The Neurodiversity Scholarship
Applications Open November 15, 2024
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 2025-2026 academic year. All scholarship awards are a one-year scholarship, with the potential to reapply and renew 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 18 to 26 years old at any time during the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Be enrolled, or plan to enroll, full-time or part-time at a not-for-profit college or university within the U.S. during the 2025-26 academic year.
- Identify as neurodivergent, including one or more challenges related to learning such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Processing Disorders, Autism, or similar learning disabilities.
Please note that current staff, board members, and contractors for The Neurodiversity Alliance, and their relatives are not eligible to apply.
For a complete list of eligibility requirements and other important information, click here.
Sharing Your Story
All applicants must submit a response to each of the two story prompts below by uploading a written essay or sharing the link to a video recording via the application form below.
The questions under each story prompt below are intended to help guide you and inspire ideas for what you might include in your responses. You are not required to answer every question directly or answer them in any specific order. Feel free to answer whichever questions are most helpful or relevant to you in sharing your story, keeping in mind the primary goal is to stand out and help the selection committee better understand your academic journey and unique strengths, contributions, talent, and potential.
Written essay responses are typically between 250-750 words per prompt, whereas video responses are typically between 2-5 minutes per prompt. These are only recommendations, not firm limits. Feel free to take what space is necessary for you to tell your story. For more information on how to share your story, click here.
Story Prompt #1: What has your journey been to get to where you are today?
- What is your learning difference and how has that shaped your perspective and experience in and out of school?
- When did you or others first notice your learning differences? When were you identified and what was that experience like for you?
- What are your strengths and what contributions or accomplishments are you most proud of?
- How have you used your ND strengths, allies, accommodations and other resources or skills to overcome adversity or challenges?
- How have you helped to build community, demonstrated leadership skills, provided support to others, raised awareness, or advocated for ND students?
- If you’ve been involved in The Neurodiversity Alliance or the Eye to Eye Mentoring Program in the past, tell us about your experience and what you gained from your involvement.
Story Prompt #2: What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
- What are your interests and in what areas do you hope to grow over the next year?
- What are your long-term goals for the future related to school and career?
- How will you leverage your unique strengths and abilities to achieve your goals?
- What impact do you hope to have in the world?
- How will you contribute to the neurodiversity community and a world that fully embraces neurodiversity?
- How will this scholarship help you in school and life?
Application Process & Guidelines
How to Apply
Scholarship Applications are now closed. Finalists will be selected to participate in a follow-up interview via Zoom with members of The Neurodiversity Scholarship Committee beginning January 15, 2025. All applicants will be notified of a final decision no later than March 1, 2025.
The application is now available within The Neurodiversity Alliance online portal and mobile app - once logged in, look for the link to the “Scholarship Application” on the left menu bar.
If you are already registered with The Neurodiversity Alliance, click here to log in.
If you are not yet registered, registration is free and easy - get started today!
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.
2025 Scholarship Recipients
We are proud to announce the recipients The Neurodiversity Scholarship for the 2025-26 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.