The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota announces its 2012 scholarship program. We will be awarding one scholarship for $1,000 and one scholarship for $1,500 to qualified applicants. In addition to the monetary award, one of the winners will attend the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind from June 30 through July 5 in Dallas,Texas. At the convention, the scholarship winner will have the opportunity to meet other blind students and gain insights into succeeding as a blind person. Additionally, both winners will attend the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota convention in Fall, 2012. The scholarships will be presented at the banquet of this convention. Candidates must be students who are legally blind and attending a post-secondary school in Minnesota.
In order to be eligible for the scholarship, complete the application and attach the following documents or arrange to have them sent to the scholarship committee:
- Personal letter from applicant. NFB scholarships are awarded on the basis of scholastic excellence and community/campus service. In your letter, discuss the goals you have for the future as well as your academic and community activities. Tell us about yourself and why you are a deserving recipient of the scholarship. Since the awards are restricted to blind people, the committee will also be interested in the techniques you use to succeed as a student who is blind.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Current official transcript from institution now attending and transcripts from all other post-secondary institutions attended. If you have not yet completed one year of college study, submit an official transcript from the high school you previously attended.
- Interview with Committee Member: All applicants will be contacted by phone by a member of the scholarship committee. This interview will enable the committee to learn more about you and your goals for the future. The interviews will be conducted after the application deadline.
To apply, download the application form (MS Word).
Applications and attachments should be received by April 15, 2012. Send applications to:
Sheila Koenig
2207 Girard Ave. S. #2
Minneapolis, MN 55405
If you or anyone else should have any questions regarding these awards, please contact Sheila at: (612) 977-9110 or shekoenig@comcast.net. In addition to these state scholarships, the National Federation of the Blind offers 30 national scholarships each year. If you would like more information about these scholarships, visit the NFB scholarship page.