Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship Grant

Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: National Federation Of The Blind Inc
Amount: US $10,000
Last Updated: March 28, 2026

Summary

Overview

About Us Who We Are The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. What We Do Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities. What We Believe We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership. Scholarship Program Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship The Charles and Betty Allen Scholarship, funded by Charles and Betty before their passing, is a reflection of their commitment to education. Charlie, who was extremely successful, left school at an early age to care for his family, but retained a strong belief in higher education.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The following requirements apply to all applicants:Must be legally blind (PDF) in both eyes.Must be residing in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico.Must be 18 years of age by July 3, 2026.Must be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a United States institution in the fall of the year of application. The National Federation of the Blind may award up to five scholarships annually to applicants enrolled part-time who meet all other eligibility requirements.We recognize that employment, family caregiving, and ongoing medical care, concurrent with post-secondary enrollment, can contribute to a need for students to carry a part-time course load. Our application has been revised in order to provide an opportunity for students who will be enrolled part-time in the fall to share additional information with the committee.Must participate in person in the entire NFB National Convention and in all of its scheduled scholarship program activities (finalists will receive assistance to attend the national convention).You do not need to be an NFB member to win.All thirty scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership. It is not necessary to demonstrate financial need, and financial status is not considered when the scholarship committee makes its decisions.If you have applied in a previous year, you are welcome to apply again as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.You do not need to be a United States citizen to apply.If you live and attend school in the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, and intend to remain in the United States after graduation, you may apply.

Ineligibility

If you are legally blind in only one eye, you do not qualify for this scholarship program.Our national scholarships are restricted to blind persons who live and attend school where we have an affiliate of our organization, which includes all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. If your home is anywhere else, you are not eligible.A certification program for a profession or trade does not qualify as a university degree program, and as a result, students pursuing these kinds of credentials are not eligible for this scholarship program.