The American Council of the Blind (ACB), alongside the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB), has announced the 2025 recipients of its national scholarship program, awarding 24 legally blind students from across the United States scholarships totaling over $111,400. This initiative, established in 1982, stands as a pivotal financial aid resource for legally blind students pursuing higher education.
Scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 are awarded to students attending technical colleges, entering their freshman year, or pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. These funds are designated to cover tuition, fees, room and board, adaptive technology, and other educational expenses, significantly reducing the financial burden on students and their families.
ACB Executive Director Scott Thornhill emphasized the program's role in expanding access to higher education for blind and visually impaired students, highlighting the scholarships as not just financial support but a recognition of each student's potential, talent, and dedication. Eligibility criteria include being legally blind, maintaining a 3.0 GPA for most scholarships, and being enrolled full-time or part-time while working at least 32 hours per week, among other requirements.
Brock Kitterman, a three-time scholarship recipient from Huntingdon, Tennessee, shared how the scholarship has impacted his education at the University of Alabama, where he studies computer science, mathematics, and philosophy. The financial support has allowed him to focus on his studies and prepare for his future career without the stress of financial constraints.
This scholarship program not only aids individual students but also contributes to broader societal goals by promoting independence, security, and equality of opportunity for people who are blind or have low vision, aligning with ACB's mission over the past 60 years.
