20 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!

Best ADHD Scholarships to Apply to

If you are a student with ADHD and are still looking for some additional college scholarships, try out our list to see if there are any scholarship programs you qualify for!

Jameela Jamil x I Weigh Scholarship 

I Weigh all about radical inclusivity and allyship, creating a community where no one feels alone. As part of their mission to amplify new voices, they’ve launched a scholarship, and at least three students will be awarded $5,000 each for their education.

• Amount: $15,000
• Deadline to apply: August 17, 2022
• Winner announced: September 7, 2022

Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship 

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Michael Rudometkin by supporting students passionate about community service and making the world a better place. Any current student involved in their community and pursuing a degree, certificate, or trade school may apply for this scholarship. 

If you are part of a technical training program, check to see if you qualify.

• Amount: $600
• Deadline to apply: September 1, 2022
• Winner announced: September 30, 2022

Sullivan Promise Project Scholarship 

The Sullivan Promise Project Scholarship exists to support students who embody the ‘everyday hero,’ involving themselves in community service or non-profit work. High schoolers from Virginia are eligible to apply if they have a non-traditional home life and yet choose to spend their time making a difference in their community.

• Amount: $500
• Deadline to apply: September 1, 2022
• Winner announced: September 30, 2022

Terry Masters Memorial Scholarship 

This scholarship aims to continue Terry’s legacy of giving by inspiring others to embrace and pursue the same passion and joy that Terry found in painting outdoors and to honor his memory through excellence in the arts for years to come. High school seniors, undergraduates, or graduates pursuing a degree in fine arts may apply, but preference will be given to painters.

• Amount: $2,000
• Deadline to apply: December 9, 2022
• Winner announced: January 9, 2023

Wanda I. McLaurin HBCU Scholarship 

In honor of our mother, Wanda, the Wanda I. McLaurin HBCU Scholarship will support ambitious students from Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, or surrounding areas in New York who currently attend an HBCU. This annual scholarship will help one student who fits the criteria and wants to dedicate their studies to advance their career and the livelihoods of disadvantaged people across the country. This scholarship is open to graduate and undergraduate students.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline to apply: November 21, 2022
• Winner announced: December 21, 2022

Future Minority Leaders Scholarship 

Many racial minorities often cannot afford college without relying on student loans. This scholarship aims to support and uplift minority students with the necessary resources to complete their degrees. Any BIPOC, low-income graduating high school senior in California may apply for this scholarship. 

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline to apply: November 1, 2022
• Winner announced: November 30, 2022

R.L. Sexton Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support students pursuing degrees in process technology, psychology, or human resources. Any low-income high school or undergraduate student studying psychology, human resources, or process technology may apply for this scholarship.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline to apply: December 1, 2022
• Winner announced: January 1, 2023

ProjectGiveBack Scholarship for Black Women 

The ProjectGiveBack Scholarship is for Black women, by Black women. Scholarship awardees will be selected by a panel of Black women ranging in age, interests, and lifestyle. Applicants who have volunteer or work experience and who maintain an active commitment to giving back to their community are strongly preferred.

• Amount: $2,000
• Deadline to apply: July 26, 2022
• Winner announced: August 26, 2022

HRCap Next-Gen Leadership Scholarship 

This HRCap scholarship seeks to empower the next generation of multicultural students and leaders who embody critical values such as integrity, diversity, and professionalism. Any undergraduate or graduate student who is an AAPI student or pursuing Asian American studies or Asian language courses may apply for this scholarship.

• Deadline to apply: August 31, 2022
• Winner announced: September 31, 2022
• Amount: $5,000

Bookman 5 Scholarship 

This scholarship aims to support students who are underprivileged or living under challenging circumstances. Any African American undergraduate student with a 2.0 GPA or higher, is involved in their community or church, and is interested in psychology, biology, education, engineering, or ministry may apply. 

• Amount: $1,500
• Deadline to apply: August 1, 2022
• Winner announced: September 1, 2022

Cardel Love Scholarship 

This scholarship seeks to honor Cardel’s life and legacy by supporting first-generation BIPOC students from New York so they can pursue higher education. Any BIPOC high school senior from New York who will be a first-generation college student may apply for this scholarship. 

• Amount: $500
• Deadline to apply: September 9, 2022
• Winner announced: October 9, 2022

Alexis Potts Passion Project Scholarship 

This scholarship aims to help driven, motivated, and passionate students afford higher education to pursue their dreams. Any high school senior or undergraduate student with a strong passion, such as for a sport, hobby, or community service opportunity, may apply for this scholarship. 

• Amount: $620
• Deadline to apply: September 1, 2022
• Winner announced: September 15, 2022

“Equal Opportunity” Scholarship 

As a small way to help create a more equal playing field, the “$1,000 Equal Opportunity” Scholarship exists to support two motivated high school, undergraduate, or graduate school students who want to improve their lives and the lives of the people around them.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline to apply: September 1, 2022
• Winner announced: October 1, 2022

“A Courageous Spirit” No-Essay Scholarship 

To encourage everyone to confront their fears and build more meaningful lives, this scholarship exists to support a courageous and ambitious person who wants to grow. The scholarship is open to all students and non-students from any field of study. The only requirement is that you’re ready to learn, grow, and choose courage over comfort on your journey in life.

• Amount: $500
• Deadline to apply: October 31, 2022
• Winner announced: November 30, 2022

“$$$ Isn’t Everything” Scholarship 

This scholarship exists to help one new student or graduate each month to worry a little bit less about money and get a bit of time and energy back to focus on the important things. There is no essay requirement, so applicants are encouraged to apply earlier to better their chances of winning. 

• Amount: $550
• Deadline to apply: July 31, 2022
• Winner announced: July 31, 2022

Sean Carroll’s Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship 

The Mindscape Big Picture Scholarship was created to provide financial support for those looking to pursue higher education to understand how the world works. This scholarship is open to all students who have a deep curiosity about studying the universe for its own sake. It will seek to lift those from underrepresented communities in those fields and first-generation college students.

• Amount: $10,000
• Deadline to apply: December 15, 2022
• Winner announced: January 15, 2023

#FinancialFreedom No-Essay Scholarship 

As a small way to create a more equal financial playing field, the #FinancialFreedom Scholarship exists to support an ambitious student motivated to improve their life through education. The scholarship is open to all high school, undergraduate, and graduate school students and non-students from any field of study. 

• Amount: $500
• Deadline to apply: October 30, 2022
• Winner announced: November 30, 2022

Mental Health Matters Scholarship  

The Mental Health Matters Scholarship exists to support students who struggle with mental health but are still active members of their communities. Applicants can be of any education level and will be required to submit a short essay about how they are active leaders in their community. 

• Amount: $500
• Deadline to apply: September 1, 2022
• Winner announced: September 30, 2022

Brian J Boley Memorial Scholarship 

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Brian J Boley by supporting students who have been affected by mental illness or addiction. Applicants must be high school students who have struggled with mental health issues or addiction and want to use their degree to help others.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline to apply: October 1, 2022
• Winner announced: October 31, 2022

“A Daring Path” No-Essay Scholarship 

To encourage everyone to confront their fears and live life to the fullest, the “A Daring Path” No-Essay Scholarship exists to support a bold person who wants to get the most out of this world. The scholarship is open to all students and non-students from any field of study. The only requirement is that you’re ready to take on the planet and create a life that other people dream of living.

• Amount: $1,000
• Deadline to apply: October 30, 2022
• Winner announced: November 30, 2022

About ADHD Scholarship 

According to data gathered by the CDC, the estimated number of children diagnosed with ADHD was 6.1 million in 2016. Even if all of those children don’t choose to go to college later in life, many likely will. These students will need extra support beyond the treatment they use for their condition to continue their educational journey. 

Scholarships for these students acknowledge that their ADHD diagnosis means they may have some extra obstacles to tackle during their educational journey and directly support those students. 

What are ADHD Scholarships?

There are many financial aid programs that students can apply to. Scholarships for students with ADHD are monetary awards that are only open to applicants who have been diagnosed with ADHD. This financial aid can be federal grant programs or federal educational grants.

The money awarded is typically given to help the student cover costs related to their education. Still, winners are advised to refer to any requirements on how they should spend the award for each scholarship they win. 

What Qualifies as an ADHD Scholarship?

If a scholarship is only open to applicants with ADHD, it is an ADHD scholarship. Applicants of these scholarships may be asked to submit a letter from a physician as proof of disability to qualify.  

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. 

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 you apply. But, other organizations have academic scholarships that you will also have to submit these scores to.

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.

Athletic

These scholarships are based on a student’s athletic ability, usually within a given sport. Often, coaches from interested schools will scout out students performing well during their sport’s season and decide whether or not to make an offer.  

How to Find ADHD Scholarships to Apply for?

Looking for scholarships can be difficult, especially if you don’t know where to look. But, many resources are available to help students look for scholarships. 

The internet is the best place to start if you need help looking for scholarships. Many websites are dedicated to collecting and showcasing scholarships to students in need. These websites are helpful because you can filter out scholarships you know you won’t qualify for. You can also bookmark scholarships you don’t qualify for now but may be a suitable applicant for in the coming semesters. 

Students enrolled in college already, your advisor, and other students are also great resources for finding scholarships. These people are likely familiar with scholarships that your school sponsors or may not be super popular, making your chances of winning better.

Your financial aid department is also a good resource, especially if you are considering federal financial aid.

 Consulting with your advisor is always a good idea as their job is to help you succeed. If they can’t help you with applications or places to look for scholarships, they can definitely refer you to another administrator or school resource for help. 

Tips for Winning ADHD Scholarships

So now you know where to look for scholarships, but how do you make sure you get chosen? Well, there is no way to guarantee that you’ll win all the scholarships you apply for, but you can definitely increase your chances. 

For scholarships that require an essay, make sure that your essay answers all parts of the prompt. Look for any ramblings or extra information that doesn’t pertain to the subject of the prompt. Also, make sure that your writing is clear and engaging. Having an essay that is boring and hard to read is an easy way to lose the sponsor’s attention when they try to read your response. 

If you are writing about the research you’ve done, highlighting the exciting parts of your results or further applications of your findings could be helpful. 

Another way to increase your chances of winning is to go for scholarships with smaller award amounts. Many students go for the big ticket dollar amounts to ” win big ” and get the most money possible. But, many students will apply for these same scholarships for this reason. Making the pool of students you’re competing against less competitive gives you a better chance of winning. 

Winning many of these smaller award amounts will build up to a more considerable amount as you keep winning, so don’t be afraid to go after smaller fish.

Finally, another way to decrease the number of students you are competing with is to apply for scholarships that are only open to a specific type of applicant. 

Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Scholarships

Still have questions about scholarships open to ADHD students? Keep reading to see if we’ve got an answer for you below.  

Are ADHD scholarships legit?

Yes, scholarships for students with ADHD are legit. There are scams out there, so it is important to be careful when applying for scholarships, especially if you are doing so online. 

An excellent way to avoid these scams is to use reputable sites that you or other students are familiar with. Also, be mindful of the information that you submit when you apply. Scholarships will not require your social security number, credit or debit card number, or bank information. If you are asked to submit any of this information, that scholarship is likely a scam. 

How can I improve my chances of winning ADHD scholarships?

You can do several things to improve your chances of winning college student scholarships. A couple of strategies you can use include:

• Go for scholarships with smaller dollar amounts
• Apply for scholarships that are looking for a specific type of applicant 
• Fully answer the prompt when an essay is required 

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, no, 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 out 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.