The Neurodiversity Scholarship
Applications are Now Closed for the 2026 Scholarship
Scholarship applications are now closed! To join the online community or start a club on your campus, registration is free and easy - get started today!
2026 Scholarship Recipients
We are proud to announce the recipients of The Neurodiversity Scholarship for the 2026-27 school year. These applicants stood out among many impressive applicants from across the country due to their determination, resilience, achievements, and commitment to the neurodivergent community, and we are excited to invest in their continued academic and personal success.
Thank You to Oracle
The Neurodiversity Alliance is grateful to recognize Oracle for its generous support of our scholarship program.
Through this partnership, two members of our community have received scholarships to support their educational journeys:
Sara Antowan
Brendan LeStrange
We are proud to partner with organizations like Oracle that are committed to expanding access to education and uplifting neurodiverse students.
Scholarship Overview
The Neurodiversity Scholarship is the largest national scholarship program investing directly in neurodivergent students, including those with learning differences such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Processing Disorders, Autism, and other common challenges related to learning.
At The Neurodiversity Alliance, we believe that students are so much more than their transcript, test scores, and resume. That’s why we focus on the power of storytelling to better understand a student’s academic journey, showcase unique strengths and qualities, and help identify talent and potential within the neurodivergent community.
This initiative represents The Neurodiversity Alliance’s ongoing commitment to improving the educational experience and outcomes for students who learn differently, helping them achieve their full potential as they navigate an education system designed for neurotypical students. By breaking down the financial barriers to higher education, we’re making it easier for neurodivergent students to attend college, focus on their studies, and graduate successfully.
In addition to the funding, scholarship recipients gain access to The Neurodiversity Alliance’s online community, along with a variety of networking opportunities and national events designed to build confidence and community, develop leadership and professional skills, promote resources and peer-to-peer support, and raise awareness for the 1 in 5 who learn differently.
Awards & Amounts
There are a total of 25 scholarship awards available for the 2026-2027 academic year. All scholarship awards are a one-year scholarship, with the potential to reapply for up to four years.
Award amounts are determined by the individual student’s enrollment status at time of disbursement:
- $2,500 Scholarship Awards: For students enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or more) at a traditional four-year college or university.
- $1,000 Scholarship Awards: For students enrolled at a community or technical college, or taking part-time classes (less than 12 credit hours) at a traditional four-year college or university.
Scholarships will be disbursed directly to the recipient's college or university and can be utilized for "qualified educational expenses" as defined by the IRS. These expenses include tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational institution, or for fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses at the educational institution. For more information on award amounts and eligible expenses, click here.
Eligibility Criteria
In order to receive The Neurodiversity Scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be between the ages of 16 to 26 years old at any time during the 2027-2028 academic year.
- Be enrolled, or plan to enroll, full-time or part-time in an Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, or Certificate Program at a not-for-profit college or university within the United States during the 2027-28 academic year.
- To be eligible, a recipient must have been identified by a healthcare or educational professional as having one or more of the following: Dyslexia, ADHD, Processing Disorders, Autism, or similar learning disabilities.
Please note that current staff, board members, and contractors for The Neurodiversity Alliance, as well as their relatives, are not eligible to apply. In addition, international students on temporary visas are not eligible to apply. Priority consideration is given to students and alumni who are active in our programs and community, and who demonstrate some level of unmet financial need.
For a complete list of eligibility requirements and other important information, click here.
Application Process & Guidelines
How to Apply
The application will be available within The Neurodiversity Alliance online portal and mobile app beginning November 2027.
Priority Consideration is given to students who are actively involved in The Neurodiversity Alliance community, either through starting or joining clubs on their campus or participating in online activities and events. We encourage all students to register today and get involved before the application goes live!
Community Scholarship Opportunities
NCLD offers annual scholarships and awards that celebrate the work and achievements of students and leaders working to create more equitable futures for those with learning disabilities.
The Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation supports high school and college students with dyslexia who wish to pursue a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) field.