The National Federation of the Blind is pleased to announce our 2026 scholarship program. We offer thirty $8,000 scholarships to blind students who will be at least eighteen years of age by July 3, 2026. Students may apply if they reside in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico and will be enrolled in a full-time accredited post-secondary degree program during the 2026-2027 school year. The National Federation of the Blind may award up to five of the thirty scholarships annually to applicants enrolled part-time who meet all other eligibility requirements. Additionally, we recognize that employment, family caregiving, and ongoing medical care concurrent with post-secondary enrollment can contribute to a need for students to carry a part-time courseload. Our application has been revised in order to provide an opportunity for students who will be enrolled part-time in the fall to share additional information with the committee.
All scholarships will be awarded at our 2026 National Convention, which will take place in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8.
The application period begins December 1, 2025, and closes at midnight EST on March 31, 2026. Go to www.nfb.org/scholarships. To apply during the four-month open period: read the rules and the submission checklist, complete the official 2026 scholarship application form, supply all required documents, and request and complete an interview with an NFB affiliate president. Remember, the only way to win is to apply!