Scholarship Programs

Scholarships

National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana Scholarships

Each year at its State Convention, the National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana (NFBL) awards merit-based scholarships to recognize the achievement of blind scholars. This year, we will be awarding up to three scholarships of equal value, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 depending on the number of scholarships awarded. Applicants for these scholarships must be: 

  1. legally blind
  2. temporary or permanent residents of Louisiana
  3. age 18 on or before the first day of in-person registration for the NFBL state convention
  4. pursuing or planning to pursue a fulltime, postsecondary course of study at an accredited college, university, or trade/technical school in the fall of 2024.

CRITERIA:

All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, leadership ability, community service, and financial need. Previous winners of NFBL scholarships and others who have applied in the past are encouraged to reapply. 

MEMBERSHIP:

The National Federation of the Blind of Louisiana is dedicated to providing opportunities for all blind people. Recipients need not be members of the National Federation of the Blind.

DEADLINE:

All applications and accompanying documentation must be in the committee chair’s office no later than March 18, 2024.

WINNERS:

The Scholarship Committee reviews all applications, determines the number of winners (up to three), and selects all winners. Winners will be notified of their selection in writing no later than March 28, 2024, and they will be brought to the NFBL state convention at Federation expense. The convention is scheduled for the weekend of April 19 - 21, 2024 in Baton Rouge. Attendance at the entire convention is mandatory for all winners. The decision of the Scholarship Committee is final.

Scholarship winners may also be eligible to receive financial support to attend the NFB National Convention in Orlando, Florida from July 3-8, 2024 and Washington Seminar in early 2025 if funding is available. Both the national convention and Washington Seminar provide excellent opportunities for participants to meet and network with other blind people and be immersed in the Federation’s positive philosophy and advocacy efforts to change what it means to be blind. They also feature student-driven gatherings by and for blind high school and college students. Hosted by the National Association of Blind Students (NABS), these meetings are high-energy, informative, and a great opportunity to meet and exchange information with other students and young professionals from around the country. 

Submissions

A complete application includes: 

  • An NFB of Louisiana Scholarship Application 
  • Applicant's Letter: Along with your application, please include a letter that provides the following: general background information, a brief description of your education and employment goals, details of noteworthy accomplishments, and a concise summary of alternative techniques you have used to become a successful blind student. Finally, tell us how the scholarship would benefit you.
  • Transcripts: Provide a current official transcript from the institution you are attending as well as official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you have attended. If you have not yet attended an institution of higher learning or have not completed one year of study at such an institution, provide an official high school transcript. 
  • Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation. 
  • Acceptance Letter: High school seniors are required to provide the Committee with an acceptance letter from the school they plan to attend in the fall of 2024. However, the committee recognizes that many students will not receive this document prior to our deadline. Therefore, we require that all winners submit this document as soon as it is available, and applicants are advised that no funds will be disbursed to winners until we have received a copy thereof.

Mail or e-mail your completed application and other required documents to:

Treva Olivero, Chair
NFBL Scholarship Committee
101 South Trenton Street
Ruston, LA 71270
Scholarships@nfbla.org

PLEASE NOTE: LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED BY THE COMMITTEE. 

All applications must be received in the Chairs office on or before March 18, 2024.