Able Flight

“Candidates must be dedicated to the idea that they, too, can change their lives by learning to fly or training for a career in aviation. Able Flight encourages people with a variety of physical disabilities to apply for a scholarship. Learning to fly is a demanding endeavor, but certainly within reach of those who are up to the challenge. There are long hours of ground school study and many hours in the air learning to become a confident, competent and safe pilot. This is not a program for those who seek a “weekend adventure” experience, but a program for people who are willing to work hard and remain committed to earning the privilege of becoming a pilot. Our program is for people who will dedicate themselves to becoming a pilot. It is not a part time program. It’s not easy, in fact, it is demanding and challenging, and that’s by design. We want our pilots to be good, safe and very competent, so we go well beyond the minimum standards required by the FAA.”

The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

The AG Bell College Scholarship targets deaf and hard of hearing students that use lip reading and spoken language as their primary means of communication. More than $100,000 in scholarship awards are given annually, with individual awards ranging from $1000 to $10,000. Applicants must satisfy strict eligibility requirements, including having an un-weighted GPA of 3.25, current enrollment in an accredited mainstream college or university, and a demonstrably profound hearing loss that was diagnosed prior to the student’s fourth birthday. Listening and spoken language must also be the applicant’s primary mode of communication.

Cochlear, makers of the Nucleus Cochlear Implant, sponsors the Graeme Clark Scholarship. The award is available to college-bound students with a Cochlear Implant. The scholarship provides financial assistance to undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university. Award amounts vary, and are determined by academic achievement, and a demonstrated commitment to community to the Cochlear ideals of leadership and humanity.

The Minnie Pearl Scholarship is a four year undergraduate scholarship open to deaf and hard of hearing students. Applicants must be a high school senior with a cumulative 3.0 GPA, and must enroll in an accredited college or university within the United States. The Minnie Pearl Scholarship pays up to $1000 per year, for a maximum of $4000.

The Sertoma Scholarship for the Deaf or Hard of Hearing offers scholarships for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in the United States. This program provides financial assistance to college-bound students with clinically significant bilateral hearing loss. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors, or undergraduates pursuing a four year degree at an accredited college or university. Award amounts vary, and are determined by financial need, academic merit, and degree of hearing loss.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) provides services for deaf and hard of hearing individuals that need assistance to meet the necessary requirements for a job or help finding an occupation. VR may also assist with vocational training or college. VR services may include financial assistance, employment planning, counseling, transportation, and job placement assistance. A VR counselor will determine eligibility for services.

There are more options available for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students to pursue college scholarships at the College Scholarships website.