Funding Amount

$500 - $3,000 per recipient; Up to $40,000+ awarded annually

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Raymond M. Peterson Scholarship

Funder: Foundation for Developmental Disabilities (FDD)

Geographic Scope: San Diego and Imperial Counties, California

Mission: Support emerging student leaders pursuing careers in intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs) and related fields. Dedicated to supporting post-secondary students and removing financial barriers to higher education.

    About the Scholarship

  • Established in honor of Dr. Raymond M. Peterson, a visionary advocate and leader in the I/DD community
  • Provides financial assistance to university and college students pursuing careers focused on I/DDs or related disciplines
  • Exclusive to residents of and students attending colleges/universities in San Diego and Imperial Counties

    Eligible Fields

  • Special education
  • Social work
  • Clinical services
  • Behavioral analysis (ABA)
  • Speech-language pathology
  • Psychology
  • School psychology (bilingual)
  • Educational services
  • Disability advocacy
  • Service coordination

    Award Amount

  • Range: $500 - $3,000 per recipient
  • Total awarded annually: Up to $40,000+ (e.g., 2025: $44,000 awarded to 10 recipients)

    Eligibility Requirements

  • Post-secondary student (undergraduate or graduate)
  • Resident of San Diego or Imperial County OR attending college/university in these counties
  • Pursuing career in intellectual and developmental disabilities field or related disciplines
  • Demonstrated commitment to serving I/DD community
  • Academic achievement and community involvement

    Recent Recipients (2025)

    Ten recipients awarded including:
  • Ph.D. candidates
  • Master's degree students (MSW, child and adolescent development)
  • Credential program students (special education, bilingual)
  • SDRC coordinators and professionals
  • Individuals with lived experience (e.g., living with epilepsy)

Contact Information

Foundation for Developmental Disabilities 6050 Santo Road, Suite 145 San Diego, CA 92124 Tel: 858-256-2222 Tax ID: 33-0209048 Website: foundationfordd.org

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Download Application
- Visit https://www.foundationfordd.org/peterson-scholarship
- Download the application form

2. Submit Application
- Complete all required sections
- Submit by the annual deadline (typically April timeframe; specific dates vary by year)

3. Application Components (based on available information)
- Student information and contact details
- Education and enrollment information
- Career goals and commitment statement
- Community involvement and leadership experience
- Academic achievement documentation
- Personal statement addressing commitment to I/DD field

4. Selection Process
- Reviewed by FDD Scholarship Committee/Board
- Evaluation criteria: academic excellence, community involvement, commitment to I/DD services
- Winners announced and notified

5. Award Notification
- Scholarship recipients are interviewed and selected by committee
- Awards granted by FDD Board of Directors

Focus Areas & Funding Uses

Fields of Work

developmental-disabilitieseducationspecial-education

Categories

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