The National Federation of the Blind of Idaho (NFBI), awards merit based scholarships to blind/visually impaired, functionally blind, high school seniors or college students annually. Students who are blind/Visually impaired, or receiving services from the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI), attending an accredited college or university the academic school year beginning fall semester 2021 are urged to apply. There will be up to three  (3) merit based scholarships given  $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500 awarded at the state convention of the NFBI, March 25 through 27, 2021, in Boise, Idaho, or online via the Zoom meeting platform if pandemic conditions require. Scholarship finalists will have their expenses paid to attend the in person event and are required to attend the convention whether the mode is in person or online.
Please Note individuals are limited to receiving an NFBI scholarship a maximum of two (2), times.
All Application materials should be emailed to scholarships.NFBID@gmail.com.

The following required Items must accompany each application:
1. A completed NFBI Scholarship application form.
2. A 700-word essay.
NFBI scholarships are merit based and are awarded based on scholastic achievement, financial need, and service to the community. In preparing your essay, please keep in mind that committee members and decision-makers are all successful blind professionals. Take some time to think how you personally can convey your best qualities in your own words. This is an advocacy job; the committee members will note how you choose to do it.
Please also keep in mind that the awards are restricted to blind/Visually Impaired, and functionally blind persons, so the committee will be interested in what techniques and approaches you personally practice concerning your blindness.
3. Two letters of recommendation.
Letters of recommendation must be emailed directly to the committee (scholarships.NFBID@gmail.com) by the person making the recommendation.
Recommendation letters from family members are not accepted by the Committee.
4. Transcripts.
Provide a current transcript from the education institution you are currently attending and transcripts from all other institutions attended.

Please email transcripts to scholarships.NFBID@gmail.com. Transcripts sent via email which require access codes and have an expiration date are not accepted as the Committee works without staff and such transcripts often expire before they have been reviewed and printed.
If you have not yet attended such an institution or have not yet completed one year of study, send a copy of your high school transcript.
5. Proof of blindness or vision impairment signed by a doctor, VR counselor from the ICBVI, or another qualified professional from a recognized agency providing services to blind/visually impaired, and functionally blind  individuals.
No application will be considered without this certification.
6. Interview with NFBI State President.
Applicants must contact NFBI State President, Dana Ard, at
(208) 345-3906, or email pres.nfbidaho@gmail.com, to schedule an interview.  

All application materials must be emailed to scholarships.NFBID@gmail.com and received no later than 11:59 PM, March 1, 2021.  

President Ard and the scholarship committee look forward to hearing from you.