Each year at its State Convention in the fall, the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon (NFB of Oregon) awards scholarships to recognize achievement by blind scholars. In 2026 up to six scholarships at a minimum of $2,500 each will be awarded. These may include the Joseph E. Weston scholarship and the Len Hannon Scholarship, (named for a former leader in the Oregon State Legislature, and friend of the NFB of Oregon) may be awarded to an individual who has been a scholarship winner in the past and continues to make a difference in the lives of blind people.

NFB of Oregon Student Scholarships are funded by the Lillian S. Edelstein Trust.

When to apply:

The 2026 scholarship application will be available soon. 

How to apply:

Complete and submit the 2026 Student Scholarship on the website by not later than August 1, 2026. The required supporting documentation, as listed on the Oregon scholarship submission checklist, must be received not later the August 1, 2026. 

Eligibility:

Applicants should apply again if they don't win on their first attempt. We often award to applicants on their second or third try. Applicants can win scholarships twice, so please try again after you have won in a previous year.

The following requirements apply to all NFB of Oregon Student Scholarship applicants:

Age

  • Must be 18 years of age by October 1, 2024.

Vision

  • Legally blind in both eyes.

Residency

  • Must be in residence in Oregon attending an institution of higher learning.

Course of Study

  • Must be pursuing or planning to pursue a full-time, post-secondary course of study in a degree program at an Oregon based institution for the current scholastic year. One scholarship may be given to a person employed full-time while attending school part-time.

NFB of Oregon Participation

  • Each scholarship winner will be our guest at the NFB of Oregon State Convention. This will provide an excellent opportunity for high level networking with active blind persons in many different professions and occupations. Each winner will be invited to meet with other scholarship winners and the scholarship committee during the convention.
  • Scholarship winners must participate in the entire NFB of Oregon State Convention and in all scheduled scholarship program activities.
  • All applicants are encouraged to attend a meeting of a local chapter and/or the Oregon Association of Blind Students (OABS)   meeting before attending our state convention. This offers the opportunity  to get to know a few people before convention weekend and will help make the event more enjoyable. 

All scholarship application supporting materials for academic year 2026-27 must have been received no later than August 1, 2026 to be eligible for funding.