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Going to college with a learning disability can be a challenge as well as an empowering experience. Cue the Anne Ford Scholarship, a generous initiative for students with documented learning disabilities who have a dream of pursuing a higher education.
In this guide, we’ll break down the comprehensive details of this scholarship. From eligibility requirements to deadlines, you’ll find everything you need to nail your application. So without further ado, let’s begin.
The Anne Ford Scholarship: An Overview
The Anne Ford Scholarship is a scholarship program administered by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) in the United States. It aims to recognize the potential of individuals with documented learning disabilities (LD) and provide financial aid to help them pursue their educational goals.
Interestingly, the NCLD Anne Ford Scholarship is named in honor of Anne Ford, who herself struggled with dyslexia. Anne Ford is the daughter of Henry Ford II and is known for her advocacy work in the field of LD. In fact, she has been actively involved in promoting awareness and understanding of LD, particularly dyslexia.
By naming the scholarship after Anne Ford, the NCLD aims to recognize her contributions to the cause of LD. In addition, it highlights the importance of supporting individuals with LD in their pursuit of higher education.
Furthermore, the scholarship serves as a tribute to Anne Ford’s advocacy and as a means to provide educational opportunities for students with LD in her name.
On another note, the NCLD is a nonprofit organization in the United States that focuses on advocating for individuals with LD.
In particular, the organization works to improve the lives of individuals with LD and attention issues by providing support, resources, and promoting policies that address the unique needs of those with LD.
Program Benefits
The scholarship grants $2,500 annually to a chosen student and is renewable for up to three more years. Throughout a four-year bachelor’s program, it can offer a total of $10,000 in financial support ($2,500 per year).
These funds are versatile, covering various educational expenses such as tuition, books, and other costs associated with college education.
If you or someone you know has a learning disability, there are many compelling reasons to apply for this scholarship:
- Financial Support: The scholarship provides financial assistance to ease the burden of education.
- Renewable Opportunity: The scholarship is renewable. In other words, recipients can receive the award for multiple years. This aspect is particularly beneficial as it provides ongoing support throughout the duration of a four-year bachelor’s program.
- Community and Network: As a recipient of this scholarship, students are connected to a network of individuals who share similar experiences and challenges. This community can be a source of additional support, resources, and opportunities for personal and academic growth.
- Advocacy and Awareness: Through your participation in the scholarship application process, you can be a part of the broader advocacy and awareness efforts for people with LD.
In summary, this scholarship program goes beyond financial support. It aims to provide a supportive environment for students with LD. In particular, it celebrates their achievements and contributes to a broader effort of advocacy and awareness of the challenges facing individuals with LD.
The Anne Ford Scholarship Requirements
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- Grade Level: You must be a graduating high school senior, meaning you are completing your final year of high school.
- Documented Learning Disability: To qualify, you need to have a documented LD. Examples of learning disabilities include dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, or another documented LD. Documentation involves official records or assessments that diagnose and describe the specific LD.
- Enrollment Status: You should plan to enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program in the fall following your high school graduation.
- Academic Interest: Applicants who have an interest in or plan to study special education at the college level are particularly encouraged to apply.
The Anne Ford Scholarship Application
The application process for this scholarship is simple. However, it’s essential to follow our guidelines to guarantee you submit all required information and materials. Doing so prevents disqualification of your application due to missing components, ensuring your eligibility for consideration.
Here’s what you need to submit to be considered:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): You are required to submit your current FAFSA to qualify for the scholarship. The FAFSA is a form used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.
- Documentation of Learning Disability: You must submit documentation of your learning disability. This documentation can take several forms:
- Individualized Education Program (IEP): This is a legal document that outlines the educational plan for students with learning disabilities or other special needs.
- 504 Plan: A 504 plan is another type of document that outlines accommodations and modifications to support students with disabilities in the general education classroom.
- Assessment/Evaluation Report: This could include official assessments or evaluations that diagnose and describe the specific learning disability.
- Letter from School Administrator: Alternatively, you can submit a letter from a school administrator that notes your learning disability and any accommodations you receive in school. This letter can provide additional context and support for your application.
In summary, to complete your application for the Anne Ford Scholarship, you must submit your FAFSA, along with documentation of your learning disability. This documentation can include an IEP, 504 plan, assessment/evaluation report, or a letter from a school administrator.
The Anne Ford Scholarship Deadline
If you are interested in being a candidate for the Anne Ford Scholarship 2024, you may submit your application today. The application is currently accepting submissions. Applications will be evaluated continuously as they are received, rather than waiting until a specific deadline to review all submissions.
While the review process is ongoing, there is a final deadline for submitting applications. In this case, the deadline is Saturday, April 13, 2024. Submit your materials well before the deadline to ensure ample time for the review process.
Contact Details
If you have questions or need assistance with the scholarship application, you can contact the NCLD using the email address afscholarship@ncld.org. Whether you have questions about how to apply, requirements, or other related issues, feel free to contact NCLD to get clarification.
Official Website
Visit the NCLD’s official website at ncld.org to learn more about the scholarship. The organization provides detailed information about the scholarship program. This includes eligibility criteria, application process, deadlines, and contact details. The website is a reliable source for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The Anne Ford Scholarship: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If I plan to take a gap year, am I still eligible for the Anne Ford Scholarship?
No, students who plan to take a gap year are not eligible for this scholarship. It is intended for graduating high school seniors who plan to enroll full-time in an undergraduate degree program immediately following high school graduation. Taking a gap year will disqualify an applicant from consideration.
Does the scholarship take financial need into account?
Yes, the scholarship does take financial need into account. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants are required to submit their current FAFSA. This indicates a consideration of their financial need as part of the application process.
I have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Can I still receive a scholarship?
Yes, individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be eligible for the Anne Ford Scholarship. However, eligibility requires the presence of a documented specific learning disability in addition to ADHD.
The scholarship supports students with specific learning challenges, and applicants must provide documentation to qualify.
