Kenneth Tiede Memorial Scholarship

Each year the National Federation of the Blind of Kansas offers scholarships to the best and brightest blind students in the state. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence, community service, and financial need. They are presented during our annual state convention. This year two $1,500 and one $2,500 will be awarded to academically meritorious blind college, vocational, or technical school students in Kansas!

In order to be eligible for a scholarship from the NFB of Kansas applicants must be:

• Legally blind in both eyes with best correction.
• A resident of Kansas or attending a Kansas school.
  • Pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time post-secondary course of study in 2025 at a recognized college, university, or trade school. One of these scholarships may be given to a part time student who is employed.
• GPA 2.50 or greater.

HOW TO APPLY

In order to be considered for a scholarship from the NFB of Kansas, applicants must submit the following documents:

• A completed copy of this application. Answers to all questions are required. If the question does not apply to you, write N/A in the field.
• Proof of legal blindness. This can be supplied by a doctor or your vocational rehabilitation counselor.
• A current transcript. Electronic copies are preferred.
• An essay. If you are completing the online application form, please note that the form includes a space for you to write your essay. The essay should be no longer than 800 words. The topic for your personal essay is “You.” Keep in mind NFBKS Scholarship Committee members are all successful blind professionals and want to know what sets you apart from other applicants. Who are you? What are your outstanding qualities? How do you handle your blindness? What makes you unique and qualifies you for an NFBKS scholarship?
• One letter of recommendation. The letter should be from someone who has knowledge of your academic skills, how you deal with your blindness in an academic or work setting, and your plans for the future. Letters from family members are not acceptable. Letters from mentors, teachers or professors, community service coordinators with whom you have worked, employers, and rehabilitation professionals are all acceptable. However, these are just examples of who you might ask to recommend you.
• Proof of acceptance. This requirement applies to incoming freshmen and first-term graduate students. Please submit a letter from at least one college, university or trade school showing that you have been accepted to their program.