While there are innumerable scholarships in the United States, residents always want to ensure that they are pursuing or signing up for the one that is most suitable for them.
Knowing full well that sometimes status, career, health, and gender can determine one’s qualification for a program, it is reasonable to know well enough about every program one wishes to apply for.
Concerning this, we have written this guide to tell you all you have to know about the American Foundation for the Blind Scholarship.
About the American Foundation for the Blind
First and foremost, what is the foundation about?
The American Foundation for the Blind was established in 1921 by the likes of M.C. Migel. Migel, being one of the earliest founders of the platform identified, has since been honored by the leadership of the foundation in a number of ways.
Notably, he might not have been the only founder of the organization. Famous author Helen Keller was also a founding member of the course.
Well, yes, the foundation is a steward of the Helen Keller Archive. Another program was designed in honor of the hard work of writer Helen, who reportedly joined AFB in 1924.
The foundation was established to ensure a better atmosphere for the deafblind, low-vision people, and the blind. Its mission is said to be to create a world without limits for the visually impaired and blind.
The body also advocates for the blind and builds strong public and private sector relationships to make their course easier to attain.
All of these are made possible by the funds the organization receives from individual and corporate sponsors.
So, basically, with philanthropic hands, AFB strives to cater to the arising needs of the blind by researching those needs, finding the most suitable solutions to those needs, and deploying them wherever suitable.
As for the scholarship you are interested in, it is a part of the organization’s “events and awards”. Now, to that event:
ALSO READ:- The National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program
The American Foundation for the Blind Scholarship Worth
The offer granted to recipients of the AFB scholarship varies from person to person depending on a number of factors, but oftentimes the award ranges from $2,000 to $7,500. Inarguably, this will go a long way toward helping people in the blind community.
The American Foundation for the Blind Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
The good news is that AFB does not require so much from applicants. Remember, however, that criteria may differ from program to program, for there are several scholarship offers under AFB. In any case, let us see the most commonly required criteria.
- Applicants are expected to be full-time students (intentional or not).
- All applicants must show that they are legally blind. Some forms of proof may be requested to ascertain this. It must be legal.
- For academic performance, a minimum of a 3.0 GPA (along with a transcript) is usually required.
- He or she who intends to apply must be a graduate, freshman, or sophomore. You must also be running an undergraduate or graduate program.
- The program is open to only American residents, as the name denotes. The categories of residents acceptable include international or other visa status, permanent resident status, undocumented status, and citizens of the U.S.
- Finally, it is required that every applicant, to stand a good chance of being considered, submit a completed application. (More of this is in the “How to Apply” section of this article.)
It is believed that any determined, high-performing student should be able to meet all of the itemized requirements.
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How to Apply for an AFB Scholarship
One question commonly asked by people interested in applying for this program is whether they can do the application from home. Well, yes, that is the good news we bring to you.
You can apply from the comfort of your home, even while lying down, if it doesn’t hinder you from supplying the required documents and information properly. What does it take?
A proof of legal blindness
Typically, this would be required. Any form (perhaps a valid report from an opthalmologist) of legal proof to determine the state of your sight
Upload two letters of recommendation.
If specifications are not made, your high school teacher and a religious leader can write the two required letters of recommendation for you.
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A completed application
Of course, the application is online, but it must be completed. Part of the things to pay rapt attention to in the application process is the required composition essay.
Ensure to submit your essay (if any is required) during the online application process. Attempting to upload your essay separately may imply that your application is incomplete.
If you are ready to begin the application process, click here.
Rather emphatically, applicants should bear in mind that submissions must be made electronically and that the deadline for the programs is usually November 1st.
Why Choose the American Foundation for the Blind?choose
Following are some reasons you might want to consider being part of or applying for an AFB scholarship.
- The organization has stood the test of time to be recognized as one of the best media for connecting the visually impaired and blind to the social world. It does this by bringing technology and information closer to them.
- Tried and trusted. If you still panic that AFB may not be legal, it’s about time you rest assured that it is the right place for you. The platform has been around for a relatively long time without condemnation or bad reviews.
- Employment opportunities. AFB can increase your employment opportunities if you are in the group that it targets. By changing the way employers perceive job seekers who suffer from poor or no vision at all, AFB increases the chances that the blind will find a job.
- Also, like Helen Keller, those who actively participate in the mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities will always be recognized and honored by AFB. This can be your motivation if you are reading about the foundation because you want to be one of its sponsors.
Final Thought
The American Foundation for the Blind Scholarship is a program for all blind residents of the United States who, by chance, merit it.
The foundation is primarily concerned with the betterment of the lives of the blind. It empowers, creates employment opportunities, and advocates for the said group, among others. It is the go-to platform for people with bad sight.