National Federation of the Blind Texas Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Federation of the Blind Texas

Description Each year the National Federation of the Blind of Texas (NFBTX) awards scholarships to outstanding blind students in Texas. The awards are presented at the NFBTX State Convention, which for 2026 takes place November 6–8 at the Marriott San Antonio Airport. Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the convention and must attend the full event. The program prioritizes academic achievement and community service and does not require NFB membership. Key takeaways - Awards are presented at the NFBTX State Convention (Nov 6–8, 2026). - Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip and must attend the full convention. - The program emphasizes academic excellence and community service. - NFB membership is not required to apply. Eligibility **Legal blindness**: Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes. Legal blindness is defined as 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 in only one eye does not meet the requirement. **Residency and enrollment**: Applicants must be residents of Texas during the school year and be pursuing or planning to pursue full-time post-secondary study at a U.S. institution 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 or technical school full-time students may also be considered. **Convention attendance**: All finalists must attend the entire convention; attendance at NFBTX expense is mandatory. Key takeaways - Must be legally blind in both eyes (acuity or field criteria). - Must live in Texas during the school year. - Must be entering or enrolled in post-secondary study in the fall; limited exceptions possible. - Finalists must attend the entire convention. Award Value **Scholarships and amounts**: In 2026 NFBTX will award four scholarships: - NFBTX Merit Scholarship — $2,000 - NFBTX Chapter Scholarship — $2,000 - NFBTX Members Scholarship — $2,000 - Harley Fetterman Memorial Scholarship — $3,000 **Funding sources and restrictions**: The merit, chapter, and members scholarships are funded by public donations and chapter/member support; the Harley Fetterman scholarship is funded by members, public donations, and Harley’s Wallet. No additional restrictions apply to any of the awards. **Selection criteria**: Recipients are chosen based on academic excellence and community service. Key takeaways - Four scholarships awarded in 2026 ($2,000, $2,000, $2,000, $3,000). - Funding comes from public donations, chapters, members, and Harley’s Wallet. - Awards are merit-based, focusing on academics and community service. - No extra restrictions or membership requirements apply. Application — Required Documents **Completed application**: Fill out the online application in full; enter N/A where a question does not apply. You will receive a copy of your submission after completion. **Supporting documents**: Applicants must provide: - Proof of legal blindness (doctor or vocational rehabilitation counselor). - Current transcript (electronic preferred). - Essay (up to 700 words describing your background, skills, and goals). - One non-family letter of recommendation (teacher, employer, mentor, rehabilitation professional, etc.). - Proof of acceptance if you are an incoming freshman or entering a graduate program. **Accessibility and alternatives**: Electronic submissions are preferred, but printed forms and instructions are available on request by calling the office. Key takeaways - Complete the online application and supply all listed supporting documents. - Essay limited to 700 words; recommendation cannot be from family. - Proof of blindness must be from a qualified professional. - Call 281-968-7733 for printed application options. Submission of Application and Documents **How to submit**: First submit the online application. After submission, email supporting documents to scholarships@nfbtx.org. Individuals providing documents on your behalf may send them directly to that email address. **Email formatting**: Use your name and the document type in the subject line (e.g., "John Doe Recommendation Letter" or "Jane Smith Proof of Blindness") to help the committee track materials. **Mailing transcripts**: If your school cannot send an electronic transcript, it may mail paper copies to: National Federation of the Blind of Texas 1600 E. Highway 6, Suite 215 Alvin, TX 77511 Attn: Scholarship Committee Key takeaways - Submit the online application first, then email documents to scholarships@nfbtx.org. - Ask senders to use a clear subject-line format with your name and document type. - Schools may mail transcripts to the provided Alvin, TX address. Application Timeline **Deadline**: All application materials must be submitted by August 1, 2026. The online form will stop accepting submissions at 11:55 PM CDT on that date. Mailed applications should be postmarked no later than August 1, 2026. **Notification and convention dates**: Finalists will be notified by telephone no later than October 1, 2026. The state convention (and required finalist attendance) is November 6–8, 2026 at the Marriott San Antonio Airport. **Re-application**: Applicants who have applied previously are encouraged to apply again. Key takeaways - Submission deadline: August 1, 2026 (online closes 11:55 PM CDT). - Finalists notified by phone by October 1, 2026. - Convention dates: November 6–8, 2026. - Past applicants are encouraged to reapply. Interview and Finalist Obligations **Interview process**: Every applicant must complete a telephone interview with a scholarship committee member. Interviews are scheduled after the application deadline once your materials have been received. **Finalist logistics and obligations**: Finalists receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the convention and must attend all scheduled scholarship program activities. Arrival no later than 4:00 PM on November 6 and departure no earlier than noon on November 8 are required. Scholarship decisions by the committee are final. Key takeaways - A telephone interview is mandatory for all applicants. - Finalists get an all-expenses-paid trip but must attend the full convention. - Required arrival: by 4:00 PM Nov 6; departure: no earlier than noon Nov 8. - Committee decisions are final. History of the Award **Harley Fetterman Memorial Scholarship**: The Harley Fetterman Memorial Scholarship honors Harley Fetterman, a young Federationist who died of cancer in 2016 at age 18. The award is supported by members, public donations, and Harley’s Wallet, a nonprofit founded by his family. The memorial scholarship recognizes Harley’s contributions to the blindness community and helps continue his legacy. Key takeaways - The Harley Fetterman scholarship memorializes an impactful young Federationist. - Funding includes donations and support from Harley’s Wallet. - The award celebrates community contributions and supports student scholarship. Contact **Questions and assistance**: For questions, to request a printed application, or for accessibility needs, call the NFB of Texas office at 281-968-7733 during regular business hours or email scholarships@nfbtx.org. Key takeaways - Email: scholarships@nfbtx.org. - Phone: 281-968-7733 for printed applications or assistance.