Scholarships and financial aid are critical for helping blind and visually impaired students afford and access higher education. One lesser known scholarship opportunity is the Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship for blind students attending Gallaudet University.
About Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University, located in Washington D.C., is a federally chartered private university for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing. It is the only liberal arts university in the world specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students. In addition to undergraduate programs, Gallaudet offers graduate programs in fields such as education, psychology, and more.
Gallaudet University has a long history of educating blind and visually impaired students as well. Today, approximately 10-15% of undergraduate students at Gallaudet are blind or have low vision. The university offers a wide range of services and accommodations to help these students thrive, such as screen reader technology, braille signage, and mobility training.
The Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship
The Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship is a renewable annual award for undergraduate students at Gallaudet University who are legally blind. It was established in 2002 through a generous gift from Barbara Jackman Zuckert, a 1943 graduate of Gallaudet.
Mrs. Zuckert was profoundly deaf from an early age and attended the Kendall Demonstration Elementary School prior to enrolling at Gallaudet. At Gallaudet, she majored in mathematics and was an honors student. After graduating, she worked as a math teacher at the New York School for the Deaf and the Lexington School for the Deaf.
In establishing this scholarship, Mrs. Zuckert sought to help visually impaired students enjoy the same opportunities she had. The award amount varies annually based on available funds.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship, applicants must:
– Be an entering first-year or current undergraduate student at Gallaudet University
– Be legally blind, as documented by a statement from an ophthalmologist
– Be a citizen of the United States
– Demonstrate financial need, as determined by the Gallaudet Financial Aid Office
– Maintain satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the university
The scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years as long as recipients continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
How to Apply
Interested students can apply for the Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship by following these steps:
1. Complete the Gallaudet University Application for Admission (first-year students) or the Gallaudet Financial Aid Application (current students) by the priority deadline of January 15.
2. Submit documentation of legal blindness from an ophthalmologist.
3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline. Gallaudet’s school code is 001444.
4. Submit any additional documents requested by the Gallaudet Financial Aid Office for consideration of institutional aid.
Applications for the Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship are reviewed by the Gallaudet Financial Aid Office. Selection is based on financial need as well as academic achievements and potential.
Impact of the Scholarship
The Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship has made a significant difference for blind and visually impaired students at Gallaudet over the past two decades. Not only does it provide essential financial assistance, but it also increases educational access and opportunity.
Scholarship recipient testimonials showcase the profound impact of this award:
“Receiving the Zuckert Scholarship allowed me to worry less about money and focus more on my studies. It was a huge blessing.” – Jane S., Class of 2015
“I’m the first person in my family to attend college. Without the Zuckert Scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to realize this dream. I’m forever grateful for this life-changing opportunity.” – Michael T., Class of 2020
Scholarship Funding and the Future
The Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship is made possible through the generosity of its founder as well as gifts from subsequent donors. As of 2022, the endowment stands at approximately $550,000.
At the current award amount of $3,000, this scholarship fund provides assistance to 12-15 students annually. Gallaudet hopes to grow the endowment in coming years to increase the number of students who can be served.
Tax-deductible donations to the Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship Fund can be made online through the Gallaudet University website. There are also options to support the fund through planned giving.
Conclusion
The Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship is making higher education more accessible for blind and visually impaired students at Gallaudet University. By reducing financial barriers, this scholarship is helping outstanding students achieve their academic and career aspirations.
For visually impaired students seeking a college or university designed for their needs, Gallaudet provides an unparalleled opportunity. The Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship removes cost as an obstacle, allowing students to focus on making the most of Gallaudet’s educational, social, and career preparation offerings.
With continued support from donors, the Barbara Jackman Zuckert Scholarship Fund can provide assistance to even more visually impaired students in the future. By investing in these students, we can help them gain the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to realize their full potential and make positive impacts on the world.
| Year | Amount Awarded | Number of Recipients |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $40,000 | 12 |
| 2021 | $36,000 | 15 |
| 2020 | $30,000 | 10 |
