Scholarships Available for Blind Students

American Council of the Blind of Texas (ACBT)
ACBT awards scholarships on an annual basis to qualified students who are legally blind. Applicants must:

  • be a Texas resident;
  • have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0;
  • entering college, currently attending college or university, or enrolled in a trade school or technical program. 

ACBT is accepting applications until July 1, 2020. Applications must be completed online, and all supporting documentation submitted via email. In addition to the ACBT website, application packets can also be obtained from Texas Workforce Solutions/Blind Services Division counselors, Education Service Centers, and scholarship co-chairman Stephen Kerr. Recipients will be notified on or before July 26th, 2020.

All scholarship recipients are encouraged to attend the 2020 ACBT Conference/Convention to receive public recognition for their significant achievement. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the conference will be held virtually. More information can be found on ACBT's website

Completed packets should be submitted to: 

Stephen Kerr, ACBT Scholarship Co-Chairman 
Email: scholarships@acbtexas.org
Phone: (512) 925-9080


National Federation of the Blind of Texas (NFBT)
NFBT will award four scholarships to the best and brightest blind students in Texas. Applications are open until August 15, 2020. Interested applicants must: 

  • be legally blind in both eyes; 
  • residents of Texas;
  • enrolled in a full-time course of study 

There is an exception for students who work on a full-time basis. Applicants will be selected based on student academic excellence and community service. All scholarship finalists will be notified of their selection by telephone no later than October 1st. Detailed information about eligibility for available scholarships and the application process is available on NFBT's website

Scholarship finalists will be given an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the National Federation of the Blind of Texas State Convention. The 2020 NFBT Convention is planned for November 6-8, 2020 in Corpus Christi. 

Additional questions should be directed to: 

National Federation of the Blind of Texas
Attn: Lara Sowell, Scholarship Chair
1600 E Highway 6, Suite 215, Alvin, TX 77511
Phone: (281) 968-7733
Email: scholarships@nfbtx.org or lsowell@nfbtx.org

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
Phone: (254) 883-2554
Fax:(254) 883-6553