Hearing impairment or deafness often presents unique challenges for students pursuing higher education. However, with the right financial and academic support, these challenges can be mitigated.
In this blog post, we’ll dig into four fully funded scholarships specifically designed for students with hearing impairments. These scholarships provide not only financial assistance but also a network of support, ensuring students have every opportunity to succeed in their academic journey.
Sertoma Scholarships for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf
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A renowned nonprofit organization, Sertoma, offers various scholarships aimed at assisting students with hearing impairments. One of their signature scholarships is the Hard of Hearing or Deaf Scholarship.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for the Sertoma Scholarship for the Hard of Hearing or Deaf, you must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. citizen: You must be a citizen of the United States of America.
- Hearing loss: You must have clinically significant bilateral hearing loss, evidenced by an SRT or PTA of 40dB or greater in both ears.
- Degree program: You must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university in the United States. Graduate degrees, associate degrees, community colleges, and vocational programs are not eligible.
- Academic standing: You must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 unweighted scale (for high school seniors, GPA for grades 9-11 and first semester of grade 12 is considered; for college freshmen, GPA for all of high school and first semester of college is considered).
How to Apply:
- Review the official website:
- The Sertoma website provides the most up-to-date information and application materials: https://www.sertoma.org/What-we-do/Scholarships: https://www.sertoma.org/What-we-do/Scholarships
This financial aid opportunity is extended to students diagnosed with significant bilateral hearing loss who are currently enrolled as full-time students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited U.S. college or university.
AG Bell College Scholarship Program
Offered by the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the AG Bell College Scholarship Program provides multiple scholarship opportunities to eligible students.
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Pre-lingual bilateral hearing loss with a severity level classified as moderate to profound
- Diagnosed before your fourth birthday
- Enrolled in or accepted into an accredited college or university program
- Minimum GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
- Active participation in the deaf or hard of hearing community
Award:
- $2,500 to $10,000 annually, non-renewable (students who remain eligible in future years can re-apply, but one individual cannot receive more than two awards)
- Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses
The scholarships are open to both full-time and part-time students who rely on Listening and Spoken Language and have a pre-lingual bilateral hearing loss that falls in the range of moderately-severe to profound.
The DeafTEC Scholarship Program
The National Technical Institute for the Deaf’s initiative, DeafTEC, offers scholarships specifically tailored for those aspiring to pursue technical careers. The DeafTEC Scholarship Program is an exceptional opportunity for high school students, veterans, and displaced workers who are deaf or hard of hearing and harbor a passion for technical skill acquisition.
Eligibility:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Have a documented hearing loss of 30 decibels or greater in your better ear
- Be enrolled in or accepted into a full-time undergraduate or graduate program in a technology-related field at an accredited college or university
Award:
- Scholarship awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year
- Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses
Deadline:
- The application deadline is typically in mid-April each year. Check the official website for the exact deadline.
Selection Criteria:
- Academic achievement (GPA, transcripts)
- Strength of personal statement and essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Demonstrated financial need
- Involvement in the deaf or hard of hearing community (optional)
A primary objective of this program is to bolster the presence of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in technical jobs, a sector where they are significantly underrepresented.
FAQS
Which course is best for hearing impaired students?
Courses in fields like communication sciences and disorders, deaf education, technology, and healthcare can be beneficial for hearing-impaired students.
How much hearing loss is considered deaf?
Deafness is typically defined as a significant loss of hearing that affects an individual’s ability to understand speech and communicate effectively, usually categorized as profound hearing loss or total deafness.
Is hearing loss a disability?
Yes, hearing loss is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar laws globally. It can impact communication, social interactions, and daily activities, necessitating accommodations and support.
What are the 5 levels of hearing loss?
The five levels of hearing loss are:
- Slight (16-25 dB)
- Mild (26-40 dB)
- Moderate (41-55 dB)
- Severe (56-70 dB)
- Profound (71+ dB)
What are the 4 types of deaf?
- The four types of deafness are:
- Conductive deafness
- Sensorineural deafness
- Mixed deafness
- Central deafness
Conclusion
In conclusion, pursuing higher education while living with a hearing impairment may present some unique challenges, but these hurdles should not deter individuals from achieving their academic and professional dreams. These four fully-funded scholarships – Sertoma Scholarships, AG Bell College Scholarship Program, Louise Tumarkin Zazove Foundation Scholarship, and The DeafTEC Scholarship Program, are incredible opportunities designed specifically to assist students with hearing impairments in achieving their educational aspirations.
These scholarships not only provide much-needed financial support but also acknowledge and honor the determination, perseverance, and character of these remarkable students. They offer a sense of belonging and a platform to excel academically and personally. By valuing traits like leadership, community involvement, and resilience in the face of adversity, they aim to foster well-rounded individuals who can make a positive impact on their communities and the world.
