Scholarships & Awards
NCLD offers annual scholarships and awards that celebrate the work and achievements of those students and leaders working to improve the lives of the 1 in 5 with learning and attention issues.
Learn more about each scholarship and award to determine if you or someone you know are eligible to apply. For more information about the scholarships and awards, please check out our FAQ page.
The Everyday Champion Award
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] This year marks 45 years of helping improve the 1 in 5 lives of children and adults nationwide with…
COVID-19 Impact Scholarship
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The COVID-19 Pandemic has created significant disruptions to the college and life plans of young adults with learning and attention…
Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship awarded over two years ($2,500 each year) to a graduating…
Anne Ford Scholarship
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1671026101010{margin-top: 30px !important;}"] The Anne Ford Scholarship is a $10,000 scholarship ($2,500/year over four years) granted to a graduating…
FAQs
I have a disability but do not have LD or ADHD. Am I eligible for the Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships?
To be eligible for our scholarships, you must have documentation of a “specific learning disability” (LD) such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia and/or documentation of a diagnosis of ADHD. You are welcome to apply if you have a specific learning disability and/or ADHD in addition to other disorders that impact learning, as long as you provide current documentation of LD and/or ADHD.
Which one of the Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships should I apply for? Can I apply for both?
Apply for the one scholarship that best fits your post––high school plans. If you are planning to attend a four-year college, apply for the Anne Ford Scholarship. If you are planning to attend a two-year community college, vocational/technical training program, or specialized program for students with LD, apply for the Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship.
You may not apply for both scholarships.
I am still waiting to make a final decision about where I am going to go to college. Am I eligible to apply for the Anne Ford or the Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships?
Yes. Most students, will not have heard back from colleges by the cut-off date for application submission. Others will have received acceptances but not made the decision about where to attend. And still others will postpone making a decision until hearing about financial aid and scholarship offers. There is no need to wait until your college plans are finalized. Apply for one of our scholarships as soon as you can gather all the required information.
I am not sure if I “demonstrate financial need.” Is there a family income limit to apply for the Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships?
No, there is no set limit on income. Each applicant’s financial situation is carefully reviewed, taking into account any unique circumstances, combined family income, other sources of financial relief, available assets, number of dependents, etc. If you and your family believe that scholarship money is needed to pay for college, we encourage you to apply. If there is additional information about your family’s financial situation that is not captured by the Financial Statement form, feel free to upload a document describing your circumstances.
What should I submit as documentation of my learning disability or ADHD for Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships?
Please submit your most recent IEP, 504 plan or assessment/evaluation report. You may also submit a letter from a school administrator noting your learning disability and any accommodations you receive in school. If you have a diagnosis of ADHD, you can submit verification of the diagnosis from the physician who treats you. If you have questions about whether your documentation is sufficient, please email us at AFScholarship@ncld.org and ask for guidance.
I am graduating from high school this year but I am planning to take a “gap year” and defer my admission to college for a year. Am I eligible for the Anne Ford or the Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarships?
No. Applicants must be graduating high school seniors intending to enroll in a post-secondary program in the fall following graduation.
Are the winners of the Bill Ellis award always general education classroom teachers?
The award has been given to professionals from a wide range of backgrounds. Some have been classroom teachers and others have been program directors and school/district administrators. Past recipients have also included related service providers, and instructional specialists. The 2014 winner is a leader in the area of public policy and advocacy. Learn more about these past winners.
Can anyone submit a recommendation for the Bill Ellis award?
Nominees for this award are typically submitted by members of the NCLD team and NCLD’s Professional Advisory Board, but recommendations by others are welcome. All recommendations should include information about the person making the nomination and a clear statement of why they believe this person is an ideal candidate, making specific mention of how their accomplishments have had a positive impact on education in general and specifically, on students with learning and attention issues. Recommendations should be submitted to awards@ncld.org
How are candidates for the Bill Ellis award nominated?
Candidates are recommended by members of the NCLD team, Professional Advisory Board and Board of Directors. There is no open call for nominations and there is no public application process.
Does the winning schools for the Pete and Carrie Rozelle award need to have programs designed specifically for children with learning disabilities?
At this time, two different schools share the award: one private school which offers specialized services solely to students with learning and attention issues one public school that provides high-quality instruction and support to all students , including those with learning and attention issues.
How are nominees for Pete and Carrie Rozelle award selected?
Nominees are recommended by members of the NCLD team, Professional Advisory Board and Board of Directors, as well as by the leadership of the NYC Department of Education.
Can anyone submit a recommendation for the Pete and Carrie Rozelle award?
NCLD welcomes recommendations for this award. Submissions must include detailed information about the school and relevant information (e.g., website, contact information). Also include must be a clear statement of why this school is considered to be worthy of this nomination, with specific mention of how it has had had a positive impact on all children, including those with learning and attention issues. Recommendations should be submitted to awards@ncld.org
Can schools outside of the NYC area be considered for the Pete and Carrie Rozelle award?
Yes. The criteria for eligibility may be changed over time, so keep checking the website for updated information.
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