Notices and information in this section may be of interest to Monitor readers. We are not responsible for the accuracy of the information; we have edited only for space and clarity.
Now in its sixth year, the Holman Prize for Blind Ambition annually awards three blind people from anywhere in the world, up to $25,000 each to carry out an incredible idea that will shatter misconceptions about blindness.
The Holman Prize is named for James Holman, a blind 19th century explorer, (https://holman.lighthouse-sf.org/who-is-james-holman/) who is the most prolific private traveler of anyone, blind or sighted, before the era of modern transportation.
The only qualifications to submit an application to win a Holman Prize are that you must be blind or legally blind, be eighteen years old by October 1, 2022, and speak English. All you have to do is make a ninety-second video pitching your idea, upload it to YouTube, and then fill out the application form on the Holman Prize website.
But if you’re not quite ready to upload your ninety-second YouTube pitch and fill out the application, there’s no need to worry. Applications close on March 20 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific. Your idea can literally be on any topic, as long as you are the originator and leader of your ambitious Holman Prize objective and you are blind or legally blind: technology, the Arts, Braille, accessibility, transportation, travel, community, learning a skill, teaching a skill, launching a business, providing a service—smashing any boundary and changing perceptions.
You will have until March 20, 2022, to submit your application, but don’t leave it to the last minute: during the application period, you can be collecting as many ‘likes’ on YouTube as possible so that you’re in the running for the “People’s Choice Award.” The applicant whose video has the most ‘likes’ automatically goes through to the semifinal.
Please note: we know just how different applications will need to be during this time of the pandemic. While we recognize this will be a factor for the scope of some peoples’ ideas, we encourage you to think big and imagine your Holman plan without taken the current constraints too much into consideration. If your idea is successful, we will do everything we can to work with you and help you make it happen. Don’t let the pandemic blunt your ambition!
We are thrilled to announce that Waymo is again sponsoring the Holman Prize for Blind Ambition this year. Thank you Waymo for your continued support of this global prize. Want to see examples of great pitches? Check out the 2020 Holman Prize Finalists playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U43xqY4_JGk&list=PLBgTkRMP5uazmdIST_cKOG4BXGNXjQJP1
Check out our Holman Prize frequently asked questions: https://holman.lighthouse-sf.org/faq/, and if you don’t find your answer there, email us at [email protected]. We will be glad to give you any further information you need.
Spread the word about the Holman Prize and follow Holman Prize on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. We can’t wait to watch your Holman Prize 2022 application videos and celebrate your Holman Prize idea with you.
I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.