Sponsoring Institution: National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)
Type: National scholarship for students with a permanent disability
Eligibility: Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Applicants must have a permanent disability. Applicants must currently be enrolled at a post-secondary institution as a full-time student.
Application Deadline: Mid-May
Highlight: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident and a high achieving student with a permanent disability who doesn’t let anything get in your way? Maybe you have been through a lot of struggles and sometimes even feel like others have it way easier than you, but don’t let that get you down. Instead, you still have the courage to persist and work toward your goal. Well, if this describes you, then the national student award scholarships are here to reward you. All of these scholarships are offered to any student with a permanent disability who’s going to pursue post secondary study. Offered through NEADS (National Education Association of Disabled Students), these national student awards combine different scholarships with different award amounts but it looks like you will apply to be considered for all the awards at once. Some of the scholarships, though, might have additional requirements.The different types of scholarships include NEADS National Student Awards ($3,000), NEADS Holly Bartlett Memorial Award ($1,000), NEADS Christine Nieder Memorial Award ($1,000) and the AMI Robert Pearson Memorial Scholarship (2 at a value of $5,000 each). All of these scholarships will go to candidates who demonstrate all of the following: a good academic record, self advocacy, clearly defined goals and aspirations, and involvement in their community. There are many scholarships awarded — like near 50! Once an applicant has been selected, they have to provide proof/documentation that indicates their permanent disability. This can be a medical note from their doctor or a even just a letter from the student’s accommodations/accessibility centre. It can also be proof of disability benefits or federal or provincial financial assistance for students with disabilities. If you still have some doubt or other questions, visit their FAQ page. At the end of the day, it’s a great opportunity to get some well deserved credit for your efforts til now and support for getting where you want to go. If you’re eligible, consider applying!