# National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

Thirty merit scholarships of up to $10,000 for legally blind students, including graduating high school seniors, plus a fully supported week at the NFB National Convention. Applications close March 31.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | National Federation of the Blind |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | Not listed |
| Deadline | 2027-03-31 (verified 2026-07-27) |
| Eligibility | Grade 12 |
| Format | Hybrid (in person + online) |
| Location | Multiple, Multiple States |
| Apply | https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program |

## About this program

# National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program

The National Federation of the Blind runs one of the largest scholarship programs in the country for blind students, awarding more than $300,000 in cash and prizes each year across the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Thirty merit-based scholarships are awarded on academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Winning is only half the program: finalists attend the NFB National Convention in its entirety, where they meet blind professionals, mentors, and the Federation's leadership.

## What You'll Do

- Complete the online application, including an essay of 700 words or fewer
- Submit at least one letter of recommendation and transcripts from current and previous institutions
- Complete an interview with an NFB affiliate president or designee before the March 31 deadline
- If named a finalist, attend the NFB National Convention and fulfill the program's participation requirements

## Who Should Apply

Blind high school seniors and college students who are legally blind in both eyes, reside in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico, and are pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time post-secondary degree program at a U.S. institution in the fall of the application year. Applicants must reach the program's minimum age by the convention date.

## Outcomes

Winners receive scholarships that are among the largest available to blind students, plus a week of convention programming, mentoring, and networking with blind professionals across every field - an entry point into the Federation's national community that many scholars keep for decades.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the application deadline for National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program?

The application deadline is March 31, 2027 (deadline last verified July 27, 2026). Always confirm on the program's official site, as dates can shift between cycles.

### Who is eligible for National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program?

National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program is open to high school seniors. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program online or in person?

National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program is a hybrid program with both online and in-person components (in-person portions in Multiple, Multiple States).

### How do I apply to National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program?

Apply directly through National Federation of the Blind's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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