Law school scholarships for disabled students can be an essential resource for individuals with disabilities who aspire to pursue a legal education. These scholarships are typically designed to help ease the financial burden of law school tuition and related expenses.
(AAPD) Paul G. Hearne Leadership Awards
AAPD Applications are due Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 5:00pm ET (note time zone)
- This scholarship is offered by AAPD and is open to students pursuing graduate or professional degrees, including law degrees.
- The scholarship aims to support emerging leaders with disabilities who have demonstrated leadership and advocacy within their communities.
- It typically provides financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities
The Anne Ford Scholarship
Not Open Yet. Administered by the National Center for Learning Disabilities, this scholarship is for students with documented learning disabilities, including dyslexia.
Requirements For Anne Ford Scholarship
This law school scholarships for disabled students program is open to high school seniors who have a documented learning disability and plan to work full-time on a bachelor’s degree at a 4-year college or university.
- Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be able to demonstrate financial need.
- This program is open to high school seniors who have a documented learning disability and plan to work full-time on a bachelor’s degree at a 4-year college or university.
- Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be able to demonstrate financial need.
They must
1) articulate their challenges and recognize the importance of self advocacy;
2) be committed to completing a 4-year college degree and have begun to set realistic career goals; 3) participate in school and community activities;
4) have demonstrated academic achievements consistent with college and career goals;
5) plan to contribute to society in ways that increase opportunities for other individuals with learning disabilities, and
6) excel as a role model and spokesperson for others who struggle with learning disabilities.
- U.S. citizenship is required. Official Website for more information
Lighthouse Guild Scholarship Program:
- Lighthouse Guild offers scholarships to legally blind students, which can include those studying law.
- The program supports students in their educational pursuits and helps them achieve their academic and career goals. Official Website for more information.
1800wheelchair.com Scholarship:
This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students, including those pursuing law degrees, who have a mobility disability. It aims to provide financial assistance for educational expenses.
Requirements For 1800wheelchair.com Scholarship
Participants must meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled at an accredited high school, college, or university in the U.S.
- Enrolled at the graduate level, undergraduate level or your final year of high school
- Aged sixteen (16) years or older
- Carry a status of “good standing” (i.e. currently enrolled)
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 (or equivalent). Official website
Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships (Zonta International)
While not specific to law school, this scholarship program supports women pursuing degrees in business-related fields, including law with a business focus. It may be relevant for female law students interested in business law or related areas.
Eligibility For Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships
- Women of any age, pursuing a business program with major field of specialization in accounting, economics, finance, business management, business technology, information technology, marketing, operations management, human resources management, international business, or entrepreneurship at an accredited university/college/institute, who demonstrate outstanding potential in the field and are living or studying in a Zonta district/region, are eligible.
- Online students are also eligible to apply if enrolled at an accredited university/college/institute.
- Students must be enrolled in at least the second year of an undergraduate program through the final year of a master’s program at the time the application is submitted to the local Zonta club. Applicants must still be in school at the time the scholarship funds are disbursed and must not graduate before April 2024.
- Previous district and international Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship recipients may not apply to renew the Scholarship for a second year.
- Club members and individuals with direct membership with Zonta International and employees of Zonta International and Zonta Foundation for Women, and their family members (ancestors, descendants, adoptees, siblings, nieces or cousins, and those of their spouse or co-habiting partner), are not eligible to apply for the scholarship.
- Golden Z club members are eligible to apply. Official website.
Coelho Center Law Fellowship Program
The Coelho Center Law Fellowship Program is designed to serve students with disabilities interested in pursuing law school.
In particular, we believe in creating a strong pipeline of law students with disabilities who will go on to serve as attorneys, judges, public policy professionals, and public servants.
As such, students who identify as a person with a disability/disabled are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility to Apply for Coelho Center Law Fellowship Program:
- Students must be currently enrolled in a community college, college, or university, or be a recent graduate.
- Applicants do not need to be certain that they would like to attend law school. Only an interest in the law is required.
The Melanie Foundation Scholarship
The Melanie Foundation offers scholarships to graduate students in the mental health field, including law students focusing on mental health law.
While not exclusively for law students, it can be relevant for those with an interest in the intersection of law and mental health. Visit the Melanie Foundation website for more information on eligibility and the application process.
Requirements For Melanie Foundation Scholarship
Participants must meet the following criteria:
- Curriculum vitae. Please include e-mail address. (PDF)
- Unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and/or graduate). Official transcripts may be requested at a later date. (PDF)
- Two letters of reference supporting the candidate’s application from adults who have known the candidate for more than 1 year (at least one from a professional in the mental health field, another from an individual who has known the candidate for 5 years or more). Letters of reference should be emailed directly to our email address with the applicant’s name as the subject of the email (melaniescholarship@live.com) (PDF)
- A typed (double-spaced) essay of no more than two pages on how your experiences in the mental health profession have shaped your life and how you will use your college and graduate education to assist communities in a manner consistent with Melanie Merola O’Donnell’s values of compassion, generosity, respect, and honesty. (PDF)
The Karman Healthcare Mobility Disability Scholarship
This law school scholarships for disabled students is open to students who have a mobility disability, including those pursuing a law degree. It provides financial support to help cover educational expenses. You can check the Karman Healthcare website for details on how to apply.
Requirements For Karman Healthcare Mobility Disability Scholarship
Participants must meet the following criteria:
- Must be currently enrolled at an accredited college or university in the U.S.
- Aged sixteen (16) years or older
- Open to all college, and university students with a mobility disability who use a wheelchair, or other mobility devices on a regular basis.
- Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 (or equivalent)
The Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation (ELA) Scholarship:
ELA offers scholarships to women with disabilities who are pursuing postgraduate degrees, including law degrees. The scholarship aims to support disabled women in their academic and professional pursuits.
Requirement for Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation (ELA) Scholarship
- Applicant must be a woman with a physical disability; currently accepted to a graduate program working towards a Masters degree or above in an accredited college or university in the U.S.
- Applicants must first submit a completed online application, then submit the completed ELA Scholarship Application form with signed affidavit along with completed ELA Verification of Disability form filled out and signed by Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or physician
- An essay of 1,000 words or less (typewritten in 16-point font, doubled spaced); two typed letters of recommendation from current teachers, faculty members or employers on their letterhead regarding your scholastic aptitude, leadership abilities and personal qualifications
In conclusion, scholarships for disabled students play a vital role in promoting inclusivity and accessibility within higher education, including law schools.
These scholarships are designed to alleviate the financial burden of pursuing a legal education for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to achieve their academic and career goals. While specific scholarship opportunities may vary, disabled students can find support from various sources, including law schools, external organizations, and advocacy groups.
It’s essential for aspiring law students with disabilities to proactively seek out these opportunities, carefully review eligibility criteria, and prepare strong applications to secure the financial assistance they need to succeed in their legal education journey.
