Scholarships

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An important part of preparing for college is figuring out how to pay for it. Below you will find information about scholarships, including deadlines, award amounts, and eligibility. For more funding strategies for college, consult the DO-IT publication College Funding for Students with Disabilities.

Upcoming Scholarship Opportunities

The following scholarships are listed in order by deadline.

The Carl James Dunlap Memorial Student Award

Application Due: September 1, 2025
Description:
The Carl James Dunlap Memorial Student Award, administered by the University of Washington DO-IT center, seeks to support UW students with physical disabilities in achieving their education goals. The purpose of each award is to help students pay for tuition and/or school related expenses (e.g., personal care assistants – PCAs). The fund prioritizes awards for students who, like Carl, utilize a wheelchair and/or hire PCAs.

Eligibility:
UW students with physical impairments.

Rolling Deadline Scholarship Opportunities

The following scholarships accept applications all year-round.

Academy of Special Dreams Scholarships for Students with Disabilities

Description:
Targeted to the traditional college-aged student with a disability who is pursuing either a full or part-time course of study in any medium of Art. These cash awards are determined on a competitive basis and require the submission by e-mail of an art portfolio and artist’s statement.

Eligibility:
18 or older, traditional college-aged student with a disability pursuing course of study in any medium of Art
Ben's Fund Autism Grant

Description:
This $1,000 grant can be applied to services and equipment specifically related to their child or young adult's autism spectrum disorder treatments.

Eligibility:
For children or young adults under the age of 25, Washington resident, on the autism spectrum, with demonstrated financial need.
Diabetes Incorporated

Description:
To be considered for a scholarship however, membership dues must be paid prior to the scholarship deadline of April 15. Membership dues are $10 and can be included with your scholarship application or paid online through our donations page.

Scholarship Amounts: $1,000

Eligibility:
Applicants must either have diabetes or have an immediate family member who has diabetes and a family member must be a current Diabetes, Incorporated member.
Hydrocephalus Association Scholarships

Description:
This $500 award is intended for students with hydrocephalus.

Eligibility:
Any student pursuing a post-secondary education is eligible.
James “Rhio” O’Connor Memorial Scholarship

Description:
$1,000 scholarships are available. Applicants must write an essay of 700-1,500 words. To receive a scholarship application which will include the rules and deadlines please send an email to: aelliott@cancermonthly.com. Please put the word “Scholarship” in the subject line.

Eligibility:
College students are eligible.
Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award

Description:
Two individuals will each receive $2,500 in recognition of their outstanding contributions and $7,500 to further a new or existing initiative that increases the political and economic power of people with disabilities.

Eligibility:
An individual with a disability who displays strong leadership capabilities will be considered.
The Alex and Suzanne Rosenkrantz Scholarship Fund

Description:
This scholarship funds blind, deaf, and deaf-blind undergraduate or graduate students in becoming self-sufficient through higher education, vocational training, or other schooling. Applications are accepted year-round, with those post-marked by July 15 reviewed in August, and with priority given to Grays Harbor residents; then residents of Pacific, Thurston and Mason Counties; then residents of other counties in Washington State.

Eligibility:
Blind youth, deaf youth and deaf-blind youth are eligible for this scholarship.
The TPA Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired

Description:
The TPA Scholarship is need-based and is intended for children and adults with hearing impairments.

Eligibility:
Any age group and student status with a hearing impairment.