Nearly 9.4% of children in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD comes with unique challenges, but many institutions offer accommodations to help level the playing field. It is also possible for students to receive ADHD scholarships for their scholastic efforts.
Jump ahead to…
- How to win scholarships for students with ADHD
- ADHD scholarship spotlight
- Resources for students with ADHD
- Frequently asked questions about ADHD scholarships
- Explore these additional scholarship categories
How to win scholarships for students with ADHD
As with any scholarship, ADHD scholarships are very competitive. In order to win funds for your education, it’s important to submit standout applications. One of the best ways to do this is to research the organizations offering the scholarships. Try to figure out their principles and values and emphasize these throughout your essays.
Remember, an effective scholarship application will emphasize how you have overcome your obstacles and discuss all that you hope to accomplish in the future, and how you plan to do it. Try to discuss the difficulties of ADHD as opportunities for growth rather than emphasizing the struggle you’ve had with them. Although these scholarships are meant to help ease the struggle that accompanies ADHD, organizations are looking to choose recipients who demonstrate that they can use the money to go on to do great things.
Writing guides for your essay
Once you’ve found some scholarship opportunities that are a good fit, it’s time to start applying. We can help you through the writing process with our guides, including how to write an essay about yourself, how to write a winning scholarship essay, and how to tailor your writing to 250 or 500 word limits.
Sometimes, starting out an essay is the hardest part. We can help you get those first words on paper with our guide on how to start a scholarship essay, and while you’re at it, check out our guide on how to end one. Finally, check out our guide on how to respond to the most common scholarship essay prompts!
ADHD scholarship spotlight
Here are some of the most prestigious college scholarships to consider for students with ADHD:
The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior with a documented learning disability who is planning to enroll in a two-year community college, a vocational or technical training program, or a specialized program for students with LD and/or ADHD. It’s worth $5,000 and scholarship recipients receive the award over two years. Merit and financial need are both taken into consideration.
The Anne Ford Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior with a documented learning disability who is planning to enroll as a full-time student in a bachelor’s degree program. It’s wroth $10,000 and scholarship recipients receive the award over four years. Students must be enrolling at an accredited college to qualify. Merit and financial need are both taken into consideration.
The Fred J. Epstein Youth Achievement Award
Students with learning disabilities who are 19 or younger and have made great accomplishments in any field, be it STEM, art, literature, athletics, community service, or anything else, qualify for this award.
Resources for students with ADHD
CHADD – Children and Adults with ADHD
This organization has a collection of helpful guides for people with ADHD. Because ADHD can present specific challenges in school, there are guides for how to succeed in school with ADHD.
ADDA—Attention Deficit Disorder Association
ADDA is an organization that provides resources for people with ADD. It includes online support groups, online ADD tests, and more.
Section 504 Accommodations for students with ADHD
As a student with ADHD, you are entitled to certain rights throughout your education. It’s important to know these rights and to know what to do if your teacher violates them. This resource helps you through that and is a great page to look back at if you ever are concerned that your rights are being infringed upon.
National Center for Learning Disabilities
The National Center for Learning Disabilities advocates for students with learning disabilities in the educational sphere. They also offer a collection of resources, conduct research, and facilitate many scholarship programs for students with learning disabilities such as ADHD and dyslexia. They help students pursue financial aid for their higher education, whether that higher education is a four-year degree, a graduate degree, or a vocational degree or any other type.
Frequently asked questions about ADHD scholarships
Can I get a scholarship for having ADHD?
Is ADHD considered a disability for college?
What are the best colleges for ADHD students?
Hofstra University and Curry College both offer PALs programs to help support students with ADHD and learning disabilities. Marist College, the University of Denver, and Lynn University are also each renowned for their support structures for students with ADHD.
Explore these other scholarship categories:
- Top mental health scholarships
- Scholarships for students with learning disabilities
- Top scholarships for high school seniors
- Easy scholarships to apply for
- Scholarships for college students
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