International Scholarships

Monday, February 26, 2007

[USA] National Federation of The Blind Scholarship

This scholarship for all people including full time employee. Each year at its national convention in July, the NFB gives a broad array of scholarships to recognize achievement by blind scholars. All applicants for these scholarships must be (1) legally blind and (2) pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, postsecondary course of study in a degree program at a United States’ institution in the fall of 2007, except that one scholarship may be given to a full-time employee also attending school part-time. In addition, some scholarships have been further restricted by the donor. Each applicant will be considered for all scholarships for which he or she qualifies. The scholarship application deadline is March 31, 2007. Scholarships to be given at the 2007 National Convention are listed with special restrictions noted:

1 SCHOLARSHIP FOR $12,000

Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship – Given by the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, a nonprofit organization which works to assist blind people, in memory of the man who changed perceptions regarding the capabilities of the blind in this country and throughout the world. Kenneth Jernigan is viewed by our field as the most important figure in the 20th century in the lives of blind people. The Action Fund wishes to keep fresh and current in the 21st century the understandings he brought to the field and thus has endowed this scholarship dedicated to his memory and to the continuation of the work he began. No additional restrictions.

1 SCHOLARSHIP FOR $10,000

Charles and Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarship – First established by Charles Owen in loving memory of his blind wife and now, along with a second scholarship in a different amount, endowed by his last will and testament to honor the memory of both. In founding the scholarship, Charles Owen wrote: "There shall be no limitation as to field of study, except that it shall be directed towards attaining financial independence and shall exclude religion and those seeking only to further general or cultural education."

2 SCHOLARSHIPS, EACH FOR $7,000

Two National Federation of the Blind Scholarships – No additional restrictions.

4 SCHOLARSHIPS, EACH FOR $5,000

Hank LeBonne Scholarship – Hank LeBonne was a man who loved life and loved the National Federation of the Blind. His last wish was that his remaining assets be used to help young blind men and women have the same opportunities in life he enjoyed. No additional restrictions.

Jennica Ferguson Memorial Scholarship – Given to keep alive the memory of a young woman who dealt with her blindness and terminal illness with a grace and strength she frequently assured others she drew from the Federation and from her faith in God. No additional restrictions.

Michael and Marie Marucci Scholarship – Given by two dedicated and valued members of the NFB of Maryland. The winner of this scholarship must be studying a foreign language or comparative literature; pursuing a degree in history, geography, or political science with a concentration in international studies; or majoring in any other discipline requiring study abroad. The winner’s file must also show evidence of competence in a foreign language.

Sally S. Jacobsen Scholarship – Endowed in loving memory of a longtime New York State leader by her husband Carl and family and by many others who wish to commemorate Sally’s indomitable spirit; education (education of disabled youth preferred); no additional restrictions.

22 SCHOLARSHIPS, EACH FOR $3,000

Hermione Grant Calhoun Scholarship – Dr. Isabelle Grant endowed this scholarship in memory of her daughter. Winner must be a woman.

Kuchler-Killian Memorial Scholarship – Given in loving memory of her parents, Charles Albert Kuchler and Alice Helen Kuchler, by Junerose Killian, dedicated member of the NFB of Connecticut. No additional restrictions.

Charles and Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarship – First established by Charles Owen in loving memory of his blind wife and now, along with a second scholarship in a different amount, endowed by his last will and testament to honor the memory of both. In founding the scholarship, Charles Owen wrote: "There shall be no limitation as to field of study, except that it shall be directed towards attaining financial independence and shall exclude religion and those seeking only to further general or cultural education."

E. U. Parker Scholarship – Endowed by his wife, who joined him in a lifetime of Federationism, this scholarship honors a longtime leader of the National Federation of the Blind whose participation stood for strong principles and strong support of the Federation’s work. No additional restrictions.

Howard Brown Rickard Scholarship – Winner must be studying or planning to study in the field of law, medicine, engineering, architecture, or the natural sciences.

National Federation of the Blind Computer Science Scholarship – Winner must be studying in the computer science field.

National Federation of the Blind Educator of Tomorrow Award – Winner must be planning a career in elementary, secondary, or postsecondary teaching.

Fifteen National Federation of the Blind Scholarships – No additional restrictions.

PROGRAM RULES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CRITERIA: All scholarships are awarded for academic excellence, community service, and financial need.

MEMBERSHIP: The National Federation of the Blind is an organization dedicated to creating opportunity for all blind people. Recipients of NFB scholarships need not be members of the National Federation of the Blind.

REAPPLICATION: Those who have previously applied are encouraged to apply again. It is the intention of the NFB to award at least three scholarships to men and women who have already received one Federation scholarship in the past if enough strong and worthy candidates apply.

WINNERS: The Scholarship Committee reviews all applications and selects the scholarship winners. These winners, the same number as there are scholarships to award, will be notified of the selection by telephone by June 1 and will be brought to the National Federation of the Blind convention in July at Federation expense. This is in addition to the scholarship grant. Winners will participate in the entire convention and in the scheduled scholarship program activities, beginning with functions on Saturday, June 30, 2007. All decisions by the Scholarship Committee are final.

The National Federation of the Blind convention is the largest gathering of blind people (more than 2,500) to occur anywhere in the nation each year. You will be able to meet other blind students and exchange information and ideas. You will also be able to meet and talk with blind people who are successfully functioning in your chosen profession or occupation. Federal officials, members of Congress, and the makers and distributors of new technology attend Federation conventions. Above all, a broad cross section of the most active segment of the blind population of the U.S. will be present to discuss common problems and plan for concerted action. It is an interesting and exciting week.

AWARDS: The day before the convention banquet the Scholarship Committee will meet to determine which winners will receive which scholarships. The scholarship awards will be made during the banquet.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS: Many state affiliates of the National Federation of the Blind also award scholarships, using eligibility criteria identical to or very similar to the standards for this national program. Check with your state president about deadlines, criteria, and levels of scholarships.

ENHANCEMENTS TO THE NATIONAL PROGRAM: Each year, generous donors add to the amounts listed here, sometimes for all winners and sometimes for a few. Check on the NFB Web site, http://www.nfb.org/, to determine if enhancements have been added after this form was printed.

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