Microsoft disAbility Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Microsoft

The Microsoft Disability Scholarship is a program designed to empower students living with disabilities by providing them with the opportunity to pursue education and careers in the technology sector.

Eligibility for the Scholarship

This scholarship is intended for high school seniors living with disabilities who have a vision of pursuing a career in the technology industry. They should be planning to attend either a vocational or academic college. The scholarship is renewable, meaning that each recipient who continues to meet the eligibility criteria can receive an annual award of $5,000 for up to four consecutive years, potentially amounting to a total scholarship of $20,000. In 2023, a total of eight scholarships will be awarded.

Criteria for Consideration

For a student to be considered for the Microsoft Disability Scholarship, they must meet the following criteria:

• Be a high school senior living with a disability as defined by the World Health Organization, which includes visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, speech disabilities, or any other form of disability.
• Have plans to attend a 2 or 4-year University/College or Technical College in the fall of the academic year following high-school graduation.
• Intend to major in approved fields such as engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or a related field (e.g., paralegal, pre-law, finance, business administration, or marketing).
• Have a demonstrated passion for technology.
• Show leadership in school and/or community activities.
• Have a high school cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Require financial assistance to attend college.
• Plan to enroll as a full-time or half-time student.

Application Process

The next scholarship cycle will commence on January 22, 2024, and applications will be accepted until March 13, 2024. Please revisit this site in mid-January 2024 for more details on the application process. Applications will be submitted via the Scholarship America portal.

As part of the application process, you will be required to provide the following:

Your future plans:

• Information about the post-secondary school you plan to attend
• Your educational and career goals

Information about you:

• Activities, Awards, and Honors (if possible, include awards that are technology-related)
• Work experience
• Financial information
• Any unusual family or personal circumstances (include circumstances caused by ongoing disability-related expenses)

Transcript:

• An official or unofficial copy of your current academic transcript

Essay:

• An essay discussing your vision for new technology innovation (such as devices, software, or services) to enhance inclusion for people with disabilities and how it empowers them to achieve more in their lives or communities. Explain how your idea differs from existing solutions. (2,000 characters max).

A letter of recommendation:

• The letter must be from a faculty or staff member at your school or a member of the community who has worked with you in a supervisory role.
• The letter of recommendation should be original and should not be duplicates of college recommendation letters.
• Relatives are not permitted to serve as references.