2026 State Scholarship Program

The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is pleased to announce its 2026 scholarship program benefiting blind college students.
This year, we will offer three scholarships:
• One scholarship of $1,500
• Two scholarships of $1,000 each
These awards recognize outstanding blind students who currently live in Michigan or are attending college in the state of Michigan during the Spring 2027 academic term.
 

Convention Requirement

Scholarship winners are required to attend the entire 2026 convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan.
The 2026 convention will take place November 5–8, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at:
DoubleTree Hilton – Airport Hotel
4747 28th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI
Convention expenses, including registration, lunch, banquet ticket, and game night, will be provided to each scholarship recipient as a reimbursement.
For more information about the state convention, state convention page.
 

About the National Federation of the Blind The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams.
You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is an organization dedicated to creating opportunities that encourage security, equality, and opportunity in the lives of blind people throughout the state of Michigan.
Applicants do not need to be members of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan to apply for these scholarships.
About the Scholarships
The NFB of Michigan offers these scholarships to recognize the achievements of blind students in their academic affairs, personal pursuits, and service to their communities.
Scholarships are based on merit and will not affect any rehabilitation services an applicant may be receiving. The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan can provide written documentation explaining this if needed.
 

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must:
• Be certified as legally blind. 
• Be a resident of Michigan or be a student at a Michigan college or university. 
• Be pursuing a full-time postsecondary course of study during the Spring 2027 academic term. 
• Part-time students may also be considered if they have additional responsibilities, such as employment or parenting. Part-time students must be enrolled in at least half of a normal course load. 
• Participate in the entire 2026 NFB of Michigan state convention and all scheduled scholarship activities. 
• Attend the student programming of the Michigan Association of Blind Students during the 2026 Michigan state convention. 
• Submit all application materials by October 15, 2026. 
 

Application and Selection

All application materials must be submitted electronically.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their applications are complete. The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan does not accept responsibility for incomplete applications.
Each application will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. Scholarship winners will be notified by October 17, 2026.
All decisions made by the Scholarship Committee are final.
Application Deadline
All application materials must be received electronically by October 15, 2026.

 

 

PART A: DEMOGRAPHIC Information

Name
Full name
Address
Address 2
City/Town
State/Province
ZIP/Postal Code
Country
Phone Number
How did you hear about this scholarship program?

PART B: HIGH SCHOOL Information

Please complete if you have less than 20 credit hours of post-secondary education. If this section does not apply to you, please answer “N/A” or “Not Applicable” to these questions.

Name and address of high school attended:
Cumulative Grade Point Average:

PART C: COLLEGE Information

Name and address of school you will be attending in the Spring 2027 academic term
Class Standing (e.g. freshman, sophomore):
Cumulative Grade Point Average:
Field of Study (major/minor):
Other post-secondary institutions attended along with cumulative Grade Point Averages:
Expected graduation date:
Vocational goal
Describe what you hope to do upon graduation from college:

PART D: Essay (500 words or less)

 

The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan awards scholarships based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership potential.
Your essay is your opportunity to demonstrate your qualities and tell the Scholarship Committee about yourself.
Please address the following:
• What sets you apart from other applicants? 
• What leadership qualities do you possess? 
• Describe your community service. 
• Describe your attitudes and experiences regarding blindness. 
• Tell us about your goals and aspirations. 
Please proofread your essay carefully. We also encourage you to have someone else review it before submitting your application.

Essay

PART E: CERTIFICATION STATEMENT.

 

By typing my full name and date below, I confirm that all of the information provided in this scholarship application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge

Full Name
Date:

Ready to Apply?

To apply, complete the 2026 Scholarship Application Form electronically and submit it along with all required supporting documents.
Documents should be submitted in an accessible format, such as:
• .doc 
• .docx 
• .pdf 
• .rtf 
Application deadline: October 15, 2026

Required Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, please make sure you have included:
☐ Completed application form
☐ High school information, if applicable
☐ College information
☐ Essay of 500 words or less
☐ Required supporting documentation
☐ Certification statement with your full name and date