Losing a limb is a tragedy that can’t be expressed in words, but you can turn your physical challenges into triumphs thanks to an increasing number of scholarships for amputees. Whether you’ve undergone amputation due to severe injury, cancer, infection, vascular disease, or a congenital birth defect, you’re not alone. According to the Amputee Coalition, there are nearly two million Americans living with limb loss.
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Not only does amputation have a big impact on physical mobility, but it also affects whether individuals can afford reaching their goals in post-secondary education. After all, hospital costs from amputation surgeries total more than $8.3 billion every year! If you need help overcoming adversity and medical expenses to enter the college classroom, the following are 25 great scholarships open to amputees.
1. Ameriglide Achiever Scholarship
Deadline: May 31st
In the amount of $2,500, the Ameriglide Achiever Scholarship is granted annually for physically disabled college students who use a manual wheelchair, power wheelchair, or mobility scooter, Eligible amputees must be enrolled full-time at an accredited two or four-year college in the United States, have completed at least their freshman year, carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, be U.S. citizens or legal residents, and write an essay highlighting their career/life goals.
Contact
Ameriglide Achiever Scholarship
2605 Atlantic Avenue
Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 861-4594
Scholarship Link
2. Bud Sanders Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: August 1st
Sponsored by the Midwestern Amputee Golf Association (MWAGA), the Bud Sanders Memorial Scholarship is awarded for $500 each year for residents of the Midwest who have had an amputation at a major point, such as the knee, ankle, wrist, or arm. Qualified applicants must be accepted at an accredited post-secondary institution, enroll full-time with 12 or more credits, exhibit financial need for assistance, carry a minimum GPA of 2.5, and participate in the MWAGA’s annual golf tournaments.
Contact
Bud Sanders Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 1354
Northbrook, IL 60065
(847) 910-9884
jbenway@magnetrol.com
3. Cancer for College Scholarship Program
Deadline: January 31st
Ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 apiece, the Cancer for College Scholarship Program offers several annual awards for cancer survivors and amputees who are enrolling full-time in an accredited university or community college. Applicants residing in California or attending a college in Southern California are given preference, but any U.S. residents meeting the health-related criteria can apply. Applications must include official transcripts, proof of financial need, two recommendation letters, and a personal statement.
Contact
Cancer for College Scholarship Program
28465 Old Town Front Street
Temecula, CA 92590
(760) 599-5096
info@cancerforcollege.org
4. Claude S. Weiler Scholarship
Deadline: August 31st
Created in 2001 by the National Amputation Foundation (NAF), the Claude S. Weiler Scholarship is given for $500 annually to college students with a major limb amputation at or above the wrist or ankle who will be attending an accredited university full-time this fall. For consideration, amputees must submit medical verification, proof of college acceptance, official transcripts showing good academic standing, and a short letter explain how the loss of a limb has impacted their life.
Contact
Claude S. Weiler Scholarship
40 Church Street
Malverne, NY 11565
(516) 887-3600
amps76@aol.com
5. ChairScholars National Scholarships
Deadline: February 15th
Annually, the ChairScholars Foundation funds National Scholarships to provide up to $30,000 for tuition to outstanding high school seniors or college undergraduates who have a serious physical challenge, including amputation, that affects their daily life. Eligible applicants must plan to enroll at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania or the University of Tampa, carry a minimum GPA of 3.0, have verifiable unmet financial need, have U.S. citizenship, and show significant involvement in community service.
Contact
ChairScholars National Scholarships
16101 Carencia Lane
Odessa, FL 33556
(813) 926-0544
programs@chairscholars.org
6. Christina Skoski M.D. Scholarship
Deadline: April 7th
Through the Amputee Coalition, the Christian Skoski M.D. Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 to full-time undergraduate students in the United States who have a congenital limb difference or an amputation. To qualify, candidates must be registered friends of the Amputee Coalition, be accepted at an accredited four-year U.S. college, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5, be dedicated to overcoming limb loss for success, and submit one letter of recommendation from a high school advisor.
Contact
Christina Skoski M.D. Scholarship
9303 Center Street Suite 100
Manassas, VA 20110
(888) 267-5669
shoover@amputee-coalition.org
Scholarship Link
7. Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: June 1st
Based on leadership merit, the Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation provides scholarships for $500 to $2,000 apiece annually to women with physical disabilities who are enrolling in a graduate degree program at the master’s level or above. Eligible scholars must be accepted at an accredited U.S. graduate school, be active in a local or national disability organization, maintain good academic standing, and show a willingness to support the ELA mission.
Contact
Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Scholarships
2460 North Lake Avenue Suite 128
Altadena, CA 91001
(626) 398-8840
executivedirector@ela.org
8. Friends of Bethany Hamilton Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
Started by the professional surfer who lost her left arm in a 2003 shark attack, the Friends of Bethany Hamilton Scholarships are granted annually for $1,000 to four graduating high school seniors from Kauai, Hawaii, who are overcoming a difficulty in life, including amputation. Eligible incoming college students will be evaluated based on their determination, healthy lifestyle, athletic involvement, financial need, moral character, academic merit, history of community service, and motivation to conquer their personal goals.
Contact
Friends of Bethany Hamilton Scholarships
P.O. Box 223663
Princeville, HI 96722
(808) 634-3851
Katie@FriendsOfBethany.com
9. Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
Across all 50 states, the Horatio Alger Association provides 106 scholarships annually for $22,000 apiece to graduating high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives, including amputation. To apply, students must plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit U.S. college, have an adjusted gross family income less than $55,000, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, be actively involved in community service, and display perseverance in conquering adversity.
Contact
Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
99 Canal Center Plaza Suite 320
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-9444
scholarships@horatioalger.org
10. Incight Scholars Program
Deadline: March 31st
Offering up to $750 in funding annually, the Incight Scholars Program is available for residents of California, Washington, and Oregon who have a medically documented physical, mental, or emotional disability. Qualified amputees must enrolled full-time in an accredited U.S. institution, exhibit financial need, be pursuing a degree-granting program, be actively involved in volunteer work, and demonstrate a dedication to bettering our society. Recipients will also be given valuable coaching for a smooth transition into college.
Contact
Incight Scholars Program
310 SW 4th Avenue Suite 630
Portland, OR 97204
(971) 244-0305
scholarship@incight.org
11. Independence Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: April 15th
In loving memory of Amity Graham, the Independence Foundation Scholarship is granted for $500 annually to three outstanding individuals with noteworthy physical disabilities who show significant unmet financial need for pursuing their post-secondary goals. Along with the application, eligible candidates must provide medical verification, financial aid information, a list of extra-curricular activities, academic transcripts, and a 500-word essay explaining how their physical limitations have presented challenges.
Contact
Independence Foundation Scholarship
2220 Hall Road
Elma, NY 14059
(716) 685-3976
cmuller@theindependencefoundation.org
12. Jackson-Stricks Scholarship
Deadline: April 17th
Administered by the National Council of Jewish Women New York Section (NCJWNY), the one-time Jackson-Stricks Scholarship is presented for $2,500 each year to undergraduate or graduate students who are faced with physical challenges, which could include amputees. Qualified applicants must attend an accredited college in the New York Metropolitan Area, maintain good academic standing, submit one faculty reference, and provide a letter from a physician attesting to their physical disability.
Contact
Jackson-Stricks Scholarship
241 West 72nd Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 687-5030
info@ncjwny.org
Scholarship Link
13. JustWalkers.com Mobility Scholarship
Deadline: June 30th
In the amount of $1,000, the JustWalkers.com Mobility Scholarship is provided annually for college students with physical disabilities who use a wheelchair, power scooter, crutches, rollator, cane, prosthetic limb, or other mobility device regularly. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, be legal U.S. residents, possess a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, provide a physician’s statement of diagnosis, and write a 600-word essay describing what their physical limitations have taught them.
Contact
JustWalkers.com Mobility Scholarship
11840 West Market Place Suite H
Fulton, MD 20759
(800) 998-7750
scholarship@justwalkers.com
14. Karman Healthcare Scholarship
Deadline: September 1st
The Karman Healthcare Scholarship is available to award $500 in financial support for college students at 68 participating universities nationwide who use a wheelchair or other mobility device due to a permanent physical disability. Qualified recipients must excel academically with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, be 16 years of age or older, pursue an accredited degree, mail in a paper-based application, and write a one-page essay or poem discussing why disability awareness is so important.
Contact
Karman Healthcare Scholarship
19255 San Jose Avenue
City of Industry, CA 91748
scholarship@karmanhealthcare.com
15. Kathy Spozio Bridge to Ability Scholarship
Deadline: April 7th
In memory of a long-time Amputee Coalition board member and disability activist, the Kathy Spozio Bridge to Ability Scholarship is awarded to eliminate financial barriers for new amputees who are attending or returning to school to achieve their goals after losing one or more limbs. Chosen recipients will also be given full conference registration and $300 in travel reimbursement to attend educational sessions devoted to living a productive life with limb loss.
Contact
Kathy Spozio Bridge to Ability Scholarship
9303 Center Street Suite 100
Manassas, VA 20110
(888) 267-5669
shoover@amputee-coalition.org
16. Marianjoy Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 30th
For up to $2,500 annually, the Marianjoy Scholarship Program is available to provide financial funding to high school seniors or graduates who have a permanent physical disability, such as brain injury, amputation, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, paralysis, and more. Qualified candidates must be residents of Cook, Lake, Kane, Kendall, DuPage, Will, DeKalb, or McHenry counties in Illinois, but they can be accepted at any accredited two or four-year U.S. college to meet their educational and career goals.
Contact
Marianjoy Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 795
Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 909-7402
jdecker@marianjoy.org
17. Microsoft disAbility Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
Through the Seattle Foundation, the Microsoft disAbility Scholarship is gifted for $5,000 each year to high school seniors with physical disabilities who will be enrolling in higher education to major in engineering, computer science, information technology, business, law, or a related field. Eligible candidates must be accepted at a two or four-year U.S. institution, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, require financial assistance, demonstrate leadership potential, and possess a passion for technology to support others living with disabilities.
Contact
Microsoft disAbility Scholarship
1200 Fifth Avenue Suite 1300
Seattle, WA 98101
scholarships@seattlefoundation.org
Scholarship Link
Scholarship Link
18. NAGA Educational Scholarship Grant
Deadline: May 31st
The National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA) funds an Educational Scholarship Grant annually for $1,000 to $2,000 for college students between the ages of 18 and 24 years old who have anatomically lost a hand or foot at a major joint. Eligible recipients must be NAGA members, enjoy playing golf, attend an accredited college or trade school, maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, and be actively pursuing a two or four-year college degree. Priority will be given to veteran military members who lost their limbs in war.
Contact
NAGA Educational Scholarship Grant
701 Orkney Court
Smyrna, TN 37167
(615) 415-9518
kennynaga@yahoo.com
19. Ray Froncillo Scholarship Award
Deadline: July 1st
Established in 1992 to honor his enthusiastic work with the Long Island Amputee Classic, the Ray Froncillo Scholarship Award is available for $1,000 each year by the Eastern Amputee Golf Association (EAGA) to any student members who have lost a limb due to trauma, illness, or congenital birth defect. To apply, candidates must be undergraduate students, attend an accredited four-year U.S. college, maintain full-time enrollment, carry a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, and love playing golf despite their physical limitations.
Contact
Ray Froncillo Scholarship Award
2015 Amherst Drive
Bethlehem, PA 18015
(610) 867-9295
lindajean18015@aol.com
20. Scott Decker M.D. Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 7th
Also sponsored by the Amputee Coalition, the Scott Decker M.D. Memorial Scholarship will bestow $1,000 annually upon graduating high school seniors, recent high school graduates, and current college students who have lost a limb. Eligible applicants must be under 21 years of age, attend an accredited U.S. college or vocational school, carry a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, score in the 60th percentile on the SAT or ACT, and maintain full-time enrollment. Preference for this scholarship for amputees is given to Maryland residents.
Contact
Scott Decker M.D. Memorial Scholarship
9303 Center Street Suite 100
Manassas, VA 20110
(888) 267-5669
shoover@amputee-coalition.org
21. Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Fund
Deadline: June 1st and November 1st
Twice each year, the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Fund provides need-based awards to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were severely and permanently injured in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Injuries can include amputation, blindness, deafness, paraplegia, traumatic brain injury, and severe burns. Funding can be used for up to four years while obtaining an accredited degree from an accredited college or university in America.
Contact
Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Fund
2303 Camino Ramon Suite 270
San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 380-6342
info@sentinelsoffreedom.org
22. Silver Cross Ability Achievement Scholarship
Deadline: December 31st
For $1,500 annually, the Silver Cross Ability Achievement Scholarship can be used by young amputees studying at an accredited U.S. or Canadian university full-time with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate or graduate program. For consideration, applicants must submit a well-written 500-word essay describing their academic achievements and how mobility equipment, including manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, or scooters, helps achieve their professional objectives.
Contact
Silver Cross Ability Achievement Scholarship
1900 Silver Cross Blvd.
New Lenox, IL 60451
(815) 300-1000
dbaker@silvercross.com
23. SpinLife Innovation in Motion Scholarship
Deadline: August 1st
Amputees can apply for the SpinLife Innovation in Motion Scholarship, which is designed to provide $500 annually to physically disabled students who use a manual or power wheelchair. Qualified candidates must be at least 18 years old, attend an accredited four-year educational institution, be pursuing an undergraduate degree, reside in the U.S. or have a valid student visa, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, submit two letters of recommendation, and write a 500-word essay on what misconceptions people have about them.
Contact
SpinLife Innovation in Motion Scholarship
330 West Spring Street Suite 303
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 564-1402
24. Vivian Menees Nelson Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
Through the National Federation of Music Clubs (NFMC), the Vivian Menees Nelson Scholarship is presented annually for $1,000 for physically and visually impaired students, including amputees, who are pursuing an degree for instrumental or vocal music. Eligible candidates must attend a university accredited by the NASM, be between the ages of 25 and 34, earn high academic markets, show musical talent, submit a $5 entry fee, and be supported by three letters of recommendation.
Contact
Vivian Menees Nelson Scholarship
1700 Pineberry Court
St. Louis, MO 63146
(314) 993-4347
aeccwc@juno.com
25. Ye Notorious Krewe of the Peg Leg Pirate Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
Each year, the Ye Notorious Krewe of the Peg Leg Pirate Scholarships are awarded for $1,200 to assist amputees who have lost one or more limbs to further their education at an accredited university, community college, or technical school that’s state licensed. Qualified candidates must carry a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, have documented financial need, submit two letters of recommendation, provide medical verification, and write a short 300-word statement on their future aspirations.
Contact
Ye Notorious Krewe of the Peg Leg Pirate Scholarships
P.O. Box 1854
Ruskin, FL 33575
(813) 621-5555
Barbara.Routen@gmail.com
Heading off to college is a big step for young amputees to build more independence and discover the career path that aligns perfectly with their physical abilities. However, some amputees are held back from higher education simply due to the hefty price tag for college tuition today. Rather than become straddled with student loan debt, you should take advantage of every scholarship and grant opportunity available that won’t need to be repaid. Check out some of these great scholarships for amputees and other physically disabled students to start overcoming the adversity of limb loss for a bright future.
