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List of Available Scholarships

The following scholarships will be presented to our nation’s top blind scholars by the National Federation of the Blind at our 2008 Annual Convention.

1 Scholarship for $12,000

Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship -- In memory of the man who changed perceptions regarding the capabilities of the blind in this country and throughout the world, this scholarship is given yearly by the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults, a nonprofit organization which works to assist blind people. Kenneth Jernigan is viewed by our field as the most important figure in the 20th century in the lives of blind people. The Action Fund wishes to keep fresh and current in the 21st century the understandings he brought to the field and thus has endowed this scholarship dedicated to his memory and to the continuation of the work he began. No additional restrictions.

1 Scholarship for $10,000

Charles and Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarship -- First established by Charles Owen in loving memory of his blind wife and now, along with a second scholarship in a different amount, endowed by his last will and testament to honor the memory of both. In founding the scholarship, Charles Owen wrote: "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."

2 Scholarship, each for $7,000

Two National Federation of the Blind Scholarships. -- No additional restrictions.

4 Scholarship, each for $5,000

Hank LeBonne Scholarship -- Hank LeBonne was a man who loved life and loved the National Federation of the Blind. His last wish was that his remaining assets be used to help young blind men and women have the same opportunities in life he enjoyed. No additional restrictions.

Jennica Ferguson Memorial Scholarship -- Given to keep alive the memory of a young woman who dealt with her blindness and terminal illness with a grace and strength she frequently assured others she drew from the Federation and from her faith in God. No additional restrictions.

Michael Marucci Memorial Scholarship -- Given by Marie in memory of her husband Michael (like Marie, a longtime dedicated and valued member of the NFB of Maryland), the winner of this scholarship must be studying a foreign language or comparative literature; pursuing a degree in history, geography, or political science with a concentration in international studies; or majoring in any other discipline requiring study abroad. The winner's file must also show evidence of competence in a foreign language.

One National Federation of the Blind Scholarship -- No additional restrictions.

22 Scholarship, each for $3,000

Hermione Grant Calhoun Scholarship -- Dr. Isabelle Grant endowed this scholarship in memory of her daughter. The winner must be a woman.

Kuchler-Killian Memorial Scholarship -- This scholarship is given in loving memory of her parents, Charles Albert Kuchler and Alice Helen Kuchler, by Junerose Killian, dedicated member of the NFB 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 longtime leader of the National Federation of the Blind whose participation stood for strong principles and strong support of the Federation's work. No additional restrictions.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Dorthea and Roland Bohde Leadership Scholarship -- Established in 2006 to promote the independence of blind students, this scholarship is awarded to scholars in any field which requires post graduate education, with, should other factors be equal, a preference for those who have chosen to use a guide dog as their primary travel aid.

Howard Brown Rickard Scholarship -- Winner must be studying or planning to study in the field 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 postsecondary teaching.

Fourteen National Federation of the Blind Scholarships -- No additional restrictions.

All scholarships awarded to blind women which are not otherwise endowed are
made possible by a generous bequest from the estate of Dorothy R. Olson.

To read articles about past recipients of NFB Scholarships, go online to the August-September issues of the Braille Monitor.

National Federation of the Blind: www.nfb.org

Scholarship Committee
National Federation of the Blind
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230
scholarships@nfb.org