National Federation of the Blind Texas Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Federation of the Blind Texas

Overview

The National Federation of the Blind of Texas awards annual scholarships to outstanding blind students in the state. Awards are presented at the organization’s annual convention, which in 2026 will be held at the Marriott San Antonio Airport in San Antonio, TX, on November 6–8. Attendance at the convention is mandatory for all finalists; finalists should arrive no later than 4:00 PM on November 6 and depart no earlier than noon on November 8. The organization covers finalist travel and lodging expenses.

Application Timeline: Applications are evaluated prior to the convention, and finalists will be notified in advance to attend the November convention weekend.

• Annual awards presented at the NFBTX convention.
• 2026 convention: Marriott San Antonio Airport, November 6–8.
• Finalists must attend the full convention; travel and lodging paid.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet specific legal, residency, and enrollment criteria to be considered for NFB Texas scholarships. The program is open to students pursuing full-time post-secondary study in the United States; limited exceptions may be made for students who attend part-time while working full-time or who attend trade or technical schools full time. Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes and must reside in Texas for the school year. Membership in the National Federation of the Blind of Texas is not required.

Requirements: Legal blindness in both eyes, Texas residency during the school year, and intent to pursue post-secondary education; full convention attendance is required.

• Legal blindness in both eyes is required.
• Must live in Texas during the school year.
• Typically full-time post-secondary enrollment; limited exceptions permitted.
• Finalists must attend the entire convention.

Scholarships

In 2026 the National Federation of the Blind of Texas will award four scholarships funded through member and public donations. Awards vary by scholarship and are intended to recognize academic achievement and community service among blind students. No additional restrictions apply to the merit, chapter, or members scholarships beyond the general eligibility requirements. One memorial scholarship carries a higher award and includes a brief history of its namesake.

NFBTX Merit Scholarship — Award Value: $2,000.

Description: Funded through public donations; awarded to a qualified applicant without additional restrictions.

NFBTX Chapter Scholarship — Award Value: $2,000.

Description: Funded by chapters of the National Federation of the Blind of Texas; no additional restrictions.

NFBTX Members Scholarship — Award Value: $2,000.

Description: Granted by the membership of NFBTX; no additional restrictions.

Harley Fetterman Memorial Scholarship — Award Value: $3,000.

History: Funded by members, public donations, and Harley’s Wallet, this scholarship honors Harley Fetterman, a young Federationist who passed away in 2016. It recognizes his contributions to the blindness community and supports students without additional restrictions.

• Four scholarships awarded in 2026: three at $2,000 and one at $3,000.
• Funding sources include public donations, chapters, members, and a memorial fund.
• Harley Fetterman scholarship carries historical recognition and a larger award.

Criteria

Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and demonstrated community service. The selection process evaluates applicants’ transcripts, personal essays, recommendations, and supporting documentation. The organization seeks to expand educational opportunities for blind students and does not require membership in the NFB of Texas. Selection is competitive and focuses on overall achievement and potential.

Evaluation Factors: Academic performance, community engagement, quality of essay and recommendations, and fulfillment of eligibility requirements.

• Awards emphasize academic excellence and community service.
• Membership in NFBTX is not required.
• Decisions are made by committee review of submitted materials.

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application and submit supporting documents to be considered. The application requires answers to all questions; enter N/A where a question does not apply. Electronic submissions are preferred, but accommodations are available for applicants who cannot submit digitally. Contact the office for a printed application if needed.

Required Documents:

1. A completed application form (all questions answered or marked N/A).
2. Proof of legal blindness from a medical or rehabilitation professional.
3. A current transcript (electronic copies preferred).
4. An essay up to 700 words describing your skills, experiences, and goals.
5. One letter of recommendation from a non-family individual with knowledge of your academic or work performance.
6. Proof of acceptance for incoming freshmen or graduate entrants (letter of acceptance from a college or university).

Contact for Paper Application: Call the NFBTX office at (281) 968-7733 during regular business hours to request a printed application and submission instructions.

• Complete the online application and provide all required documents.
• Essay limit: 700 words.
• Electronic files are preferred; paper applications available by request.

Submission of Application and Documents

After submitting the online application, gather and email the required supporting documents to the scholarship committee. Documents may be sent directly by recommenders or other third parties. Use clear subject lines that include your name and the document type to help the committee process materials efficiently.

Submission Instructions: Email documents to scholarships@nfbtx.org and use subject lines such as "John Doe Recommendation Letter" or "Jane Smith Proof of Blindness" to identify each file.

• Submit supporting documents by email to scholarships@nfbtx.org when possible.
• Include your name and document type in the email subject line.
• Recommenders may send letters directly to the committee using the same subject-line format.