Scholarships

2025 Post-Secondary Scholarships

The American Council of the Blind of Ohio offers several scholarships each academic year. The application and reference forms may be accessed using the links and files below. See the included checklist at the end of the cover letter for a full list of requirements.

The scholarships are:

• $1000 Friends of Freshman Scholarship:

Presented to a blind or low vision entering freshman in any field of study.
• $3,000-$5,000 ACB-Ohio Scholarships:

Awarded to one or more blind or low vision student in any field of study, or sighted student in a field of study directly benefiting the blind and low vision community. This scholarship is open to students in trade or technical schools, 2- or 4-year undergraduate degree programs, graduate degree programs, or other postsecondary study, such as for continuing education, special certification, or licensure. If the applicant does not have a visual impairment, they should clearly indicate how their course of study will benefit the blind and low vision community.

Requirements:

Applicants must:
• Be an Ohio resident or attend an Ohio postsecondary school.
• Be blind, low vision, or in a field of study directly benefiting the blind and low vision community.
• Have a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale

Application Process:

Following the application deadline (March 31, 2025), the scholarship committee will reach out to you via e-mail to schedule an interview with two committee members. This interview will take place via Zoom or phone call during the second half of April on a mutually agreed upon date and time.

Finalists will be notified by May 15.

All scholarship recipients will be asked to complete a short audio recording with a scholarship committee member for use during the ACBO state convention.

Additional Information:

Past scholarship recipients are eligible; however, an application must be completed each year to be considered. Additionally, all scholarship recipients will be given complementary or discounted admission to an ACBO event or an event of one of the five ACBO chapters (located in Cleveland, Medina, Stark County, Columbus, and Cincinnati).

Send completed forms to scholarships@acbohio.org with your last name and “Scholarship Application” in the subject field, or send application packet to:

ACB-Ohio Scholarships
3805 N. High Street
Suite 305
Columbus, OH 43214

Degree of financial need is not the sole determinant in the selection process. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2025, if mailed, or no later than 11:59 p.m. on that date if e-mailed.

Scholarship Application Links and Documents:

Fill out the online application here.

Reference form link:
Download the 2025 scholarship cover letter (.doc)
Download the 2025 scholarship reference form (.doc)