Special Education Scholarships for Students
The high demand for special educators has led to increased financial assistance opportunities for aspiring professionals. This article explores the landscape of special education scholarships, providing a comprehensive overview of private scholarships, notable programs with financial aid, and valuable resources for future special education teachers.
Understanding the Need for Special Education Scholarships
Children with unique abilities deserve an opportunity to thrive and learn in an environment that supports their success. Special education scholarships play a crucial role in enabling families to personalize the education of their students by directing funds to where they’re needed most. These scholarships address the financial barriers that may prevent talented and dedicated individuals from pursuing careers in special education, ultimately benefiting students with disabilities.
Private Scholarships for Special Education
Several private organizations and foundations offer scholarships specifically for students pursuing special education. These scholarships often have specific eligibility criteria, such as academic standing, financial need, and a demonstrated commitment to the field.
- The Anne Ford Scholarship: Managed by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), this scholarship awards $10,000 ($2,500/year over four years) to a graduating high school senior with a documented learning disability (LD) who will enroll in a full-time bachelor’s degree program.
- The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship: Also managed by NCLD, this scholarship grants $5,000 ($2,500 each year) over two years to a graduating high school senior with a documented learning disability (LD) who will enroll in a two-year community college, a vocational or technical training program, or a specialized program for students with disabilities.
- The Whelan Foundation Scholarship Program: This program is open to graduating high school seniors from Long Island who are pursuing a degree in special education, occupational therapy, speech pathology, or other behavioral-focused majors. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, have a minimum 3.5 GPA, and have completed at least 80 hours of volunteer work in the area of special education during high school.
- The Lucile Hope Special Education Scholarship: This scholarship awards up to $2,000 to a rising college junior or senior from Alaska who is pursuing a degree related to special education and is enrolled full-time in their program. Preference is given to residents of Matanuska-Susitna Valley.
- The Wilma Hoyal-Maxine Chilton Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship awards $1,000 to an Arizona resident who is studying Political Science, Public Programs, or Special Education at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona. Applicants must have completed at least 12 hours with a grade average of “B” or better and be enrolled full-time.
- The High School Senior Scholarship for Future Teachers: Open to all high school seniors graduating from a Georgia Public High School who plan to attend an in-state university and major in teaching/education, this scholarship awards multiple applicants $1,000 each year.
- Virginia PTA Scholarship: The Virginia PTA annually awards $500 scholarships to graduating Virginia high school students who are members of an active PTA/PTSA in good standing. The Special Education Scholarship is for students with a current Individual Education Plan-IEP who are entering an approved technical, vocational, associate degree, or a four-year academic program.
- NAJA Graduate Scholarship Program: This program is open to graduate students pursuing studies in fields that address the special needs of children and youth, such as counseling, mental health, special education, speech pathology, exceptional children, remedial skills development, and gifted and talented.
Federal and State Programs
In addition to private scholarships, several federal and state programs offer financial assistance to aspiring special education teachers.
- Federal TEACH Grant: This renewable grant is open to aspiring teachers who demonstrate financial need and are planning to teach low-income students in high-need fields. The scholarship is funded by the US Department of Education, which strives to recruit highly skilled teachers.
- Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship: This scholarship is open to students pursuing bachelor's degrees in teaching, as well as current teachers and graduate students pursuing an endorsement in hard-to-fill disciplines or planning to teach in underserved areas. The scholarship offers up to $6,666 ($3,333 per semester) to eligible recipients for their educational costs.
University-Based Financial Aid Programs
Many universities with strong special education programs offer their own financial aid packages, which can be combined with other scholarships.
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- Vanderbilt University (Peabody): Ranked as a top special education program by US News, Vanderbilt offers both need-based and merit-based financial aid. All applicants are automatically considered for these benefits.
- Kansas University: This university also hosts a top-ranked special education program and offers both need-based and merit-based financial aid.
- University of Oregon: This university hosts both undergraduate and graduate programs in special education.
- Utah State University (USU): USU and the Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling Department have a range of scholarships for special education students. The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services also offers a number of scholarships to departments housed in the college. Specific scholarships include:
- The Arya M. Heravi Endowed Scholarship: Awarded to students admitted to the Special Education major with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher who demonstrate financial need.
- The Matthew David Hillyard Scholarship Fund: Established in honor of Matthew David Hillyard.
- The Donald F. Kline Scholarship Endowment Fund: This scholarship is for a Special Education major who has a disability or someone with a disability in his/her family and also has financial need.
- The Meyrick Scholarship: Steven's special education teachers had such a positive impact on his life - they made school fun as well as educational for Steven.
- The Thomas A. Stewart Scholarship: For special education majors who demonstrate financial need, display leadership skills, and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- The Burr & Jean Eldredge Memorial Scholarship: Upper class Special Education majors are eligible for this award.
- The Harriet Richards and Waldemar Rasmussen Scholarship: To aid in funding students pursuing careers in special education.
- The Donald E. and Peggy P. Francis Scholarship: Applicant must be a special education major, demonstrate financial need, and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- The SPER Anthony LaPray Scholarship: will be made to undergraduate students who have junior class standing with a declared major in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling and a grade point average of 3.0 or better.
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)
The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities (FES-UA) in Florida enables families to personalize the education of their students by directing funds to where they’re needed most. The funds can be used for a combination of programs and approved expenses including therapists, specialists, curriculum, private school, a college savings account and more. The FES-UA provides access to an education savings account (ESA) that functions like a flexible bank account from which you direct funds to pay for tuition and fees for a private school, therapies, tutoring and more.
Tips for Finding and Winning Scholarships
- Expand Your Search: While there are scholarships specifically for special education, broaden your search to include general education scholarships as well. This will increase the variety of scholarships you find.
- Focus on Local Scholarships: Local scholarships typically have less competition than national scholarships, increasing your chances of winning.
- Write a Strong Essay: A well-written essay can significantly improve your chances of getting a scholarship. Highlight your passion for special education, your experiences working with students with disabilities, and your goals for the future.
- Utilize Scholarship Platforms: Platforms like Scholarships360 can help you find exclusive scholarships, personalized matching, and application tracking. Active users on these platforms may be given higher consideration.
- Check also FTC/FES-EO and PEP award amounts.
Resources for Aspiring Special Education Teachers
Several organizations provide resources and support for students pursuing careers in special education. These organizations can offer guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Considerations for Students with Disabilities Attending Private Schools
Children who are placed in a private school by their parents waive their right to the special education services they would receive in the public schools. A private school does not have a legal obligation to provide special education services to students with disabilities. It is important to carefully select a private school and establish a plan prior to enrollment that meets your child’s needs.
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