Hawaii Association of the Blind College Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Hawaii Association of the Blind

Overview

The Hawaii Association of the Blind (HAB) provides scholarship grants to support blind and visually impaired students who wish to attend college. Scholarships are intended to reduce financial barriers and make higher education more accessible. Applicants may complete the scholarship application online. HAB supports students attending any accredited college or university, regardless of location.

Description: HAB awards scholarships to qualified applicants to assist with the costs of postsecondary education.

• Supports blind and visually impaired students pursuing college.
• Applications are available online.
• Recipients may attend accredited institutions anywhere.

Eligibility

Eligibility is limited to legally blind students who are residents of Hawaii and who are matriculated or planning to matriculate at an accredited college or university. Both continuing college students and those entering their first semester may apply. Proof of residency and documentation of visual impairment will be required as part of the review process. Specific transcript requirements differ for first-time college students and continuing students.

Eligibility: Applicants must be legally blind, be Hawaii residents, and be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited postsecondary institution.

• Legal blindness is a prerequisite.
• Applicants must be residents of Hawaii.
• Any accredited college or university is acceptable.

Award Details

Scholarships may be awarded on an annual or semi-annual basis at the discretion of the Scholarship Committee. The committee determines whether to accept applications and sets award amounts and durations. Recipients must reapply to be considered for future funding, and applicants who are denied may reapply in subsequent cycles. Awards generally do not exceed one year in duration and are not expected to be less than $500 per semester, subject to committee determination.

Award Value: Award amounts and duration are set by the Scholarship Committee; awards are typically at least $500 per semester but are not guaranteed.

• Committee discretion governs award frequency, amount, and duration.
• Recipients must reapply for subsequent support.
• Award duration will not exceed one year.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit required materials to the Scholarship Committee as part of the application package. Required items include a personal statement, official transcripts (or high school transcripts for first-semester students), and letters of reference. The committee may request additional information during its review. False or omitted information may result in denial or termination of awards and could prompt legal action to reclaim funds.

Application Timeline: Fall and spring application cycles are available.

1. Submit a personal letter (no more than two pages) describing educational goals and relevant background for the Scholarship Committee.
2. Provide a copy of official transcripts. If you have not attended college or are in your first semester, provide official high school transcripts.
3. Submit at least two letters of reference, one of which must be from a professor or teacher.
4. The Scholarship Committee may request additional information from the applicant as needed.
5. Providing false information will result in application denial or scholarship termination and may lead to legal action to recover awarded funds.
6. Relevant omissions are treated as false information and may result in termination and potential legal action.
7. Submit the completed form and all supporting documents to the Scholarship Committee.

• Include a concise personal statement and required transcripts.
• Provide at least two references, including one academic reference.
• Respond promptly if the committee requests additional information.