Microsoft disAbility Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Microsoft

The Microsoft Disability Scholarship is designed to support students with disabilities in their pursuit of education and a career in the technology sector.

Eligibility for the Scholarship

The scholarship is intended for high school seniors with disabilities who are planning to attend a vocational or academic college and have a goal of pursuing a career in the technology field. The scholarship is renewable, allowing each recipient who continues to meet the eligibility criteria to receive an annual award of $5,000 for up to four consecutive years, potentially totaling a $20,000 scholarship. In 2023, a total of eight scholarships will be awarded.

Criteria for Application

For consideration for the Microsoft Disability Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a high school senior living with a disability as defined by the World Health Organization, which includes visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, speech, or other disabilities.
• Intend to enroll in an undergraduate program at a 2 or 4-year University/College or Technical College in the fall of the academic year following high school graduation.
• Declare a major in an approved field such as engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or a related field (e.g., paralegal, pre-law, finance, business administration, or marketing).
• Show a strong interest in technology.
• Exhibit leadership in school and/or community activities.
• Maintain a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5 or higher.
• Need financial aid to attend college.
• Be enrolled full-time or half-time.

Application Process

The next scholarship application period will commence on January 22, 2024, and will close on March 13, 2024. Please revisit this site in mid-January 2024 for more information on how to apply. Applications will be submitted through the Scholarship America portal.

As part of the application, you will be required to provide the following:

Your future plans:

• Details about the post-secondary institution you intend to attend
• Your educational and career objectives

Personal information:

• Activities, awards, and honors (if possible, include technology-related awards)
• Work experience
• Financial details
• Any unique family or personal circumstances (including those related to ongoing disability-related expenses)

Academic transcript:

• An official or unofficial copy of your current academic transcript

Essay:

• Based on your personal experience with disability, share your vision for innovative technology (such as devices, software, or services) that can enhance inclusion for individuals with disabilities and empower them to achieve more in their lives or communities. Explain how your idea differs from existing solutions. (2,000 characters max).

Letter of recommendation:

• The letter should be from a faculty or staff member at your school or a community member who has supervised you.
• The recommendation letter should be original and not a duplicate of college recommendation letters.
• Relatives are not allowed to provide references.