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About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

Handid Braille Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to an individual studying social science, international relations, or governmental affairs. Handid’s mission is to provide Braille and other forms of accessible media to organizations and individuals. The nonprofit specializes in Braille production in languages other than English, especially languages that do not use the Latin alphabet, and wishes to support a student with unique perspectives.

About Us

Who We Are

The National Federation of the Blind is the oldest and largest nationwide organization of blind Americans. Founded in 1940 and currently headquartered in Baltimore, the NFB consists of affiliates, chapters, and divisions in all fifty states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.

What We Do

Through our network of blind members, we coordinate many programs, services, and resources to defend the rights of blind Americans, provide information and support to blind children and adults, and build a community that creates a future full of opportunities.

What We Believe

We are the only organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people and has the power to transform our dreams into reality. We believe in blind people because we are blind people—from our democratically elected leaders to our diverse nationwide membership.

Scholarship Program

Thanks to our generous partners, there are thirty $10,000 merit-based scholarships currently available. All scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and leadership. The finalists are announced every spring. They then attend our national convention in July when the winners of each individual scholarship are selected. 

JAWS for Windows Scholarship

Vispero is proud to once again sponsor the JAWS for Windows scholarship. For over three decades, JAWS, the world’s most widely used screen reader, has helped expand educational and employment opportunities for people who are blind through speech and Braille access. This scholarship reflects Vispero’s continued commitment to innovation in assistive technology and to supporting the next generation of blind and low vision students and future leaders. “We are honored to give back by supporting scholarships that empower blind students to pursue their educational and professional aspirations and help them achieve their goals.” Each scholarship winner will receive a five-year JAWS, ZoomText, or Fusion Access license of their choice.

The Jacquilyn Billey Memorial Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, provides thirty merit-based scholarships of $10,000 each to legally blind students pursuing post-secondary education in the U.S. The scholarship emphasizes academic excellence, community service, and leadership. Finalists are selected in spring and must attend the NFB National Convention in July for the award announcement. This initiative empowers blind individuals to pursue their educational and career aspirations, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and opportunity.

The Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship, offered by the National Federation of the Blind, honors the legacy of Jacquilyn Billey, a dedicated advocate for the blind. With thirty merit-based scholarships of $10,000 each available, applicants must be legally blind, reside in the U.S., and plan to pursue full-time post-secondary education. Awards are based on academic excellence, community service, and leadership, with finalists attending the NFB National Convention in July for selection.

Scholarships and Awards

The National Federation of the Blind offers several scholarships and awards that honor blind individuals as well as teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work benefits the blind community.

Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards

The Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards honor individuals and organizations that are a positive force in the lives of blind people.

Applicants for the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards must demonstrate exemplary leadership and extraordinary accomplishments in improving the lives of blind people in the United States.

An application for an award can be made either by the applicant directly or by third parties who nominate an applicant.

Each application requires an essay describing the work or project to be recognized. In addition, applications must have at least one letter of recommendation in support of the nominee.

The National Federation of the Blind determines the total amount available for the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards each year based on the trust income received. The number of awards and the amount of each award will be determined by the NFB’s Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award Committee based on its evaluation of eligible and deserving applicants.

Each year, to the extent feasible as determined by the committee’s evaluation of applications received, one or more awards will be made to applicants in each category: blind individuals, sighted individuals, and corporate or organizational entities. However, the committee is not bound to make an award in each category during each competition year and may not do so if an application meeting the selection criteria is not available.

Sponsored by the Alfred & Rosalind Perlman Trust. Presented by the National Federation of the Blind.

Scholarships and Awards

The National Federation of the Blind offers several scholarships and awards that honor blind individuals as well as teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work benefits the blind community.

Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award

Honor a teacher who provides exemplary education, experiences, and opportunities for their blind students.

Every year, the Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award recognizes an outstanding teacher of blind students. The education of blind children is one of the National Federation of the Blind's highest priorities. Please help us recognize dedicated and innovative teachers who provide quality education and meaningful experiences and opportunities for their blind students.

The Award

The Distinguished Educator of Blind Students Award is presented at the NFB National Convention. Honorees receive: 

• An expense-paid trip to attend the convention
• A check for $1,000
• A commemorative plaque
• A place on the agenda of the annual meeting of the National Organization of Parents of Blind Children
• The opportunity to attend seminars and workshops that address the current state of education of blind students, as well as a chance to meet and network with hundreds of blind individuals, teachers, parents, and other professionals in the field

Scholarships and Awards

The National Federation of the Blind offers several scholarships and awards that honor blind individuals as well as teachers, professionals, entrepreneurs, and organizations whose work benefits the blind community.

Blind Educator of the Year Award

Recognize a blind educator who strives to guide, uplift, and advocate for their blind students and the needs of blind people.

The Blind Educator of the Year Award was established by the National Organization of Blind Educators, a division of the National Federation of the Blind, in 1991 to recognize outstanding blind teachers.

Every year, the award pays tribute to a blind teacher whose exceptional classroom performance, notable community service, and uncommon commitment to the NFB merit national recognition. A teacher not only provides information but also guidance, advocacy, and love. The recipient of the Blind Educator of the Year Award must exhibit all of these traits and must advance the cause of blind people in the spirit and philosophy of the NFB.

The Award

The Blind Educator of the Year Award is presented at the NFB National Convention.

Who We Are

Our Mission

“The mission of the National Federation of the Blind is to achieve widespread emotional acceptance and intellectual understanding that the real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight but the misconceptions and lack of information which exist. We do this by bringing blind people together to share successes, to support each other in times of failure, and to create imaginative solutions.”

The NFB of Colorado, a state affiliate of the national organization, shares this mission and works as a whole and in concert with its state-wide chapters to accomplish it.

Announcing the Scott C LaBarre Memorial Scholarship Program for Colorado blind and low-vision post-secondary students

This year the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado will be awarding up to $10,000 in scholarship funds for deserving students. We have decided to expand the eligibility to students attending an accredited technical educational program. Technical programs must be appropriately accredited and at least one year in duration. For questions on whether the program qualifies please reach out to the scholarship committee chairs (contact info below) for a determination.

Each year at its state convention, the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado (NFBCO) gives a broad array of scholarships to recognize achievement by blind scholars. The National Federation of the Blind of Colorado is an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for all blind persons. Recipients of Federation scholarships need not be members of the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado nor the National Federation of the Blind.

All scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, service to the community, and financial need.

Deputy Patrick Mayfield Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education. For this scholarship, a first responder is defined as Police (including local and state), Fire, EMS workers, and Communications officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $500 will be offered.

Judge Richard S. (Stan) Gault Education Scholarship

The Judge Richard S. (Stan) Gault Education Scholarship was established in 2010 by his family to honor his memory and support residents of his hometown, Forsyth County, Georgia, in pursuing their educational goals. The Honorable Richard S. Gault was a distinguished Georgian, a highly respected jurist, a dedicated community leader, and a lifelong advocate for education.

This scholarship is available to non-traditional students or graduating high school seniors who attend Forsyth Central High School, North Forsyth High School, or East Forsyth High School. Applicants must be a resident of Forsyth County, Georgia. Students must be planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, technical school, or secondary training program. In 2026, one scholarship award of $2,500 will be offered.

Gainesville Symphony Orchestra Scholarship

This scholarship is for graduating seniors at public, private or homeschools in Hall County. Applicants must reside in Hall County and must play a musical instrument. In 2026, one scholarship award of $1,500 will be offered.

Gainesville Chicken Scholarship

This scholarship supports college students pursuing a degree in poultry science or a related agricultural degree. Applicants should be graduating high school seniors or current college students pursuing a career in the poultry industry, majoring in Agricultural Business, Poultry Science, Food Science, Animal Science, Food Marketing, Agricultural Economics, etc. In 2026, one $2,000 scholarship will be offered.

Fund the Dream Scholarship

The Fund the Dream Scholarship Fund was established in 2022 by the Hispanic Alliance, GA. The purpose of this scholarship is to ‘Build the Dream, One Graduate at a Time.’ Minority students from first-generation/low-income backgrounds face systemic roadblocks while navigating the college admissions process. Graduating seniors coming from low-income families are seven times more likely to drop out than those from families with higher income. In addition, 74% of Latino students enrolled in colleges and universities in the U.S. cut their education short due to the financial pressures of supporting their families. To help mitigate the educational opportunity gap and student debt crisis, the Hispanic Alliance Georgia Fund the Dream Scholarship will support one student who has huge aspirations for their life and is willing to work through anything to achieve them. This scholarship is funded by proceeds from the annual Latino Fest in Gainesville, Georgia and is part of our commitment to making academic and scholarship support more accessible for all students.

When choosing a recipient, the selection committee will take into consideration factors such as the applicant’s academic achievement, financial need, immigration status, volunteering efforts, future educational goals, and responses to essay question. Special consideration will be given to students participating in the Latino Youth Leadership Academy. The 2026 scholarship will be a one-time award of $1,500.

Flight Medic Phil Hart Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education. For this scholarship, First Responder is defined as Police (including local & state), Fire, EMS workers and Communication officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $500 will be offered.

Florence and Jack Sims Memorial Scholarship

The Florence and Jack Sims Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at the North Georgia Community Foundation in 2014. The Sims were active participants and supporters of their communities and the Baptist Church in White, Hall, and Oglethorpe Counties. Their Christian beliefs led them to follow Christ’s teaching in Matthew 22: v37-40 – to first love God and second to love thy neighbor as thyself. The Fund was established by their three children- Jackie, Michael, and Hal- to honor their faith and memory.

Recipients must attend a high school located in Hall County or White County, GA, or be homeschooled students residing in Hall County or White County, GA, and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and should demonstrate active involvement in extracurricular and/or community activities such as volunteering, work, and church activities. In 2026, one scholarship award of $2,000 will be offered.

Fire-Medic Tim Peebles Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education. For this scholarship, First Responder is defined as Police (including local & state), Fire, EMS workers and Communications officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $500 will be offered.

Deputy Nicolas Dixon Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a North Georgia First Responder, their child or spouse who are pursuing their post-secondary education. For this scholarship, a first responder is defined as Police (including local and state), Fire, EMS workers, and Communications officers. In 2026, one scholarship award of $750 will be offered.

David M. Martin Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the E. E. Butler Class of 1969 in memory of David M. Martin, the son of David Jerome Martin and Cornelia Martin.

The scholarship is awarded every other year, based on financial need, to an African American student who is either a graduating senior or currently enrolled in college and pursuing or planning to pursue a career in a STEM-related field. Eligible applicants must also be descendants of any student who attended the historic Fair Street School or E. E. Butler High School in Gainesville-Hall County between 1936 and 1969.

David M. Martin loved computer science and had a lifelong passion for the latest technology. In honor of this, preference will be given to students who share an interest in computer technology and who are majoring in fields such as Information Technology, Computer Information Systems, Security and/or Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Informatics.

The 2026 scholarship award will be $1,000.

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV), an affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind, is an organization that believes in the full capacity of blind people, and has the power, influence, diversity and determination to help transform our dreams into reality. Members work together for a brighter tomorrow by raising expectations so that blind persons can live the life they want.

The National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia is a 501c(3) nonprofit volunteer membership organization comprised of blind and interested sighted persons of all ages, their families and friends. Our committed local chapters, divisions, committees, programs, and well-trained leaders help newly blind people adjust to vision loss, and promote the full participation and integration of blind people in our communities. We bring our collective experiences together to effect change at the state and national level.

Allen-Sprinkle Memorial Gift

Each year the National Federation of the Blind of West Virginia (NFBWV) awards a scholarship to a worthy blind individual who is pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time program of post-secondary study or training and is a resident of West Virginia. This award is known as the Allen-Sprinkle Memorial Gift. Both Sid Allen and Jack Sprinkle were long time leaders in the organized blind movement in West Virginia. The gift is One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00), and the scholarship will be given at the annual banquet of the NFBWV State Convention.

The Georgette Viellion Scholarship, established in 2021 with a $50,000 donation, supports doctoral nursing students aiming to become full-time faculty members. Applicants must have an RN license and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational study. This scholarship is part of the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.'s mission to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education in nursing.

The Evelyn J. Barclay Scholarship supports professional nurses pursuing advanced degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have a current RN license and be enrolled in accredited graduate nursing programs. This scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., emphasizes the importance of nursing leadership and aims to enhance the nursing workforce. Preference is given to doctoral candidates focusing on public health, nursing education, or research, ensuring a continued commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.

The Estelle Massey Osborne Scholarship supports exceptional African American nurses pursuing master's degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining in their program, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6, and hold a current RN license. This scholarship, provided by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., honors Estelle Massey Osborne, the first African American nurse to earn a master's degree in the U.S. It aims to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education.

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

The National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky is a chartered affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB). The National Federation of the Blind (national office and all state affiliates) are tax-exempt non profit agencies and are classified as 501c(3) organizations. The NFB is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity as well as a Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) Approved Charity.

Greater Louisville Scholarship

Mittie Lake Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville scholarship has named the Mittie Lake Memorial Scholarship in honor of Ms. Mittie Lake, a charter member of the National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville who understood and championed the value of higher education. Our minimum award for the Mittie Lake Scholarship is $500 for one winner.

About the Scholarship

The Mittie Lake Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of Mittie Lake who was a long-time Federationist and charter member of the National Federation of the Blind of Greater Louisville. Mittie was a student at the KY School for the Blind. During her middle years, Mittie lost all of her sight.

Mittie had an enthusiasm for life and all of its many offerings. The fact that Mittie became totally blind did nothing to stop her from living the life she wanted. Mittie was married and raised a family and she worked tirelessly in her church nursery for more than thirty years, providing nurturing care for hundreds of babies and young children. Mittie sang with numerous choirs, quartets and ensembles. She was a strong advocate for Braille and its use in all aspects of daily life. Mittie chose to use a guide dog and treated her guides not only as the tools she needed to live her life independently, but as valued friends and companions who were never without love, affection, and a treat or two.

In honor of her life experiences, preference will be given to students who are guide dog users and who utilize Braille as part of their daily lives.

The Eleanor C. Lambertsen Scholarship, established through a legacy of nursing leadership, supports doctoral candidates pursuing education or administration in nursing. Applicants must have a valid RN license and be enrolled in an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.6. This fund honors Eleanor Lambertsen’s contributions to nursing, aiming to empower future leaders in healthcare. With over a century of service, Nurses Educational Funds continues to enhance nursing education through scholarships for master's and doctoral programs.

The Edith M. Pritchard Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education and public health. Applicants must hold a current RN license, maintain a GPA of 3.6, and have at least two semesters of study remaining post-award notification. This scholarship promotes nursing leadership and is funded through donations, reflecting over a century of commitment to nursing education.

The Cynthia Davis Sculco Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., supports nurses pursuing doctoral programs in nursing education. To qualify, applicants must hold a current RN license and be enrolled in an accredited nursing program with a minimum GPA of 3.6. This permanent scholarship, initiated with a generous $50,000 donation in 2012, honors Cynthia Sculco, a dedicated NEF Board member known for her leadership roles. It aims to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education.

The Columbia University – Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Association Inc./Penny Hund West Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., offers support to graduate nursing students. It aims to honor Penny Hund West, a dedicated nurse and culinary enthusiast. Applicants must have two semesters remaining in their studies and meet specific eligibility criteria, including maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.6. This scholarship reflects NEF's commitment to fostering nursing leadership through advanced education.