Scholarships for ADHD Students to Apply For in 2024

Getting through the school year is rarely an easy task for students. Between exams, club activities, and working towards the next grade, things can quickly become overwhelming. This is especially true if they struggle with things like ADHD.

ADHD, or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is often characterized by difficulties managing attention. This can be incredibly bothersome for students in a traditional classroom setting, especially if they plan to attend college.

Luckily for these students, some scholarships are made with them in mind!

To uncover scholarship opportunities specifically for students with ADHD, I began by pinpointing scholarship categories that specifically support individuals with learning disabilities. By utilizing various scholarship databases and search engines, I gathered a ton of information on available options.

I concentrated my search on targeted keywords like “ADHD scholarships” and “learning disability scholarships” to yield the most relevant results. Additionally, I set up accounts on multiple scholarship platforms, including Bold.org, which enabled me to filter scholarships based on eligibility criteria and award amounts. In doing so, I found Bold.org to have the most opportunities for students with ADHD and other learning disabilities.

Do you have a documented learning disability, like ADHD? Apply for ADHD scholarships to help you reduce your tuition costs.

Types of ADHD Scholarships Available

There are many different types of scholarships available for students to apply for. The kind of scholarship can affect the required documents and related materials that have to be submitted to apply. Below are a few of the types of scholarships available.

Academic Merit-Based

These scholarships are based solely on your proven academic ability. These can be decided on the applicant’s grade-point average (GPA), standardized test scores (MCAT, LSAT, etc.), or other academic scores.

Colleges may have academic merit-based scholarships for students who are part of their incoming class, so they’ll receive these scores when they apply. However, other organizations have academic scholarships, and you will also have to submit these scores.

Identity-Based

Scholarships with the qualification partially based on the applicant’s identity are open only to people within those groups. These scholarships exist from trying to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds and marginalized communities by giving awards to students who share the same characteristics as someone who has passed in their honor. 

Some scholarship recipients also win scholarships for students with learning disabilities. Although ADHD is not considered a learning disability, you can win scholarships for students diagnosed with it.  

Need-Based

Need-based scholarships are awarded to students based on their financial circumstances rather than academic performance. These scholarships are designed to assist those who demonstrate financial need, helping to bridge the gap between what families can afford and the cost of education.

You can find scholarships for undergraduate students at Bold.org that will help you pay for school.

How to Find ADHD Scholarships

Searching for scholarships can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. However, many resources can help students locate suitable scholarships. Here’s a guide to assist you in your search:

1. Utilize Online Resources:
   The internet is the best starting point for finding scholarships. Numerous websites are dedicated to collecting and showcasing scholarships for students in need. These platforms allow you to filter scholarships based on your qualifications, making it easier to identify opportunities that suit you. You can also bookmark scholarships that you may not qualify for now but could be eligible for in future semesters.
2. Seek Support from College Resources:
   If you’re already enrolled in college, your academic advisor and fellow students can be excellent resources for finding scholarships. They are often familiar with scholarships sponsored by your school or lesser-known opportunities that could improve your chances of winning.
3. Consult the Financial Aid Department:
   Your college’s financial aid department is a valuable resource, especially if you’re considering federal financial aid. They can provide information on scholarships that align with your financial situation.
4. Communicate with Your Advisor:
   Regularly consulting your advisor is essential, as their role is to support your academic success. They can guide you to relevant scholarships and provide valuable insights into the application process.

If you’re looking to attend a technical training program or two-year community college, there are scholarship programs available to support your endeavors. Find the scholarship program that is right for you.

Tips for Winning ADHD Scholarships

Now that you know where to find scholarships, it’s important to understand how to enhance your chances of being selected. While there’s no guarantee of winning every scholarship, you can take steps to improve your odds:

1. Craft Strong Essays:
   For scholarships that require essays, ensure your response addresses all parts of the prompt. Eliminate any unnecessary information and focus on clarity and engagement. A well-written, compelling essay is essential to capture the attention of scholarship sponsors.
2. Highlight Your Research:
   If your essay involves discussing research, emphasize the most exciting aspects of your findings and their potential applications. Showcasing your passion and insights can set your application apart.
3. Consider Smaller Scholarships:
   Many students gravitate toward high-value scholarships, leading to increased competition. By targeting smaller awards, you may find a less competitive applicant pool, improving your chances of winning. Accumulating several smaller awards can add up to a significant amount over time, so don’t hesitate to pursue these opportunities.
4. Focus on Niche Scholarships:
   Applying for scholarships that are only available to specific types of applicants can further reduce competition. Seek out scholarships tailored to students with ADHD or those with unique backgrounds, as these can provide more targeted opportunities.

By leveraging these resources and strategies, you can navigate the scholarship landscape more effectively and increase your chances of securing funding for your education.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Scholarships

How many ADHD scholarships can you get?

There is no limit to the number of scholarships you can get, so you don’t have to limit yourself when applying. 

Depending on the requirements for the scholarships you apply for, you may run into a situation where you have to turn down awards. For example, if you apply for multiple scholarships from colleges that are only open to students who intend to attend those colleges, you will have to turn down the awards from the colleges you don’t attend. 

Are ADHD Scholarships Taxable Income?

Generally, scholarships are not considered taxable income. However, this is only true if you are enrolled at an eligible college, in a program, and are using the funds for school-related expenses. These expenses include but are not limited to tuition, textbooks, parking fees, and lab fees.

If it is found that you have used scholarship funds for expenses unrelated to your degree or college expenses, then these funds may be considered taxable income. Check the description and other fine print of the scholarships that you apply for to see if there is a requirement for how the awarded funds are used.

What’s the Best Way to Apply for ADHD Scholarships?

A key strategy that gives you the best chances when applying is to put more effort into a handful of scholarships that you feel confident about applying to rather than applying to a lot of scholarships that you only put minimal effort into. This is especially true for longer extended responses. If you feel like you have a story that could set you apart from other applicants, you may find it beneficial to spend more time on that application versus other shorter ones that aren’t specific to your experiences.

What Is the Epstein Youth Achievement Award?

The Epstein Youth Achievement Award is designed to recognize and support graduating high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to their communities, particularly those with learning disabilities, including ADHD. Recipients of the award not only receive monetary support for their education but also gain access to a network of mentors and resources to help them thrive.

Does the National Center for Learning Disabilities Have a Scholarship Program?

Yes. The NCLD has scholarship opportunities for students with learning disabilities, including ADHD. In fact, the Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships are managed by the NCLD.

What Is Anne Ford Scholarship?

The Anne Ford Scholarship is a prestigious award aimed at college students with a documented learning disability who are pursuing higher education. Named in honor of Anne Ford, a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities, this scholarship seeks to alleviate the financial burden of college expenses. This scholarship not only provides financial support but also encourages recipients to continue advocating for themselves and others in similar situations.

What Is the Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship?

Named after Allegra Ford Thomas, this scholarship seeks to empower young individuals with ADHD or other learning disabilities by providing them with the necessary financial resources to pursue their college goals. Applicants are required to submit personal essays that highlight their challenges and achievements, as well as letters of recommendation.

There are many scholarship opportunities available for students with ADHD. If you’re a graduating high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate, think about applying today.