The Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program Grant

The Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program offers financial assistance and career preparation for legally blind college students in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Through competitive scholarships, the program supports higher education at select institutions in the Tri-State area, fostering independence and professional development. Recipients are selected based on academic performance and essential skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for future careers. This initiative not only promotes educational opportunities but also enhances the quality of life for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Lavelle Fund for the Blind
The Lavelle Fund for the Blind is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired to live independently and achieve their highest potential. The Fund supports programs and services that promote education, employment, accessibility, advocacy, and community engagement for people with vision loss. Through strategic grantmaking, collaborative partnerships, and direct support initiatives, the Lavelle Fund advances opportunities that enhance independence, inclusion, and quality of life for blind and visually impaired individuals across the United States and beyond. Its work focuses on eliminating barriers, fostering skill development, and creating pathways for meaningful participation in all aspects of society.
The Lavelle – Brother Kearney Scholarship Program provides Scholarships for eligible New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut legally blind college students to attend select colleges and universities in the Tri – State Metro NY area. The Program is designed to provide financial support and career preparation assistance for legally blind individuals to enter and advance in the profession of their choice. We offer competitive undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
Scholarship recipients are determined through a comprehensive, in-depth vetting and interview process. Candidates must demonstrate academic consistency and strong technology, mobility, and interpersonal skills (e.g., are able to self-advocate and work well with peers and professionals). Recipients will be expected to progress academically, be actively engaged in career preparation activities including training, networking and internship opportunities, regularly participate in Scholar meetings, and demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, both in-person and online.

Eligibility

A legal resident of the United States, residing in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut.Legally blind – Applicants should be registered with their state’s vocational rehabilitation agency for the blind. Otherwise-qualified students who are significantly visually impaired but not “legally blind” should contact the Lavelle Fund’s office.Financially eligible, as defined by the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI) determined by the FAFSA Financial Aid form.Studying at one of 10 participating colleges and universities in the Tri-State New York area.