2026 Scholarship Information

2026 National Federation of the Blind of Indiana State Scholarship Application

 

 

The National Federation of the Blind of Indiana invites Well-rounded and aspiring blind and low-vision students to apply for the Barbara Schmidt Memorial Scholarship. 

 

This scholarship will be awarded at the Indiana Affiliate State Convention, scheduled to be held October 9 through October 11, 2026, at the Embassy Suites North in Indianapolis.

 

In order to be considered for an NFB of Indiana scholarship, each applicant must meet the following criteria: 

 

  1. Must be legally blind in both eyes.  A person is considered legally blind if their better eye has a central visual acuity of 20/200 or worse, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less with correction.
  2. Must be a resident of the State of Indiana or attending an accredited degree or trade school program in the State of Indiana during the Spring of 2027.
  3. Must be enrolled full time in an accredited college, university or trade school program in the Spring of 2027.
  4. Must not have been the recipient of two previous NFBI awarded scholarships.
  5. While membership in the NFB is not required when submitting a first-time application, in order to be considered for a 2nd NFBI scholarship, the applicant must be able to demonstrate an active participation and interest in the work of the NFB of Indiana.
  6. all applicants must plan to attend the NFB of Indiana state convention  in its entirety. The Indiana affiliate will cover the cost of the banquet and registration fees for each applicant, and will cover the cost of two hotel rooms—one for each gender.

 

In addition to the application form, the following documents will be required:

 

  1. Documentation confirming legal blindness. Examples of said documentation might include a letter from a medical professional or vocational rehabilitation counsellor.
  2. An essay of 500 to 750 words reflecting on the following topic:  What does it mean to truly “live the life you want?” 
  3. A copy of your most recent transcript.
  4. One letter of reference. Please note that the letter of reference must be sent directly from the individual reference to the committee at nfbofindiana@gmail.com Examples of acceptable references might include professors, colleagues, supervisors or coworkers. The letter should not come from a parent, spouse or other relative.

 

The deadline for submitting your application and the above referenced documentation is August 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

 

All candidates will be interviewed by the NFBI Scholarship Committee prior to the start of the 2026 NFB of Indiana State Convention.

 

 

Filling out the Scholarship Application

 

 

 

- Answer all questions to the best of your ability.
- The answers to the essay questions should be 1-2 paragraphs in length and should be your own work. Because the form will not save your progress if you start the application and return to it later, you may find it helpful to type your responses to these questions in a separate document and paste them into the form.

Application Requirements:

 

Please Note:  When filling out the form it is best to use either a PC or Mac. If you experience any challenges while completing this form, please email scholarship committee chair  Abby Fleenor for assistance atawesome.abby32571@gmail.com 

 

The NFB-Newsline Indiana team is excited to share a valuable resource: a free audio information service designed specifically for individuals who are blind, low-vision, deafblind, or otherwise print-disabled. This service provides access to over 500 publications, emergency weather alerts, job listings, research materials, and much more.

 

Student Testimonial:

"As a student, NFB-Newsline has provided me with invaluable information and resources from around the world that are essential for my studies. It has offered critical research material on national and international current events. I am particularly impressed by the continuous addition of new features, which enhances access to print media for the blind community. From job listings to Target circulars and compatibility with Apple products, NFB-Newsline truly has something for everyone."

For More Information contact:

NFB-Newsline Indiana

Website: nfbnewsline-in.org 

 

Below is the link to the 2026 Scholarship Application!

 

Click here for the Scholarship Application