National Federation of the Blind of Michigan

2026 Scholarship Program

The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is pleased to announce its 2026 scholarship program benefiting blind college students. This year, we will offer three scholarships, one for $1500 and two for $1000 each. These awards are earned by outstanding blind students who currently live in Michigan, or are attending college in the state of Michigan during the Spring 2027 term. 

Scholarship winners will be required to attend the entire 2026 convention of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan. The 2026 convention will take place November 5-8 2026 in Grand Rapids, MI, located at the Doubletree Hilton – Airport Hotel, 4747 28^th Street Se Grand rapids, MI., Convention expenses, including registration, lunch, banquet ticket, and game night will be provided to each scholarship recipient as a reimbursement. For more information on state convention, please visit http://www.nfbmi.org/convention

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan is an organization dedicated to creating opportunities that encourage security, equality and opportunity in the lives of blind people throughout the state of Michigan. However, applicants do not need to be a member of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan to apply for these scholarships.

The NFB of Michigan offers these scholarships as a way to recognize the achievements of blind students in their academic affairs, personal pursuits, and service to their community. These scholarships are based on merit and will not affect any rehabilitation services you may be receiving. The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan can provide written documentation explaining this if needed.

To be eligible for these scholarships, all applicants must:

•Be certified as legally blind

•Be a resident of the state of Michigan or a student at a Michigan college or university

•        Be pursuing a full-time postsecondary course of study during the Spring 2027 academic term. We will also consider part-time students with additional responsibilities such as employment or parenting. Part-time students must be enrolled in at least half of a normal course load.

•        Participate in the entire NFB of Michigan 2026 state convention and all scheduled scholarship activities

• Attend the student programming of the Michigan Association of Blind Students during the 2026 Michigan state convention.

•        Submit all application materials by October 15,2026.

All application materials must be submitted electronically. Please make sure all applications are complete. The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan does not accept responsibility for incomplete applications. Each scholarship application will be reviewed by the scholarship committee, and winners will be notified by October 17, 2026. All decisions made by the scholarship committee are final. 

Good luck!

Sheila Fulmore 

2026 Scholarship Committee Chair

Email: scholarships@nfbmi.org / spfulmore0402@gmail.com

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan

2026 Application Checklist

Please use the following checklist to make sure your scholarship application is complete. The scholarship committee is not responsible for notifying you if required information is missing from your application or for lost or misdirected Email messages. Please submit all items via Email to scholarships@nfbmi.org. We will reply to your message to confirm receipt of your materials. When submitting your application, make sure to include the following items:

1. Completed 2026 Application Form

Incomplete application forms will not be considered. Please write a response for each item in the application form. If an item does not apply to you, write “N/A”.

2. NFB of Michigan Interview

This interview will be conducted via voice by the Scholarship Committee of the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan. To schedule an interview, contact the scholarship committee at scholarships@nfbmi.org

3. One letter of recommendation

This letter of recommendation should come from a professor, teacher, employer, or a member of the community who is qualified to speak on your behalf. A good letter of recommendation should highlight your achievements in and out of the classroom as well as potential leadership skills. 

4. Current Transcripts

Please send a current transcript from the institution you are currently attending as well as any other post-secondary institutions you have attended. If you have completed less than 20 credit hours of post-secondary education, please email your high school transcript.

5. Verification of Blindness

All scholarship applicants must be legally blind. Applicants must verify they are legally blind by emailing a letter from a qualified professional such as an optometrist, ophthalmologist, vocational rehabilitation counselor, special education professional, disability support services office.

All scholarship materials must be received by the scholarship committee by October 15, 2026. No materials will be considered after the deadline. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the scholarship chairperson, Sheila Fulmore, via email at scholarships@nfbmi.org/spfulmore0402@gmail.com

Description of Awards

1. The Gere Wilcox Scholarship- $1500: The highest scholarship offered by the National Federation of the Blind of Michigan. This award is bestowed to the student applicant that achieves impressive academic standing in their educational institution, a dedication to the equality and advocacy of the blind, a commitment to productivity in their community, and encourages the progression of themselves/their profession.
2. The Joy and Allen Harris Award: $1000: This academic merit award is bestowed to the student applicant that achieves commendable academic standing and a commitment to growth of their community.
3. The Larry Posont Award- $$1000: This award, sponsored by  Larry Posont , the award is presented to a student applicant who  is  dedicated to the progression and effectiveness of blind students within their community, state, and/or nation as evidenced in past actions and future endeavors.

**Only one application form is required for consideration for all three scholarships. Please complete the required materials on the checklist once.** 

National Federation of the Blind of Michigan

2026 Scholarship Application Form

To Apply:  complete the 2026 Application Form electronically and email it along with all accompanying documents to scholarships@nfbmi.org. All documents should be submitted in an accessible format (.Doc, .docx, .pdf, .rtf).

For Questions, Contact the scholarship chairperson, Sheila Fulmore, via email at scholarships@nfbmi.org/spfulmore0402@gmail.com

Important: All documentation must be received on or before October 15, 2026.