Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship

Our goal is to help as many college students with Down syndrome as we possibly can to go for their dreams of higher education and independence!

Ready to apply? Please be sure to read the instructions carefully before filling out your application, and don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or email Liz@rubysrainbow.org with any questions. Note that Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarships range between $1,000 and $10,000 and must be utilized in full within one academic year.

NOTE for returning Rockin’ Recipients: If you will have a scholarship award balance going into the next Fall semester, please contact Catherine@rubysrainbow.org before you apply for a new scholarship. Depending on the size of your remaining balance, you may not be eligible for a new scholarship.

We absolutely love learning about all the incredible things college students with Down syndrome across the country are doing!! We look forward to hearing from and learning more about you!!

Application Instructions

(Please read carefully before starting the application process)

Please check out our Scoring Rubrics to learn more about what we are seeking in a strong Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship Application!

Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship Application Scoring Rubrics

These rubrics reflect the criteria that our Scoring Committee use to evaluate all Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship Applications.

If you have never before received a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship, check out the first rubric on the page! (This also applies to applicants who have applied for a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship in the past but were not awarded a scholarship that year!)

If you have been awarded a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship in the past, be sure to scroll down to view the second rubric on the page, which is for RE-APPLY Applicants!

You will also find videos on the Rubrics page that explain more about the scoring criteria our Scholarship Selection Committee will use to evaluate all scholarship applications!

Eligibility Requirements for Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship

Filling out a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship application indicates that the applicant meets the following criteria:

• This grant is for individuals with Down syndrome who are at least 18 years old, or who will turn 18 by August 1 of this year.
• The applicant has the desire and intent to enroll or continue enrollment in a post-secondary class or program that will enhance their life through employment skills, independent living or life skills, or interests in any other areas. (See more information under “Scholarship Expense Criteria” below.)
• Applicant will provide copies of high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., certificate of completion), high school transcript if graduating in the spring of this year, or proof of acceptance to or current enrollment in a post-secondary program.
• Individuals who have previously been awarded a Ruby’s Rainbow scholarship can apply for another scholarship as soon as the following year.

NOTE for returning Rockin’ Recipients: If you will have a remaining scholarship award balance going into the next Fall semester, please contact Catherine@rubysrainbow.org BEFORE you apply for a new scholarship. Depending on the size of your remaining balance, you may not be eligible for a new scholarship.

Scholarship Expense Criteria

• Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship funds must be applied toward tuition at a university, community college or post-secondary institution, including institutes of technology and vocational and trade schools; this includes certificate, degree and non-degree programs. Note that program must be located within the United States.
• Scholarship funds can be used for housing, food or transportation ONLY if these costs are already included as part of the tuition fee. Separate payments will not be made for these accommodations.
• Up to 10% of scholarship funds awarded may be used for textbooks and other coursework-related supplies if needed. In this case, a paid receipt must be provided to Ruby’s Rainbow for reimbursement.
• Enrichment classes in the arts qualify for funding if they are certified programs. Examples of qualifying enrichment classes include painting or film production classes or workshops. Please email Liz@rubysrainbow.org with any questions regarding qualifying enrichment classes. At this time, classes based on physical activities do not qualify for funding (such as swimming, horseback riding or dance classes).