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 2010 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 that 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 Scholarships, each for $7,000
Two National Federation of the Blind Scholarships -- No additional restrictions.
4 Scholarships, 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.
Three 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. 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.
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."
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.
Howard Brown Rickard Scholarship -- Winner must be studying or planning to study in the field of law, medicine, engineering, architecture, or the natural sciences.
Jeannette C. Eyerly Memorial Scholarship -- This scholarship may be awarded to an individual studying in any field and is given in memory of Jeannette C. Eyerly, a well-known author of novels for teenagers and a former board member of the Iowa Commission for the Blind who was a longtime supporter of the National Federation of the Blind. 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.
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.
Thirteen National Federation of the Blind Scholarships -- No additional restrictions.
All scholarships that are awarded to blind women and are not otherwise endowed are made possible by a generous bequest from the estate of Dorothy R. Olson.
For more information on the program, go to www.nfb.org/scholarships.
