Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship Grant

Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Community Foundation of Northern Illinois
Last Updated: September 22, 2025

Summary

The Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship supports individuals with intellectual disabilities, aged 18-25, who are current students or graduates of Rockford Public Schools. This scholarship empowers them to pursue post-secondary education and develop skills for independent living. Inspired by Colleen Maher, who overcame challenges associated with Down syndrome, this initiative aims to ensure that others like her can access educational opportunities and work towards their dreams, fostering a more inclusive community.

Overview

Note: CFNIL uses an online "universal" application to ensure the most efficient process; as an applicant, you do not need to predetermine which scholarships you should apply for. Complete ONE application each cycle, and your answers to a series of yes/no and personal background questions automatically match you to every scholarship you are eligible for. Colleen Maher Inspirational Scholarship Supporting individuals empowering themselves through education. Scholarship Background and Intent Colleen Maher inspired her parents and educators to provide her with the support she needed to pursue her dreams. Born with Down syndrome, her disability at birth was a surprise to all, but Trisomy 21 didn’t stop her or her family from pushing Colleen to excel within an inclusive education, earning a high school diploma, going to college and striving to get a rewarding job and live independently. Colleen’s educational career took her through Rockford Public School’s Fairview Early Childhood Center, Carlson Elementary, West Middle School’s CAPA program and Guilford High School where she graduated with a 3.75 GPA in the top 15% of her class. With the help of a tutor, Colleen studied and took her paraprofessional exam, passing and earning her license. She attended Judson University’s RISE program with a partial scholarship, believing she should go to college just like her friends and siblings. She completed a summer internship with RPS 205 and is currently applying for a job with the district. Colleen’s family is grateful to RPS 205 for its strong support and believes others with intellectual disabilities should be given an opportunity to attend college, develop their skill sets, learn to live independently, and pursue their dreams.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants must:Be between the ages of 18 - 25 as of the application deadline. Be a current student or a graduate of Rockford Public Schools. Intend to enroll in a post-secondary program that will enhance his or her life through employment in the upcoming academic year. Have an intellectual disability. SpecificationsFor the purposes of this scholarship, intellectual disability is defined as having certain limitations in cognitive functioning and other skills, including communication and self-care. The intellectual disability may be caused by brain injury or problems, disease, or genetics. Examples include but are not limited to Down Syndrome, PKU, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, and birth defects.