Each year at its National Convention in July, the National Federation of the Blind 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 post- secondary course of study in the following fall semester. In addition to these restrictions, some scholarships have been further restricted by the donor. Scholarships to be given at the National Convention in 2000 are listed here with any special restrictions noted:
! 1 SCHOLARSHIP FOR $10,000 American Action Fund
Scholarship -- Given by the American Action Fund for Blind
Children and Adults, a nonprofit organization which works to
assist blind persons. No additional restrictions.
! 3 SCHOLARSHIPS, EACH FOR $4,000 Melva T. Owen Memorial
Scholarship -- Given in memory of Melva T. Owen, who was
widely known and loved among the blind. She and her husband
Charles Owen became acquainted with increasing numbers of
blind people through their work in the "Voicepondence" Club.
Charles Owen says: "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."
! Two National Federation of the Blind Scholarships; 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.
! Mozelle and Willard Gold Memorial Scholarship --
Endowed by the energetic and effective former President of
the National Federation of the Blind of California, Sharon
Gold, in loving memory of her mother and father, both of whom
were dedicated to creating opportunity for their daughter and
for all blind persons through Braille literacy and dedication
to service. No additional restrictions.
! Frank Walton Horn Memorial Scholarship -- Given by Mr.
and Mrs. Charles E. Barnum, the mother and stepfather of
Catherine Horn Randall. No additional restrictions, but
preference will be given to those studying architecture or
engineering.
! 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 National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut. No
additional restrictions.
! E. U. Parker Scholarship -- Endowed by his wife, who
joined him in a lifetime of Federationism, this scholarship
honors a long-time leader of the National Federation of the
Blind whose participation in the organization stood for
strong principles and strong support of the Federation's
work.
! Howard Brown Rickard Scholarship -- Winner must be
studying or planning to study in the fields 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 post-secondary teaching.
! National Federation of the Blind Humanities Scholarship
-Winner must be studying in the traditional humanities such
as art, English, foreign languages, history, philosophy, or
religion.
! Thirteen National Federation of the Blind Scholarships;
no additional restrictions.
CRITERIA: All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, service to the community, and financial need.
MEMBERSHIP: The National Federation of the Blind is an organization dedicated to creating opportunity for all blind persons. Recipients of Federation scholarships need not be members of the National Federation of the Blind.
MAKING APPLICATION: To apply for National Federation of the Blind scholarships, complete and return the application following, attaching to the application all the additional documents there requested. Multiple applications are unnecessary. Each applicant will be considered for all scholarships for which he or she qualifies. Send completed applications to:
Mrs. Peggy Elliott
Chairman, National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Committee
805 Fifth Avenue
Grinnell, Iowa 50112
Phone: 515-236-3366
Form must be received by March 31.
REAPPLICATION: Those who have previously applied are
encouraged to apply again. It is the intention of the
National Federation of the Blind to award not fewer than
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 their selection by telephone by June 1
and will be brought to the National Federation of the Blind
convention in July at Federation expense. Winners will
participate in the entire convention and in the scheduled
scholarship program activities. This is in addition to the scholarship
grant. All decisions by the Scholarship Committee are final.
The National Federation of the Blind convention is the
largest gathering of blind persons (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 United States
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.
NATIONAL FEDERATION OF THE BLIND
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM
This form may be photocopied.
mail completed application and attachments to Mrs. Peggy
Elliott, Chairman, National Federation of the Blind
Scholarship Committee, 805 Fifth Avenue, Grinnell, Iowa
50112; (515) 236-3366. Form must be received by March 31,
2000.
Name (please include any maiden or other names by which you
have been known):
Date of birth:
School address:
School phone number:
Home address:
Home phone number:
Institution being attended in spring semester, 2000, with
class standing (freshman, senior, etc.):
Cumulative grade point at this institution:
Institution to be attended in fall of 2000, with class
standing: Send by separate letter if admitted to school after
submitting completed application:
List all post-secondary institutions attended with highest
class standing attained and cumulative grade point average:
High school attended and cumulative grade point:
Vocational goal:
State your major:
Awards and honors (attach list if necessary):
Community service (attach list if necessary):
Attach the following documents to completed application:
1. Personal Letter from Applicant. NFB scholarships are
awarded on the basis of scholastic excellence, financial
need, and service to the community. Send us a letter which
tells us, in light of these criteria, why you rather than
someone else should get an NFB scholarship. In writing your
personal letter and in gathering your other attachments,
design your application to put your best foot forward for us.
2. Send two letters of recommendation.
3. Provide current transcript from institution you are now
attending and transcripts from all other post-secondary
institutions attended. If you have not yet attended such an
institution or have not completed one year of study, send
high school transcript.
4. Send a letter from a state officer of the National
Federation of the Blind evidencing the fact that you have
discussed your scholarship application with that officer. We
prefer that you discuss your application with the Federation
state president, but a letter from any Federation state
officer will suffice. President's address provided upon
request.
For more information contact:
Jerry Richer
Phone: 1-518-359-8538 or 1-518-572-6092
Email: basoftware@ChirpingBat.Com
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