Microsoft disAbility Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Microsoft

Quick overview
This scholarship is run by The Seattle Foundation in partnership with the Disability at Microsoft Inclusion Network. It’s aimed at current high school seniors who plan to continue their education in college or a vocational-technical program in the United States and who are interested in technology-related fields.

Who should apply
You should consider applying if you:
- Are a current high school senior.
- Plan to enroll full‑time or half‑time at an accredited two‑ or four‑year college/university or a U.S. vocational‑technical school for the upcoming academic year.
- Intend to study one of the eligible majors (see list below).
- Have a demonstrated interest in technology, school or community leadership, and financial need.
- Have at least a 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent.
Note: International students are eligible if they will enroll at a U.S. college or university. Microsoft employees and their children are not eligible.

Eligible majors
Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Law, Business, or related fields such as Paralegal, Pre‑Law, Finance, Business Administration, or Marketing.

Award amount and renewal
- Award: $5,000 per recipient (for students enrolled full‑time or half‑time).
- Number of awards: Up to 11.
- Renewal: Awards may be renewed each year for up to three years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever comes first, provided you:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale),
- Remain enrolled full‑time or half‑time,
- Continue in an eligible major.
- Awards apply to undergraduate study only.

Selection criteria
Recipients are chosen based on:
- Academic record,
- Leadership and involvement in school/community activities,
- Work experience,
- Statement of educational and career goals,
- Unusual personal or family circumstances,
- An essay,
- An online recommendation,
- Demonstrated financial need (recipients must show need).

Process notes
- Finalists are selected by Scholarship America; Microsoft makes the final recipient selections. Not all applicants will receive awards, and all decisions are final.
- Scholarship America processes payments on behalf of The Seattle Foundation. Payments are issued in early August, made payable to the school, and mailed to the school.

Application materials (checklist)
You must upload these documents as part of your application:
- A current, complete high school transcript (grade reports are not accepted). The transcript must show:
- Your name,
- School name,
- Grades,
- Credit hours for each course and term.
- For international applicants:
- Upper secondary school diploma or certificate (if earned),
- Results of examinations,
- English translations of any non‑English documents.
- If SAT or ACT scores are not on your transcript, upload official score reports separately.
- One online recommendation form completed by a school faculty/staff member or a community supervisor who has worked with you.

Important submission requirements and deadlines
- Your application is not complete until all required materials are submitted electronically.
- The online recommendation must be submitted no later than three business days after the application deadline.
- All applicants will be notified in June. Notifications are sent by email, so:
- Use a personal email address (not your school or work email) that you’ll keep accessing.
- Add studentsupport@scholarshipamerica.org and the program email address to your safe sender list.

Essay prompt (required)
Please share your idea for a new technology innovation that would enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Explain how it differs from existing solutions and how it connects to your plans to work in the technology industry. (3,000 characters max)

Final tips from a teacher
- Start early—gather transcripts, test scores, and your recommender’s contact early so nothing arrives late.
- Draft your essay and get feedback from a teacher or counselor before submitting.
- Double‑check that you used a personal email address and that Scholarship America’s address is on your safe list so you don’t miss the notification in June.

If you want, I can help you outline the essay or review a draft before you submit.