ACB Scholarship Program Opening Soon

About This Scholarship

The American Council of the Blind has run its scholarship program since 1982, partnering with other organizations and donors to offer educational scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $7,500. Awards go to entering freshmen, undergraduates, graduate students, and technical college students who are legally blind. In 2026, ACB awarded $112,300 to 21 students.

Scholarship funds can cover tuition, fees, room and board, and - notably for this population - the additional costs of assistive technology. Applicants need certification of legal blindness from an eye-care professional or physician, a 3.0 cumulative GPA for most scholarships, and involvement in their school and local community. Full-time enrollment is expected, though part-time students who work at least 32 hours per week also qualify.

Scholarship winners also get to experience ACB's National Conference and Convention in July, connecting with students who share their life experiences. Applications for the 2027-28 school year can be submitted online from November 1, 2026 through February 14, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. CST; applicants create a free ACB website account to access the application.

Eligibility

• Legally blind (certification from an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or physician required)
• Attending or accepted to a post-secondary institution in the United States (entering freshmen through graduate and technical college students)
• 3.0 cumulative GPA required for most scholarships
• Full-time student, or part-time student working at least 32 hours per week
• Involvement in school and local community

How To Apply

• Create a free account on acb.org, then access the scholarship application from the link at the top of the site once the window opens November 1, 2026.
• Submit the application with blindness certification, transcripts, two letters of recommendation (submitted separately), and proof of acceptance by February 14, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Apply Now →

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