The American Council of the Blind’s (ACB) Scholarship Program was established in 1982. The American Council of the Blind (ACB) and the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) have now partnered together to offer educational scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $7,500 for those attending a technical college or as an entering freshman, undergraduate or a graduate student.
This program awards students with scholarships to help with post-secondary education financial needs such as tuition, fees, room and board and other additional costs associated with adaptive technology.
To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants need to be legally blind, maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible for most scholarships, be a full-time student (as well as students who work 32 or more hours per week and attend college part time), and be involved in their school/local community.
You will need to include the following documents with your completed application:
- Certification of legal blindness from an ophthalmologist, optometrist or physician. Legal blindness is defined as an individual who cannot see better than 20/200 in the best eye with glasses or contact lenses or whose visual field in the best eye is 20 degrees or less at the widest diameter with glasses or contact lenses.
- A transcript(s) from the school you are currently attending. Entering freshmen will need to include their high school transcripts and graduate students will need to include undergraduate transcripts. Unless extenuating circumstances exist, a 3.0 cumulative grade point average is required.
- Two letters of recommendation from a current or recent instructor, career counselor or employer. Please submit each letter of recommendation separately.
- Proof of acceptance from a post-secondary school. Entering and transferring students must submit a notice or letter from the admissions office certifying acceptance or consideration for admission. If this is not available when the application is submitted, it must be submitted as soon as it is available. Students continuing at the same school attended during 2020-2021 will not need to submit this document.
Applications for the 2020-2021 school year can be submitted online from Monday, November 2, 2020 to Monday, February 15, 2021 11:59pm (CST).
All interested candidates must register for an ACB account prior to submitting a scholarship application online. Once you have created an account with ACB, please login and then you can access the scholarship application from the link at the top of the site. Visit this link to create an account or login.
Scholarship winners will experience firsthand ACB’s National Conference and Convention in July, where you will meet other students who share the same life experiences, create lasting friendships and network with individuals who understand what you are going through and can help you with your journey. There are also many sessions where you can learn about new technology and what is happening in our community.
For more information, please contact Nancy Christine in the ACB National Office at (612) 332-3242 or (800) 866-3242. We look forward to receiving your application materials.
Scholarship Awards
To maximize the financial impact, scholarship awardees may receive a combined AFB and ACB award.
Doctor Duane Buckley - ACB
Undergraduate who has overcome major difficulties
Kellie Cannon - ACB
Studying in the field of computer science, data processing, programming, web development, etc.
William H. Corey - ACB
Pennsylvania resident
Charles Dillman - AFB (4 scholarships)
Studying in the field of disability rehabilitation or teaching
Rudolph Dillman - AFB (4 scholarships)
Studying in the field of disability rehabilitation or teaching
Eunice Fiorito - ACB
Studying in advocacy or disability services
R.I. Gillette, Gladys C. Anderson and Karen D. Carsel Memorial - AFB
For an undergraduate woman studying music
John Hebner - ACB
Must be working full time and enrolled in substantial courses
James R. Olsen Memorial - ACB
Undergraduate studying business, computer science, or information technology and involved in community service.
ACB Oregon - ACB
Oregon resident
Ross N. Pangere Foundation - ACB (3 scholarships)
Studying in the field of business, computer science or information technology
Floyd Qualls Memorial - ACB (5 Scholarships)
General studies
Paul and Ellen Ruckes - AFB
Studying physical or computer sciences or engineering.
Norma Schecter - ACB
General studies
Arnold Sadler - ACB
Studying in the field of disability rehabilitation, education, law & etc.