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 information on available options.
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.
Lucy Maddox
Lucy’s international upbringing in Hong Kong and love for literature have shaped her multifaceted background. She attended university in Middlebury, Vermont, before settling in Arlington, Virginia. In her free time, Lucy enjoys True Crime podcasts, thrillers, literary fiction, running, hiking, exploring Washington, D.C.'s newest restaurants, and blogging about her latest travels.
