USA, Nov 3, 2018: The program's goal is to help people with disabilities obtain the education or training they need to succeed in the careers they choose.
"We are proud to collaborate with Wells Fargo on its People with Disabilities Scholarship Program," said Robert C. Ballard, president and CEO, Scholarship America. "All students deserve an opportunity to obtain a higher education. Wells Fargo is helping make that possible for students with disabilities."
To date, Wells Fargo has donated $500,000 to Scholarship America to help 74 scholarship recipients with disabilities achieve their higher educational goals.
"Working with Scholarship America is just one of many ways Wells Fargo is helping to financially empower people with disabilities so they may reach their educational dreams," said Kathy Martinez, head of Disability and Accessibility Strategy at Wells Fargo.
Applications for the scholarship program are being accepted online through Dec. 6, 2018, or until 700 applications are submitted. The People with Disabilities Scholarship Program will provide awards of up to $2,500 to qualifying full-time students, renewable up to three years. Awards of up to $1,250 are available to qualifying half-time students and are renewable up to seven years, or until a bachelor's degree is earned, whichever occurs first.
"I am extremely grateful for the scholarship," said Kyle Hua, a Computer Science major at California State University-Berkeley, who received a $2,500 renewable scholarship for the 2018-19 school year. "Thanks to the extra funds, I will be able to upgrade my computer and repair my hearing aids. Both will help me succeed with my studies."
Selection Criteria
The selection criteria include academic performance, demonstrated leadership, work experience, a brief statement of career and educational goals and an outside appraisal. Financial need will be considered.
Application Process
Have an identified disability (defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term or recurring issue that affects one or more major life activities).
Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent.
Be a high school senior or graduate who plans to enroll (or already is enrolled) in full time or half-time (at least six credits per term) undergraduate study at an accredited two year or four year college or university in the U.S. for the entire 2019-2020 academic year.
Applicants are required to complete the online application and provide a current academic transcript.
The online application is accessible for users of all abilities. A dedicated toll-free phone number and email address are available to applicants who need additional assistance.
Each applicant also is required to submit an essay on the question, "What life experiences have shaped who you are today?"
For more information about the scholarships, please visit https://scholarsapply.org/pwdscholarship.