As part of National Disability Awareness Month in October, Wells Fargo and Scholarship America announce the second annual People with Disabilities Scholarship Program.
Applications are being accepted online through November 28, or until 700 are submitted.
Qualifying full-time students are eligible for up to $2,500, renewable for up to 3 years. Half-time students are eligible for up to $1,250, renewable for up to 7 years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first.
To qualify, students must meet the following criteria: have an identified disability; have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent; and be a high school senior or graduate who plans to enroll (or already is enrolled) in full-time or half-time (at least 6 credits per term) undergraduate study at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university in the US for the entire 2018–2019 academic year.
In addition, an online application, accompanied by a current transcript and an essay on the question, “What life experiences have shaped who you are today?” are required.
Selection criteria include academic performance, demonstrated leadership, work experience, a brief statement of career and educational goals, and an outside appraisal. Financial need will be considered.
“We were thrilled with the overwhelming response and outpouring of gratitude from recipients in the first year,” says Kathy Martinez, head of disability and accessibility strategy at Wells Fargo, in a media release. “It was a clear indicator that there is a need for programs that help make career aspirations a reality for people with disabilities. We look forward to offering the program for a second year.”
“Scholarship America is pleased to work with Wells Fargo in offering this scholarship,” adds Robert C. Ballard, president and CEO, Scholarship America. “We are committed to making postsecondary success possible for all students. Students with disabilities have overcome many challenges, and this scholarship can help make the dream of postsecondary education attainable.”
[Source(s): Wells Fargo, Business Wire]
