Scholarships for Students with Dyslexia: A Comprehensive Guide
Dyslexia presents unique challenges to students, particularly when preparing for standardized tests and navigating the college application process. However, a student's experience is that students with dyslexia are very attentive to details and extremely creative thinkers who think outside of the box. Fortunately, numerous scholarships are available to support students with dyslexia in pursuing higher education. This article provides a detailed overview of various scholarships, their requirements, and valuable tips for finding and applying for them.
Understanding Scholarships for Students with Dyslexia
College can cost a small fortune. Specific scholarships are available for students who learn and think differently. There are also general grants, loans, and scholarships. Many private scholarships are available for students who learn and think differently. Scholarships for students with dyslexia recognize the unique strengths and challenges these students face and aim to provide financial assistance to help them achieve their academic goals. These scholarships often have less competition, increasing your chances of winning.
Featured Scholarships
Here's an overview of scholarships available to students with dyslexia:
- Anne Ford & Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships: Offered by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, these scholarships range from $2,500 to $10,000. They are designed for high school seniors with documented learning disabilities, including dyslexia and/or ADHD, who are pursuing higher education or career training. The Anne Ford Scholarship supports students in a four-year program, while the Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship supports those in a two-year community college or vocational school.
- Karina Eide Memorial College Scholarship: The Dyslexic Advantage Karina Eide Memorial Scholarship Program awards sixteen scholarships of $2500 to dyslexic students who are currently enrolled in college, university, or vocational school in the US.
- Rise Scholarship Foundation: Five $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to current high school seniors planning to attend college in the next year.
- Microsoft DisAbility Scholarship: A $5,000 scholarship for high school seniors planning to attend a two-year or four-year university or college program. Applicants must be living with a disability, have financial need, and plan to major in engineering, computer science, or a legal or business-related major.
- The AAHD Frederick J. Krause Scholarship on Health and Disability: Funds are awarded annually to a deserving student with a disability who is pursuing undergraduate/graduate studies (must be at least enrolled in their 2nd year of college at the time of application) in an accredited university. The applicant must be pursuing studies related to the health and disability, to include, but not limited to public health, health promotion, and/or disability studies.
- Marion Huber Learning Through Listening awards: These awards are presented to Learning Ally members who are high school seniors with learning disabilities, in recognition of academic achievement, outstanding leadership, and service to others. The awards are given to six students who are chosen by a selection committee.
- Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) Scholarships: LDA offers several scholarships for students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia.
- The Blossom Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- P. Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship: This scholarship is for high school seniors with language-related learning differences who are pursuing post-secondary education. The P. Buckley Moss Endowed Scholarship provides $1,000 in tuition assistance for one high school graduating senior who plans to study visual arts. The scholarship, named after a famous painter who struggled with dyslexia when she was a student, is for students with language-related learning differences. Students must be accepted to a four-year college or a two-year community college, and must plan to study visual arts. Applications open Jan. 1 and the deadline to apply is March 31.
- The Robert G. and Eleanor T. Hall Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- The Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation: This foundation offers scholarships for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities.
- The Laura W. Bush Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with learning disabilities, including dyslexia, who are pursuing higher education.
- The Dyslexia Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- The Rebecca Caudill Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- The Martin Family Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- The Helena Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- The John Phillips Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- The Jean Schulz Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- The RISE Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- The Horizon Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- The Gateway Community Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- The DREAM Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- The Decoding Dyslexia Scholarship: This scholarship is for students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education.
- Dyslexia/Auditory Processing Disorder Scholarship: Gemm Learning offers a $1,000 scholarship to students with dyslexia or auditory processing disorder who attend college/university in the US/Canada. It takes persistence and character to overcome the challenges presented by dyslexia and/or auditory processing disorder and get into college. And so, the Gemm Learning “Dyslexia/APD” scholarship rewards that persistence. The application process is simple. Send us your story in the form of an essay on the topic “Living With Dyslexia” or “Living With Auditory Processing Disorder”. Your essay should be educational and/or inspirational, giving us all a unique insight into what it’s like to live with a learning struggle. In addition to the $1,000 scholarship, the winning student’s essay will be featured on Gemm Learning’s blog. There is no formal application to complete. Please note: students deferring and high school seniors are not eligible. Acceptable proof of enrollment: You may present a dated class schedule or Student ID, receipt for tuition payment, or a formal letter from your school stating that you are enrolled for the fall semester. The full name of your University or College must be visible. An acceptance letter is not proof of enrollment. Essays submitted without a name on them will not be considered. We will begin accepting applications for the 2026 Dyslexia/APD scholarship on September 1, 2026. All essays and proof of enrollment must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM EST on October 31, 2026. The scholarship will be awarded by November 15, 2026, and posted on this page. Failure to respond within three (3) days will result in the forfeiture of the scholarship. The scholarship will be paid directly to the recipient’s learning institution in December 2026.
- BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarships: This scholarship is designed for current undergraduate or graduate students with disabilities at a four-year university or college in the United States or Canada. Candidates should be pursuing a degree in business/commerce, computer science, engineering, math, physics, statistics, or a related discipline and have an interest in a career in financial services (a focus on capital markets is preferred). Recipients will receive a scholarship for $10,000 (studying in the United States) or $5,000 (studying in Canada).
- Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award: This $1,000 award from Smart Kids with Disabilities recognizes the strengths and accomplishments of young people with learning disabilities and . It will be given to a student age 19 or younger who has demonstrated initiative, talent, and determination resulting in a notable accomplishment in any field - including art, music, science, math, athletics, or community service.
- Google Lime Scholarships: This scholarship is designed for current undergraduates, graduate students, or PhD students with disabilities who are enrolled at a four-year university or college in the United States or Canada. Recipients will earn a scholarship for $10,000 (studying in the United States) or $5,000 (studying in Canada), based on tuition costs. Selected students will also be invited to attend the annual Google Scholars’ Retreat at the Googleplex in Mountain View, California. Candidates will also be considered for software engineering internship opportunities with Google.
- Joseph James Morelli Scholarships: This $500-$2,500 scholarship supports students with dyslexia who are pursuing higher education in STEM. Applicants must be either a high school student or post-high school student who will be attending an accredited undergraduate school, technical school, or community college in the United States next fall.
- Lime Connect Pathways Scholarships: This scholarship is designed for current high school seniors with disabilities who intend to pursue a degree at a four-year university or college in the United States or Canada. Recipients will each receive $1,000 in support of their university/college studies. The awards are merit-based, but financial need will be taken into consideration.
- Neurodiversity Scholarship: This scholarship from the Neurodiversity Alliance offers up to $2,500 for qualified educational expenses and leadership and career development opportunities. It was created for neurodivergent students, including those with learning and thinking differences like dyslexia, ADHD, and other common challenges related to learning. Candidates should be between the ages of 16 and 26, plan to enroll in a college or university in the upcoming school year, and identify as neurodivergent.
- Anne & Matt Harbison Scholarship: The Anne & Matt Harbison Scholarship for $1,500 is also supplied through the P. Buckley Moss Society. Like the eponymous scholarship, this one is for high school seniors with language-related learning differences. The application deadline is March 31, 2025, and it requires an essay, two letters of recommendation, a transcript and a resume or activity list. Applicants also must be nominated by a member of the society.
- Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation Scholarship: The Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation offers scholarships each year that range from $500 to $2,500. Normally, 15% to 20% of students who apply are awarded a scholarship. High school seniors or graduates may apply and must attend an accredited undergraduate institution, community college or technical school. Students also must pursue a STEM-related credential. The application opens Jan. 1, 2025 and usually closes in February.
Eligibility Requirements
While specific requirements vary depending on the scholarship, some common eligibility criteria include:
- Documented Learning Disability: Applicants typically need to provide documentation of their dyslexia or other learning disability. Acceptable forms of documentation include school documentation-e.g., an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a formal document from your school psychologist, school counselor, or a licensed psychologist/psychiatrist. Documentation must be uploaded as a PDF.
- Academic Standing: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA or standardized test score. However, some scholarships recognize that dyslexia can impact test performance and may place less emphasis on these metrics.
- Enrollment Status: Most scholarships are for students who are currently enrolled in or have been accepted to a college, university, or vocational school.
- Field of Study: Some scholarships are specific to certain fields of study, such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or visual arts.
- Residency: Some scholarships may have residency requirements, such as being a resident of a particular state or country.
General Financial Aid Options
In addition to scholarships specifically for students with dyslexia, several general financial aid options are available:
Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide
- Federal Aid: The Department of Education provides billions of dollars of federal aid each year. This goes to students pursuing higher education. Grants and scholarships are “free.” But you have to repay loans. These are examples of federal aid programs: Federal Pell Grants are for undergraduates. Federal Stafford Loans are based on financial need and have variable interest rates. The government pays the interest on the loan while your child is in school. Federal PLUS Loans are made to the parents. These have variable interest rates. Campus-based programs are managed by participating schools. They include federal supplemental educational opportunity grants, federal work-study, and Perkins loans.
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): All students interested in financial aid need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible.
- College Financial Aid Offices: Contact the college’s financial aid office. Many schools offer grants, loans, and scholarships. College financial aid offices are a great place to learn more.
Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships
- Start Early: Begin your scholarship search early in your high school career to maximize your opportunities.
- Utilize Online Resources: Look for funding opportunities on FastWeb, Cappex, Unigo, BigFuture, and The College Monk. FinAid is a good place to look for information about financial aid and specific scholarships.
- Check with Local Organizations: Don’t forget to check opportunities like these: Your employer, Local organizations, like labor unions or the Elks Club, Religious groups, Chamber of Commerce.
- Contact the College's Financial Aid Office: Many schools offer grants, loans, and scholarships.
- Highlight Your Strengths: Focus on your personal narrative. The main things we look for in our applications is a compelling narrative about you as a potential leader for individuals with learning disabilities.
- Seek Accommodations: Many scholarship providers are willing to give reasonable accommodations to students who need them. Schools and other organizations also provide additional resources.
- Proof of Learning Disability: NCLD requires proof of your learning disability at the time of application. Acceptable forms of documentation include school documentation-e.g., an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a formal document from your school psychologist, school counselor, or a licensed psychologist/psychiatrist. Documentation must be uploaded as a PDF.
Addressing Challenges in the Application Process
Applying for college scholarships can be a tedious process for any student, and it's often more challenging for students with learning disabilities. Dyslexia and other learning-related conditions can make it tough to prepare for standardized tests and course exams. As a result, these students may get a lower GPA or test scores, making it more difficult to qualify for traditional scholarships.
However, students and parents should dream big when searching for college scholarships, experts say. “Don't self-select out of opportunities for scholarships or for college admissions,” says James Lewis, president and co-founder of the National Society of High School Scholars. “Plus, they often have less competition, increasing your chances of winning.” In addition, many scholarship providers are willing to give reasonable accommodations to students who need them, Bright says. Schools and other organizations also provide additional resources. "Many schools and organizations offer resources to help students with learning disabilities succeed in the scholarship process,” Bright says.
School Choice Programs
Mississippi has the nation’s only school choice program created exclusively for students with dyslexia. It allows students with dyslexia to receive vouchers to attend nonresident public schools or accredited nonpublic schools that provide dyslexia therapy. The voucher amount is equal to the state share of per-student funding under the state aid formula, with no additional factors. Parents must make up any difference between the voucher amount and the school’s tuition and fees. Private schools that wish to participate in this program must fulfill several requirements, including being a state accredited nonpublic special purpose school that emphasizes instruction in speech-language therapy and intervention as its primary purpose. They also must be academically accountable to the child’s parent or guardian.
Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships
Read also: Scholarship Guide
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