha Adams Trust scholarship is made available for those individuals who wish to achieve their dreams. Success is acknowledged through hard work and the effort you put forth. And the Jesse and Hertha Adams Scholarship acknowledges both.
National Federation of the Blind Scholarships
All other scholarships proudly carry the name National Federation of the Blind. Our members acknowledge academic excellence and leadership in making these awards.
Kurzweil Foundation and Ray Kurzweil
The Kurzweil Foundation and Ray Kurzweil contribute to each recipient’s award, and provide each finalist with a commemorative plaque in both print and Braille. Ray Kurzweil is a long-time friend of the Federation and deserves our special recognition.
Google provides substantial support to our scholarship program. We are so grateful to Google for their long-term commitment to our scholarship program.
Thank you!
The National Federation of the Blind is so grateful for our many partners who fund our scholarships or provide additional gifts and prizes making this one-of-a-kind scholarship program possible.
To learn about our supporters, watch our 2024 scholarship thank you video.