The MCB Educational Scholarship is available to legally blind Missouri residents at any stage of life — from recent high school graduates to adults returning to school.
As our economy grows increasingly knowledge-driven, education has never been more important — or more expensive — for blind and visually impaired Missourians at every stage of life.
The unique expenses that accompany vision impairment in an academic setting — transportation, accessible format conversion, assistive technology, and on-campus support — can create significant financial barriers. The MCB Educational Scholarship Program is designed to help legally blind Missouri residents of any age overcome those barriers and pursue their educational goals, from undergraduate degrees to graduate programs to technical certifications.
Whether you are a first-generation college student, an adult seeking a career change, or a graduate student pursuing an advanced degree, MCB's scholarship is here for you.
Program at a Glance
- Age limit:
- None — open to all ages
- Member scholarship:
- Up to $2,000 per year
- Non-member scholarship:
- Up to $1,000 per year
- Application window:
- January 1 – May 1 (annual)
- Program types:
- Post-secondary, technical school, certified training (undergraduate & graduate)
- Eligibility:
- Legally blind Missouri residents
Who Is Eligible?
MCB Members
To qualify at the member rate, you must:
- Be a legally blind Missouri resident of any age
- Hold current MCB membership at the time of application
- Be enrolled in, or accepted to, a qualifying post-secondary program (undergraduate, graduate, technical school, or certified training)
- Provide documentation of legal blindness
- Provide proof of enrollment or acceptance
Non-Members
Legally blind Missourians who are not MCB members may still apply:
- Be a legally blind Missouri resident of any age
- Be enrolled in, or accepted to, a qualifying post-secondary program (undergraduate, graduate, technical school, or certified training)
- Provide documentation of legal blindness
- Provide proof of enrollment or acceptance
No Age Limit — Ever
MCB has removed any previous age restriction from this scholarship. Whether you are 18 or 68, if you are a legally blind Missouri resident pursuing post-secondary education, you are welcome to apply. This includes undergraduate degrees, graduate programs, trade schools, and accredited certification programs.
Scholarship Award Amounts
MCB Member Rate
For legally blind Missouri residents
who hold current MCB membership
How to Apply
-
Download the Application Form
Get the MCB Educational Scholarship Application from the link below or by contacting the MCB office. MCB-Educational-Scholarship-Application.pdf -
Complete All Sections with Supporting Documents
Include the following required documents:- Documentation of legal blindness — a letter or report from a licensed ophthalmologist or qualifying agency confirming legal blindness
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance — an official letter or transcript from your post-secondary institution, technical school, or certified training program
- If applying at the member rate: verification of current MCB membership
-
Submit Your Application by May 1
Mail your completed application and all supporting documents to the MCB office, or contact the Scholarship Committee Chair for alternative submission options. Late applications are not accepted. Missouri Council of the Blind
5453 Chippewa Street
St. Louis, MO 63109
Scholarship Committee Contact
Carl Tiemann
(314) 323-2229 tiemann3@msn.comMCB Office
(314) 832-7172 (800) 342-5632 (toll-free) moblind@moblind.orgApplications accepted January 1 – May 1 each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — there is no age limit. The MCB Educational Scholarship is open to any legally blind Missouri resident of any age who is enrolled in, or accepted to, a qualifying post-secondary program. Whether you are pursuing your first degree after high school, returning to school mid-career, or pursuing a graduate degree later in life, you are welcome to apply.
The award amount depends on your MCB membership status at the time of application:
- MCB members: up to $2,000 per year
- Non-members: up to $1,000 per year
Joining MCB before applying doubles your maximum award. Learn how to join →
Applications are accepted from January 1 through May 1 each year. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances. A limited number of scholarships are awarded annually, and early submissions have the best chance of receiving funding. If you miss the May 1 deadline, you are welcome to apply during the next year's application window.
You must include two primary documents:
- Documentation of legal blindness — typically a letter or clinical report from a licensed ophthalmologist confirming that your visual acuity meets the legal definition of blindness (20/200 or less in the better eye, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less).
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance — an official letter or enrollment verification from your post-secondary institution, technical school, or certified training program.
If your application is denied, you may file a written appeal with the MCB Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Submit your appeal in writing to the MCB office at moblind@moblind.org or by mail to 5453 Chippewa Street, St. Louis, MO 63109. You will be notified in writing of the Board's decision following the meeting.
Related Programs
Youth Services Program
Supporting legally blind Missouri children from birth through 12th grade with adapted educational materials — up to $225 per child per year.
Learn About Youth ServicesJoin MCB
MCB membership doubles your scholarship from $1,000 to $2,000 per year — and gives you access to all MCB programs, advocacy, and community.
Join MCB TodayAdaptive Technology Grants
Grants for assistive technology — screen readers, magnification software, refreshable braille displays, and more — to support independence and education.
Learn About AT GrantsReady to Apply? Don't Miss the May 1 Deadline.
A limited number of scholarships are awarded each year. Download the application, gather your documents, and submit early for the best chance of receiving funding — regardless of your age.