Young people who have disabled parents often have to give up their dreams to get a higher education. That being said, it doesn’t always have to be that way. The higher education cost in United States is indeed expensive, but there are several grants for students with disabled parents available from the government and also private foundations. In fact, some grant may deem you to be eligible even when your grandparent is disabled.
We’ve compiled several options that you can try. It is important to remember that each of the programs may have different eligibility or documents requirements, so we highly recommend you to visit their official site for confirmed information.
List of Grants for Students with Disabled Parents
Here are some grants available for students with disabled parents to consider:
Through the Looking Glass
This nonprofit organization is famous for their effort to help families with disabled members, including parents. Although they are not making grants available, scholarships are available for students with disabled parents. As long as the student is under 21 years old, they can still apply or the grant. In general, they are providing a $1,000 per award.
The National MS Society Scholarship Program
If you have disabled parent(s) due to the Multiple Sclerosis, then you can apply for this scholarship program. To be eligible for this free money for college, the student has to be in high school and he or she is planning to get their undergraduate degree for the first time.
According to their official site, in general, every selected student in this scholarship program will receive up to $3,000 annually. However, students with special circumstances may receive more than that number. The application process usually starts in early October to mid-January. Awarded students will receive notification in late spring.
Meanwhile, children who have disabled parents who have been in service for the armed force of United States may be eligible for the Paralyzed Veterans of America grant/scholarship. The parent should be the member of the organization and the student has to be less than 24 years if age and not married yet. The application process is started in April.
National Center for Parents with Disabilities Scholarship
The National Center for Parents with Disabilities scholarship is a program administered by the Department of Education of United States. To be eligible for the scholarship program, the student should be less than 21 years old and have at least one disabled parent. This program is available for both high school and college students.
These are a few examples of grants available for students with disabled parents. We would like to remind you over and over again about the importance of education. In the United States, you need to have a degree in order to be employed. Education is one of the foolproof ways to improve your life quality.
If you have disabled parent(s), then you should update the information about them at the Department of Social Services or the Department of Health and Human Services. After doing so, we recommend you to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you’ve gone to college, the FAFSA can help you cover the cost of college tuition.
180 Medical, Inc. Scholarship
This fantastic opportunity is for college students who are the main unpaid caregiver for a family member with a chronic disability or medical condition that requires ongoing in-home care.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Plan to go to college in the United States as a legal resident.
- Be pursuing an Associate’s degree, undergraduate degree, or graduate degree in the fall of the application year.
- Grade Level: College and Graduate Students
- Academic Interest: Healthcare
- Be the main unpaid caregiver for a family member with a long-term disability or medical condition that needs regular care at home.
This scholarship is only for students who are not in medical school or working as professional caregivers. Don’t miss out on this opportunity—download the scholarship application and submit it via mail or email.
180 Medical’s mission is to provide education, excellent service, and a wide range of quality products. They proudly support organizations across the country that help people with spinal cord injuries. Part of the proceeds from their product sales goes towards finding a cure and improving the lives of those living with paralysis.
Dependent Children Scholarship Program
The Dependent Children Scholarship Program is available for:
- Children of Tennessee’s brave law enforcement officers
- Firefighters
- Emergency medical service technicians.
If their heroic parents have tragically lost their lives or suffered permanent disabilities while serving, this scholarship aims to help.
It’s available to full-time undergraduate students attending an eligible Tennessee postsecondary institution, providing financial support for up to four academic years. Eligible students should apply and pursue their academic dreams without financial worries.
Tennessee General Assembly created The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) in 1974 as a non-profit organization, merging the Tennessee Educational Loan Corporation and the Tennessee Tuition Grant Program. TSAC manages more than 20 state financial aid programs, such as the HOPE Scholarship, Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Student Assistance Award, and the Dual Enrollment Grant.
To promote awareness and participation in these programs, TSAC provides financial aid outreach and training to students and staff at every high school and postsecondary institution in Tennessee. Students who meet the following criteria can apply for this scholarship:
- Grade Level: College Students
- Citizenship: U.S. Citizens
- State: Tennessee
- Applicants is the dependent child of a Tennessee law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical service technician who was killed or left disabled in the line of duty.
Applicants must submit documentation proving their parent was a Tennessee law enforcement officer, firefighter, or emergency medical service technician who was killed or disabled while on the job. No essay for this application.
ENF Emergency Educational Grants
The ENF Emergency Educational Grants provide up to $5,000 annually to children of deceased or disabled Elks members who are a full-time student in a U.S. university. If the Elk parent or stepparent is deceased, they must have been an ENF member in good standing for at least one year before their death.
For disabled Elk parents or stepparents, they must have been a member in good standing for at least one year before becoming totally disabled and must remain an Elk in good standing when the application is made.
The Elks National Foundation has a high commitment to help their members (Elks) improve the quality of life in their communities. This scholarship is open to students who meet the following criteria:
- Grade Level: College Students
- Other Category: Low Income
- Essay
I hope you have gotten yourself good information about grants for students with disabled parents from this site.
References:
- TLG College Scholarships for Students of Parents with Disabilities – https://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/disability.htm
- image: angloinfo.com
- (https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/180-medical-ron-howell-caregiver-college-scholarship/)
- (https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/dependent-children-scholarship-program/)
