National Federation of the Blind Texas Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Federation of the Blind Texas

Description The National Federation of the Blind of Texas (NFBTX) awards annual scholarships to outstanding blind students in Texas. Winners are selected by the NFBTX Scholarship Committee and are announced at the organization’s state convention. Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the convention and must attend the scholarship program activities in full. The 2026 state convention is scheduled for November 6–8 at the Marriott San Antonio Airport in San Antonio, TX. - Scholarships are awarded yearly at the NFBTX state convention. - Finalists receive travel and conference expenses paid by NFBTX. - The 2026 convention: Nov 6–8, Marriott San Antonio Airport. - Finalists must be present for the entire scholarship program. Eligibility Applicants must meet specific legal, residency, and enrollment requirements to be considered. You must be legally blind in both eyes, live in Texas during the school year, and be enrolled in or planning to enroll full-time in a U.S. postsecondary program in the fall of the application year. At the committee’s discretion, one scholarship may be awarded to a student attending school part-time while working full-time; trade and technical schools attended full-time are also eligible. Attendance at the entire convention is required for finalists. - Must be legally blind in both eyes. - Must be a Texas resident during the school year. - Must be pursuing or planning full-time postsecondary study (exceptions considered). - Finalists must attend the entire convention. Award Value In 2026, NFBTX will grant four scholarships with fixed award amounts. Each scholarship has a specific name and is funded through combinations of public donations, chapter contributions, and member support. Awards are paid to recipients in the amounts listed by scholarship name. - Four scholarships awarded in 2026. - Each scholarship has a designated name and fixed award amount. - Funding comes from donations, chapters, members, and partner nonprofits. Selection Criteria Scholarship decisions are based on academic achievement and community service, evaluated by the Scholarship Committee. The committee reviews applications holistically and does not require NFB membership as a condition of eligibility. Committee decisions are final and may incorporate discretionary considerations, such as work commitments or nontraditional study paths. - Awards based primarily on academic excellence and community service. - NFB membership is not required. - Committee decisions are final and may consider special circumstances. Application Materials Applicants must submit a completed application plus supporting documents to be considered. Required materials include proof of legal blindness, a current transcript, a personal essay (up to 700 words), one non-family letter of recommendation, and proof of college acceptance for incoming students. Electronic documents are preferred; printed applications are available by contacting the office if needed. - Completed application form (all questions answered). - Proof of legal blindness (see definition below). - Current transcript (electronic preferred) and essay ≤700 words. - One letter of recommendation (not from family) and proof of acceptance if applicable. - For printed application, call (281) 968-7733. Proof of Legal Blindness (sub-point) Legal blindness must be documented by a medical professional or vocational rehabilitation counselor. The legal definition: best-corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less in the better eye. Vision loss limited to one eye does not meet the requirement. - Documentation must come from a doctor or vocational rehabilitation counselor. - Definition: 20/200 acuity or 20° field of vision or less in the better eye. - Must be legally blind in both eyes. Submission Process Start by completing the online application and submitting it; you will receive a copy of your submission. After online submission, email supporting documents to scholarships@nfbtx.org; those who provide documents on your behalf may email them directly. Use a clear subject line that includes your name and the document type (e.g., "Jane Smith Recommendation Letter"). If an official transcript must be mailed, send it to the address below. - Complete and submit the online application first. - Email documents to scholarships@nfbtx.org with clear subject lines. - Mailed transcripts or documents should go to the physical address below. Mailing address for paper documents: National Federation of the Blind of Texas 1600 E. Highway 6, Suite 215 Alvin, TX 77511 Attn: Scholarship Committee Timeline and Interview All application materials must be submitted by August 1, 2026; the online form will close at 11:55 PM CDT on that date, and mailed submissions must be postmarked by August 1. After the submission deadline, the committee will schedule telephone interviews with applicants; interviews are required. Finalists will be notified by telephone no later than October 1, 2026, and all committee decisions are final. - Submission deadline: August 1, 2026 (online closes 11:55 PM CDT). - Mailed applications must be postmarked by August 1, 2026. - Telephone interviews are required and scheduled after the deadline. - Finalists notified by Oct 1, 2026; decisions are final. Finalists and Travel Requirements Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the NFBTX state convention; these conference expenses are provided in addition to any scholarship award. Attendance is mandatory with no exceptions: finalists must arrive at the convention hotel by 4:00 PM on November 6, 2026, and may not depart earlier than noon on November 8, 2026. Finalists must participate in the full convention and scheduled scholarship activities to receive the award. - Finalists get an all-expenses-paid trip to the convention. - Mandatory arrival: by 4:00 PM, Nov 6, 2026; mandatory departure: no earlier than noon, Nov 8, 2026. - Full participation in conference and scholarship events is required. History of the Award The Harley Fetterman Memorial Scholarship honors Harley Fetterman, a promising young Federationist who passed away in 2016. That memorial scholarship is supported by members, public donations, and a nonprofit founded by Harley’s family. The broader NFBTX scholarship program is funded through a combination of public support, chapter contributions, member donations, and community partners to expand educational opportunities for blind Texans. - Harley Fetterman Memorial Scholarship commemorates Harley’s contributions. - Memorial funding includes family-led nonprofit and donor support. - NFBTX scholarships are sustained by donations from members, chapters, and the public. Re-application Encouraged Students who previously applied are encouraged to submit a new application. Re-applying allows the committee to consider updated transcripts, new accomplishments, and recent service activities. There is no penalty for prior applications that were not selected. - Past applicants should apply again. - Updated materials strengthen consideration. - No restriction based on prior applications.