The college acceptance process can be strenuous and difficult. Applying to college, getting accepted, and then figuring out how to pay for it. For students who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities (LD) or cognitive impairments, that process can become even more stressful.
Learning-related issues such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often create difficulties and can hinder the learning process in traditional classrooms and affect the outcome of standardized tests. For scholarship applications that emphasize test scores and GPA’s over extracurriculars and recommendations, this can make it more difficult for LD students to obtain college scholarship opportunities. Luckily, there are scholarships and resources available for students with learning disabilities
The three scholarships that are listed below do not include ADHD as a specific disability on it’s own. Most schools and scholarship organizations consider Asperger’s and additional autism- spectrum disorders separate from learning disabilities (LD.)
The Rise Scholarship is a wonderful scholarship for students with a learning disability. Their website features articles and resources that are aimed directly at LD students. Their website is easy to navigate and informative. It discusses everything from how to navigate the Common Application for Undergraduate College Admission, to helping remain engaged and active in your classes.
In 2012, five students received $2,500 scholarship awards. If you’re currently a high school senior or looking into scholarship opportunities for college, head over to the Rise Scholarship Foundation website and apply before February 15 for your chance to win a 2013 scholarship.
Similar to the Rise Awards, the Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships are scholarships available to students who have a diagnosed learning disability (LD.) This scholarship is presented by the National Center for Learning Disabilities and are highly coveted awards. The Anne Ford Scholarship is extremely competitive and is a four-year renewable award worth $2,500 each year. The Allegra Ford Scholarship is a newer program and offers a one-time $2,500 award to a student attending a two-year community college, technical or vocational school, or a specialized program for LD students. The deadline for both the Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Scholarship is December 31, 2012.
For more information and additional scholarships check out the NCLD’s website. They feature scholarships opportunities for specific career paths such as the arts, special education, science and many more.