Microsoft Disability Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Microsoft

Overview The Seattle Foundation and Microsoft’s Disability Inclusion Network offer a scholarship to help graduating high school seniors pursue college or vocational training in technology-related fields. If you are a senior who wants to study an eligible major and needs financial help, read on — this program was designed to support students like you. Who should apply You should apply if you: - Are a current high school senior - Intend to enroll full-time or half-time at an accredited two- or four-year college/university or a vocational/technical school in the United States for the upcoming academic year - Plan to study one of the eligible majors (see list below) - Have a genuine interest in technology - Demonstrate leadership at school or in your community - Need financial assistance to attend college - Have at least a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent - International students are welcome if they will enroll in a U.S. college or university Ineligible: Microsoft employees and their children. Eligible majors (examples) Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Law, Business, and related fields such as Paralegal, Pre‑Law, Finance, Business Administration, and Marketing. Award details - Award amount: $5,000 per recipient (for full- or half-time students) - Number of awards: Up to 11 - Renewal: Awards may be renewed for up to three additional years (or until a bachelor’s degree is earned), provided you maintain: - Satisfactory academic progress with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale) - Continued full-time or half-time enrollment - Continued study in an eligible major - Awards apply to undergraduate study only How recipients are chosen Finalists are identified by Scholarship America; Microsoft selects the recipients. Selection is based on: - Academic record - Leadership and participation in school and community activities - Work experience - A statement of educational and career goals - Personal or family circumstances that affect your ability to attend college - An essay (prompt below) - One online recommendation Financial need is considered and recipients must demonstrate need. Essay prompt (3,000 characters max) Please describe a new technology innovation that would enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Explain how it differs from current solutions and how this idea connects to your plans to work in the technology industry. Required application materials You must upload all required documents when you apply. Your application will not be considered complete until everything is received. Transcripts and academic records - A current, complete transcript is required (grade reports are not accepted). Transcripts must show: - Student name - School name - Grades - Credit hours for each course and each term - International applicants must also provide: - Upper secondary school diploma or certificate (if earned) - Results of national/regional examinations - English translations for any non-English documents Standardized test scores - If you provide SAT or ACT scores but they are not listed on your high school transcript, upload official test score reports separately. Recommendation - One online recommendation must be submitted by a faculty or staff member at your school or by a community member who has supervised you. - The recommendation must be submitted no later than three business days after the application deadline. Notifications and payment - All applicants will be notified in June. - Notifications are sent by email. Use a personal, reliable email address (not a school or work account) when you set up your application. - Scholarship payments are processed by Scholarship America on behalf of The Seattle Foundation in early August. Payments are made payable to the school and mailed to the institution. A few practical tips from a teacher - Start early: request your transcript and reach out to your recommender well in advance of the deadline. - Double-check that non-English documents are translated and that any test scores not on your transcript are uploaded. - Keep copies of everything you submit and confirm your recommender knows the timeline. Final notes Not all applicants will be selected. Applicants agree to accept the selection decisions as final. If you have any questions about required documents or deadlines, check the program website or contact the scholarship administrator for clarification. Good luck — and take your time to craft a strong essay that shows your interest in technology and how you want to make a difference.