The National Federation of the Blind is pleased to announce an exciting update to our 2026 scholarship program. In the December issue, readers were reminded that we offer thirty scholarships annually to blind students from across the United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. For the past few years, the value of each of those thirty scholarship awards has been $8,000; however, during their December meeting, the NFB Board of Directors generously voted to increase the level of each of our thirty scholarships by $2,000, raising the total cash value of each award to $10,000.
Students may apply if they reside in the fifty states, the District of Colombia, or Puerto Rico and will be enrolled in a full-time accredited post-secondary degree program during the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, eligible applicants must be at least eighteen years of age by July 3, 2026, the start date of the NFB Annual Convention at which the scholarships will be awarded.
The National Federation of the Blind may award up to five of these thirty scholarships annually to applicants enrolled part-time who meet all other eligibility requirements. We recognize that along with 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.
As noted above, all scholarships will be awarded at our 2026 National Convention, which will take place in Austin, TX, 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!