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INFORMATION AND RESOURCE GUIDE
FINANCING FOR YOUR EDUCATION
Scholarships and grants are sources of funding that have an application process which includes specific eligibility criteria that must be addressed. Scholarships and Grants are essentially free funds that are given to students who apply to a specific donor. Scholarship and grant donors may be public or private agencies, a business, an organization or a memorial trust for an individual.
One difference between scholarships and grants is that scholarships are often related to the quality of a student's scholastic achievement, whereas grants are usually more competitive and concerned with the applicant's specific area of study.
Scholarships and grants are both funding sources that the student does not have to repay after the award is received. Scholarship and grant monies are based on specific eligibility criteria which should be stated on all application materials. Be sure to note all of the responsibilities that you are assuming, so that you are not later caught unaware of your responsibility to the donor.
Searching for Funding
There are many ways to find information on scholarships and grants. One of the first places to look would be your college's financial aid office. In most financial aid offices, both on and off campus sources of scholarships and grants are available for students to review.
It is best to gain some preliminary knowledge about the application process. Check scholarship guides on campus, talk to a financial aid counselor or your guidance counselor, see if they provide any related workshops; talk to a peer who has successfully applied for scholarships or grants that are similar to your interests. The best thing you can do is to get as much help as possible before you apply for any funding.
When you are looking for scholarship or grant opportunities, it is very important to concern yourself with the eligibility criteria for each source. Try to find a fit when searching for funds - a scholarship where the eligibility criteria match you and your situation (such as donors who specify visual disability as a criterion).
After you locate a solid list of opportunities, remember two very important factors: Most applications are denied because applicants have not filled out their forms accurately or they did not adequately address the required topic within their essay or autobiographical sketch. Nearly all scholarship and grant applications include a request for basic information form and a request for a personally written essay or autobiographical sketch.
Make sure you address exactly what is requested, taking the time to cover the issues with your best writing skills and a thoughtful, informative theme.
To assure that your essay really hits the mark it is a good idea to research not only the type of scholarship for which you are making application, but that you also research the donor. Without a good essay, most applicants do not receive serious consideration.
Hint: You may wish to write up a general biographical paragraph, or two, about yourself and your educational pursuits. Then edit and elaborate the article to specifically fit each scholarship or grant. This can be a time saver, but be attentive to detail so your essay does not appear hurried or too generic.
The agencies, organizations and other scholarships listed in this document, pertain to Washington students only—The folder titled Scholarship Grantors contains a larger and unrestricted list of scholarships and grants.
Student Loans: Another Option
An alternative source for financial assistance is apply for a student loan. The most important thing to remember with loans is that you have to pay them back. When you enter the financial aid market or go into your campus financial aid office beware of the ease with which a student loan is suggested. They can burden you as easily as any other type of loan or debt. In fact, there are many conditions attached to student loans, and they may be very restrictive in the way that you receive and return payments.
Private financial institutions that require a profit to be made off of lending money to students now own most student loans. This means that all student loans will include interest in varying levels, and they will require that payments be made on time after your graduation and at the rate dictated by the loan owner or institution. There is also no longer any room for a default on your loan. Nearly all applications that ask about your financial situation will ask if you have ever defaulted on a student loan. A default in your past could hurt your credit for many years.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to take out a student loan, then go into the financial aid office with an open mind and a strong sense of personal responsibility. They will inform you of the loans available and how much you will receive. Most colleges, however, are now forced to have independent, state-funded agencies decide what the cost of your college program is per term, and that total is the amount you will receive each term. If it is too much, it is your responsibility to return it to the funding source.
There are also short-term or temporary loans provided through your campus financial aid office. These are usually much easier to apply for and get. They usually have no interest attached, are to be used only for academic survival purposes, and must be paid back promptly or whenever other sources of financial aid come through.
Other Resources
Work-study programs (both on and off campus), paid and unpaid internships, and part-time jobs related to your major can all make a difference in the outcome of your college experience. One of the best ways to see if your program of study is really what you should invest time in is to find a job related to your academic area of interest. Look into these and other resource options when you get on campus.
Below is a list of organizations that award scholarships and grants to students that are blind. Please, go to the folder titled “Scholarship Grantors” and learn of the many scholarships and grants to which you can apply. There is also a file listing possible funding for access technology. Explore and enjoy! Most importantly do not limit yourself to only applying for scholarships that are dedicated to blind students. Consider your other interests, talents and unique qualities; apply for scholarships and grants that are open to everyone!
List of Organizations that offer Scholarships and Grants:
American Council of the Blind (ACB)
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER)
Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI)
National Federation of the Blind
United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA)
Other Resources:
Other Scholarships, Grants and Internships
Washington Assistive Technology Foundation Overview