Many students with glasses often wonder if their eyewear could ever contribute to their chances of receiving a scholarship. The good news is, yes, they can! Several organizations recognize the additional challenges that students with glasses often encounter and provide scholarships to support them.
We have put together a list of scholarships that students with glasses can apply for to lighten the financial load of their academic journey.
National Federation of the Blind Scholarships
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The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) is a valuable resource for students with glasses, particularly those with more severe vision impairments. Offering a variety of scholarships ranging from $3,000 to $12,000, the NFB Scholarship Program helps numerous students each year finance their higher education.
Eligibility:
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- Must be legally blind in both eyes.
- Must be residing in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.
- Must be at least 18 years old by July 3rd of the application year.
- Must be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the fall of the year of application.
- Must participate in person in the entire NFB National Convention and in all of its scheduled scholarship program activities (finalists receive financial assistance to attend the convention).
Awards:
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- Thirty $8,000 merit-based scholarships are available annually.
- Additional awards and prizes are also offered.
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Selection criteria:
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- Academic excellence.
- Community service.
- Leadership.
- Financial need.
Application:
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- Applications typically open in October and close in January or February.
- Visit the NFB website for specific deadlines and application materials: https://scholarships.nfb.org/: http
The scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, community involvement, and proven leadership skills. As with other scholarships, wearing glasses won’t hurt your chances – in fact, your ability to excel despite a visual impairment might be seen as a testament to your strength and adaptability.
The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
If you’re an immigrant or a child of immigrants who wears glasses, you should look into The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans. This remarkable program provides as much as $90,000 for pursuing graduate studies in any discipline at any university across the United States.
Eligibility:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Identify as a New American, meaning either an immigrant yourself or having one or both parents who immigrated to the U.S.
- Be enrolled in or accepted into a full-time graduate program at an accredited U.S. institution.
- Be aged 30 or younger as of the application deadline.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential.
Benefits:
- Financial support: Up to $90,000 per year for two years, covering tuition and fees, living expenses, and books.
- Networking opportunities: Access to a vibrant community of past and present Fellows, fostering mentorship and connection.
- Professional development: Support for career exploration, leadership development, and personal growth.
Selection Criteria:
- Academic excellence: Strong academic record and potential for success in graduate studies.
- Leadership: Demonstrated leadership qualities, involvement in community service, and commitment to making a positive impact.
- Personal statement: Compelling story showcasing aspirations, motivations, and personal experiences as a New American.
- Letters of recommendation: Strong endorsements from academic and professional references.
The fellowship committee is on the lookout for candidates demonstrating qualities such as originality, initiative, sustained accomplishment, and creativity. Although wearing glasses is not a requirement for this fellowship, dealing with visual impairment can showcase your determination and resilience, thereby enriching your application. Your story of overcoming visual-related obstacles may be just the distinguishing factor that the fellowship committee is looking for.
Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program, established through a generous grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is designed to support exceptional minority students who require financial assistance to further their academic dreams. This all-inclusive scholarship caters to all educational expenses, encompassing tuition, fees, textbooks, and even living costs for undergraduate students in any field of study.
Eligibility:
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident.
- Identify as African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American.
- Be enrolled in or accepted into a degree-granting program at an accredited US college or university.
- Have a high school GPA of 3.3 or higher (unweighted).
- Demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to community service.
- Meet significant financial need criteria.
Benefits:
- Generous financial support: The GMS program provides full tuition and fees for undergraduate studies, and up to $30,000 per year for graduate studies in approved fields. Additional funding is available for books, supplies, and other academic expenses.
- Leadership development opportunities: Scholars gain valuable experiences through leadership conferences, retreats, and mentoring programs, fostering personal and professional growth.
- Supportive community: GMS recipients join a vibrant network of peers and alumni, offering ongoing support, encouragement, and opportunities for connection.
Remember, the goal of the Gates Millennium Scholars Program is to identify and aid those outstanding students who, despite their financial constraints, have the potential to contribute significantly to their communities and beyond. Your narrative as a student with glasses could indeed highlight your perseverance and determination, thereby aligning perfectly with the mission of this program.
Read Also: Fully Funded Scholarships For Asian American Students
Horatio Alger National Scholarships
For students who have persevered through adversities and remained steadfast in their pursuit of education, the Horatio Alger National Scholarships serve as a beacon of hope. These scholarships provide up to $25,000 each to high school students who have displayed unwavering determination and integrity while dealing with financial hardships.
Eligibility:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be enrolled full-time as a junior in high school
- Exhibit a strong commitment to pursuing and completing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the United States
- Demonstrate critical financial need (adjusted gross family income is $65,000 or lower)
- Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities
- Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0
Selection Criteria:
- Academic achievement (25%)
- Strength of financial need (25%)
- Involvement in co-curricular and community service activities (20%)
- Essay (20%)
- Demonstrated perseverance in overcoming adversity (10%)
Benefits:
- Up to $25,000 per year for up to four years of undergraduate study
- Opportunities for professional development and networking
- Membership in a supportive community of Scholars and alumni
Application:
- Applications typically open in August and close in November.
- Visit the Horatio Alger Association website for specific deadlines and application materials.
In summary, if you’re a student with glasses and have displayed a profound commitment to education despite financial hardship and the additional challenges posed by your visual impairment, the Horatio Alger National Scholarships could be a substantial financial aid option for you.
FAQS
Are there scholarships specifically for students who wear glasses?
Yes, there are scholarships available specifically for students who wear glasses. These scholarships aim to support students with visual impairments or who require corrective eyewear to pursue their educational goals.
What do fully funded scholarships for students with glasses typically cover?
Fully funded scholarships for students with glasses typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, books, supplies, and other educational-related expenses. Some scholarships may also provide additional support for vision-related needs, such as eye exams or purchasing prescription eyewear.
How can I find fully funded scholarships for students with glasses?
You can find fully funded scholarships for students with glasses by researching online scholarship databases, contacting organizations that support individuals with visual impairments, or reaching out to colleges and universities with programs for students with disabilities.
What are the eligibility criteria for fully funded scholarships for students with glasses?
Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific scholarship program. However, common eligibility requirements may include proof of visual impairment or the need for corrective eyewear, academic achievement, involvement in extracurricular activities, and financial need.
Can students with glasses apply for other scholarships not specifically for visual impairments?
Yes, students with glasses can apply for a wide range of scholarships, including those not specifically designated for visual impairments. Many scholarships are open to all students based on factors such as academic merit, community involvement, leadership skills, and field of study.
Conclusion
The opportunities for students with glasses to secure scholarships are not only plentiful but also incredibly diverse. Whether you have navigated through the challenges of severe visual impairment or have faced the general struggles of wearing glasses, your experiences can significantly enhance your scholarship application. By highlighting your resilience, adaptability, and determination, you can demonstrate to scholarship committees that you have the potential to succeed academically and make meaningful contributions to society, despite any visual impediments.
In conclusion, wearing glasses should not be seen as a hindrance but rather as an advantage that could potentially open doors to scholarship opportunities. Embrace your unique experiences and utilize them to craft a compelling narrative for your scholarship applications. With the right approach and a bit of perseverance, the world of scholarships is well within your reach.
