50 Top Scholarships For Special Education Educators

The concept of neurodiversity explains the extent to which there are many ways in which human brains perform in this world. Each with their own unique spike skills and pitfalls. Special educators understand that there are many ways to exist in the world, and that not everyone has the same mental, emotional, or physical capabilities. In America today, we’ve never had a better apparatus for early identification of “differently abled” students. And by law, public schools are mandated to provide a suitable — even if different — education for these individuals.

If you find yourself drawn towards a rigorous and extremely rewarding career like special ed, you’re in luck! There’s a national shortage of these skilled and very crucial individuals, and this is evidenced by the large range of future special education scholarships. Check out fifty of the most lucrative of these scholarships below!

• Varies
• Each year a person of color is awarded the Alma Exley Scholarship. This scholarship is for students that are either a junior or senior in college or are in the process of obtaining their master’s degree.
• Applicants must be enrolled teacher-preparation program at an institution in Connecticut, be a person of color such as African American, Asian American, or Native American, be a junior, senior, or pursuing a Master’s degree.

• 3000
• This scholarship is available to members of a Lutheran congregation that in the process of pursuing an education in a helping field such as special education.
• Applicants must be an active member in a Lutheran congregation and in the process of obtaining a degree in a field such as special education. Students must show interest in utilizing their faith to help individuals with both intellectual and physical disabilities.

• 3000
• This scholarship is for junior and senior students at the undergraduate level that are planning to pursue a career that will support individuals that have developmental or intellectual disabilities.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be an active member of a Lutheran community, maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and have career goals that will help individuals that have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• 2000
• This award is available to full-time graduate students that plan to obtain their Master’s degree in special education. Students must be a member, wife, or have a deceased parents of the Knights of Columbus. Special consideration for students who are enrolled in a Catholic graduate school.
• Candidates must be a member, wife, son,daughter, or have a deceased parent that was in good standing with the Knights of Columbus and are pursuing a degree in a field of study that would directly benefit individuals with disabilities.

• Varies
• This scholarship is for both STEM majors and STEM professionals that are in the process of becoming a mathematics teacher. All chosen winners will acquire financial assistance, a master’s degree, proper licensure, and job assistance.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must have an undergraduate degree in mathematics or in a similar field, commit to teaching in an area that is most needed for for two years after the completion of the teacher certification program, and be a U.S. resident.

• 500
• The Bright Future Scholarship for Early for Early Childhood Teachers is available to high school seniors, two to 4 year college students, and graduate students enrolled in an accredited institution. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate a desire to teach children six years of age and younger.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA in child development and education.

• 10000
• The Whelan Foundation awards two scholarships per year to Long Island recipients that are normally denied because of financial hardships. This scholarship is for special education majors.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be a special education major and be a Long Island resident.

• 5000
• This scholarship is available to full-time undergraduate students that attend a Delaware college and are enrolled in a program that will lead to a teacher certificate. Applicants that plan to teach in areas of the Delaware Department of Education that are in a crucial demand will be given preference.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 2.75 GPA, be enrolled in a Delaware college, and be attending a program that is for attaining a teacher certificate. High school seniors must have a minimum score of 1570 on the SAT.

• Varies
• This scholarship was created to supply aid to students that are spiritually motivated and have completed at least sophomore or junior year. Although not required, preference will be given to students interested in teaching.
• Applicants must have religious values of any belief system. Preference is given to individuals who have completed sophomore and junior year, want to pursue a career in education, and have academic success.

• 9000
• This scholarship is for educators that are already working as an early childhood teacher. Applicants must desire to further their education by enrolling in an associate or bachelor degree program in early childhood education.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be a resident of Massachusetts, studying education, attend a two or four year college, and be an undergraduate student.

• 1000
• The Florence Turner Karlin Scholarship is available to students that are graduates of a Nebraska high school and are pursuing education at a certified institution in Nebraska.
• Candidates must have completed their sophomore year of college while maintaining a minimum of 3.0 GPA, graduated from any Nebraska high school, be enrolled in a qualified college or university in Nebraska, and be in the process of pursuing a degree in education.

• Varies
• This scholarship is available to students who graduated with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA from an accredited high school and plan on pursuing a degree in education.
• Candidates must plan on pursuing a degree in education and must have graduated from an accredited high school. Preference is given to students that demonstrate a financial need.

• 1000
• This scholarship is to high school seniors that have already been accepted into a qualified college with the desire to study social services, teaching, or nursing.
• Applicants must be ambitious high school seniors that have already been accepted into a qualified college or university with the intention of studying nursing, social services, or teaching.

• Varies
• The Gates Millennium Scholarship Program is available to African American, American Indian, Asian Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American undergraduate students who are planning to major in education.
• Contenders must be studying any area of education such as public health, engineering, education, or science. Applicants must also be a person of color such as American Indian, African American, or Hispanic American.

• 1000
• This award is available to Oklahoma undergraduate students that enrolled in a program that will lead to a career in public service.
• To meet eligibility students must attend a qualified college or university in Oklahoma, major in public service, be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, and maintain exceptional academic performance.

• 2500
• The Katie MacDonald Memorial Scholarship is available to students with Down Syndrome who are seeking educational or job training beyond high school. One award will be given to a student who is pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or junior college degree.
• Applicants must either have Down Syndrome or are pursuing a junior college, graduate, or undergraduate degree.

• 2000
• The Gill-Elliott Scholarship is available to graduating seniors at Highlands High School that maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and plan on pursuing a degree in technology, science, math, engineering, or pre-medicine.
• Candidates must be a graduating senior at Highlands High School, maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, have a combined ACT score of a minimum of 28, or have a SAT score of 1250.

• 5000
• This scholarship is available to college seniors who are pursuing a degree in education.
• To meet eligibility requirements applicants must maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA while in the process of obtaining a degree in education, have an exceptional record of community service, and agree to teach in Nevada upon graduation.

• Varies
• This scholarship is for graduates of a Grand Rapids Public High School who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in education. Students must be enrolled in either a public or private college.
• Candidates must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate financial need, be a resident of Kent County,Michigan, and pursuing a degree in education.

• Varies
• This award is available to seniors at South Christian High School in Grand Rapids Michigan with a plan to enroll in an a full-time program at an accredited college or university. Students must demonstrate the desire to major in education, business, or healthcare.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, demonstrate a financial need, and be a senior at South Christian High School.

• Varies
• The GRCF Rosemary Cook Education Scholarship is available to a Challenge Scholar at Union High School that intends to pursue an undergraduate degree in education.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 2.75 GPA, enroll in a full-time education program at an accredited institution, demonstrate a financial need, and graduate from Union High School

• Varies
• This award is for students who are education majors that plan on teaching math or science. This scholarship provides a four-year college education to Indiana high school seniors.
• Candidates must be an Indiana high school senior, maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, and plan on pursuing a degree in education with intent to teach math or science.

• 2500
• The James & Patricia Sood Scholarship was created for cancer survivors, patients, or immediate family members.This scholarship is available to students that are pursuing their degree in education.
• Qualifying candidates must have been between the ages of 15 and 39 when they were diagnosed or treated for cancer. Students whose had an immediate family member diagnosed with cancer must have also been between the ages of 15 and 39 when it occurred. Applicants must be majoring in education.

• 3000
• This scholarship is available to students who plan on obtaining a degree associated to the areas of developmental or intellectual disabilities. Relevant majors include social work, physcology, nursing, healthcare, or behavioral sciences.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must a New York State resident that plans to pursue a career that involves working with individuals that are developmentally or intellectually disabled.

• Varies
• This award is dedicated to a North Dakota resident that is a junior or senior pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.
• Candidates must be both a resident and high school graduate of North Dakota. Students must also be majoring in Elementary Education.with a preferred emphasis in music, art, or mathematics.

• 20000
• The JCC Graduate Scholars Program is available to U.S. Jewish graduate students that are willing to work two years with a Jewish Community Center (JCC) upon graduation.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be a U.S. resident that is also a Jewish graduate student. Students will also need to complete a field placement or internship at JCC.

• Varies
• This scholarship is available to English majors enrolled at the Valley City State University in North Dakota.
• Applicants must be English majors at Valley City State University. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need and academic ability.

• 3000
• This award is available to students that are in the process of obtaining a special education certificate from a New York State degree program.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be enrolled in a New York State degree program and be pursuing a certificate in special education.

• 2000
• The Workforce Shortage Student Assistance Grant Program is available to students who are enrolled in an accredited Maryland institution and plan on majoring in fields related to human services, childcare, teaching, social work, nursing, or public service.
• Applicants must be Maryland residents, be enrolled in accredited college or university in Maryland, and is both merit and need-based.

• Varies
• This scholarship is for students that are in the process of obtaining a special education certificate from a New York State degree program.
• Candidates must be enrolled in a New York State degree program and be pursuing a certificate in special education.

• 5000
• This award is available to Kentucky residents that are in the process of pursuing teacher certification at an eligible Kentucky college or university.
• Qualifying candidates must be a U.S. citizen, accepted into a teacher education program, and demonstrate financial need. Students must also teach one semester at a Kentucky school for each semester the award was received.

• 1000
• The Kinnett Scholarships for College/Further Education is available to high school seniors that plan on pursuing a degree in special education. It is also available to high school seniors who are receiving special education assistance to aid in their pursuit of furthering their education regardless of if it’s through a college or vocational school.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be high school seniors pursuing a degree in special education or be receiving special education services.

• 1000
• This scholarship is available to female African American students in Fort Worth, Dallas that are high school seniors and plan on pursuing a career and degree in education.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be a senior at a high school in Dallas, Fort Worth, maintain a minimum of a 2.75 GPA, and be an African American.

• 30000
• The Next Generation Teacher Scholarship is dedicated to help both high school and college students in Indiana who plan on pursuing a degree in education.
• Applicants must be academically successful, pursuing a career in education, and devote to teaching in Indiana after graduation.

• 1500
• This award was created to help students in Oklahoma pursue a career in education by helping provide financial assistance and ensuring future teachers upon graduation to public schools in Oklahoma. Students will need to devote a minimum of three years after graduation to teaching in Oklahoma public schools.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must be in the top 15 percent of the graduating class in high school, be admitted to a professional education program, or have an ACT or SAT score that is in the top 15 percent of the graduates of that year.

• 2500
• The Olivia M. Marquart Scholarship is available to Pennsylvania residents who are cancer patients or survivors that are in the process of majoring in education.
• Candidates must demonstrate financial need and have a physician verification form along with being a resident of Pennsylvania.

• Varies
• The Order of Alhambra Scholarship is available to teachers and junior or seniors that are in the process of being able to teach both developmentally and intellectually disabled students.
• Applicants must have accumulated 50% of required credits and be either a master’s degree student or upper-level undergraduate students.

• 10000
• This scholarship is available to students that have graduated or will be graduating from Washington County Maryland Public Schools with intent to become a teacher. Students will need to be enrolled or accepted into a college or university with a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
• Applicants must be from Washington County Maryland Public Schools and fall under the jurisdiction of the Washington County Board of Education.

• Varies
• The Regina C. Williams Memorial Scholarship is available to seniors at Prince George’s County high school that are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education.
• Candidates must maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, be a permanent resident or U.S. citizen, and plan on pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education.

• 15000
• This scholarship is available to soon to be graduating college seniors that are willing to pursue spending one year in a public service activity at any location.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must agree to spend one year in a public service activity before pursuing graduate school or a career. Awards are given based on academic success, personal achievements, and the value of each submission.

• 1500
• The Save a Life Scholarship was created to help bring awareness to the importance of CPR and first aid. This scholarship is for students that are pursuing a degree in education or healthcare.
• Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited degree program for education or healthcare.

• 2000
• The WGU Military Appreciation Scholarship is available to veterans, active-duty military, and their spouses.
• To meet eligibility requirements applicants must pursue a degree in healthcare, business, information technology, or K-12 education.

• 4000
• This grant is available to students that are pursuing a degree in education with intent to teach in an area that is in high-need. Students must attend a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program and agree to teach in a institution that helps students from a low-income family.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, agree to teach in a high-need field that also has many families in poverty, and complete at least 4 years of teaching within 8 years of graduation.

• 500
• This award is available to students pursuing a degree in education or any other field of study that is related to teaching.

• 500
• The Tennessee Christa McAuliffe Scholarship is available to a student in Tennessee that is planning on becoming an educator in the state. There is 1 award given each year to a student that has completed their first semester as a junior.
• To qualify students must maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, completed the first semester as a junior, and plan on pursuing a degree in education with intent to teach in Tennessee.

• 3000
• Arc New York Scholarships are for New York State students that are pursuing a degree in physical or occupational therapy, special education, or in a related field.
• Candidates must either a member of the Ark New York Chapter, enrolled in a New York State program that will lead to a degree in education, or be a full-time student that is studying a field related to intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• 1000
• This scholarship is available to people of color who are in the process of obtaining a degree in education.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA and be a person of color. Students must also be pursuing a career in teaching.

• 1500
• This scholarship is available to students who are planning to teach at the elementary level by providing financial assistance to applicants that are a minimum of 25 years old and at least a sophomore in college.
• Applicants must maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, attend or planning on attending an accredited college, and be at least 25 years old.

• 5000
• This award is available to a student that is pursuing a degree in special education.
• Candidates must maintain a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, be a U.S. citizen, and be majoring in special education.

• Varies
• This scholarship is available to Black and Hispanic students who plan to teach in Indiana upon graduation for a minimum of three years.
• To meet eligibility requirements students must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA, be an Indiana resident and a U.S citizen, and be a minority.

• 2000
• The Gill-Elliott Scholarship is available to graduating seniors at Highlands High School that maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA and plan on pursuing a degree in technology, science, math, engineering, or pre-medicine.
• Candidates must be a graduating senior at Highlands High School, maintain a minimum of a 3.5 GPA, have a combined ACT score of a minimum of 28, or have a SAT score of 1250.