Scholarship Guidelines

The Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois is making scholarship funds available to students with learning disabilities who currently are enrolled or are enrolling in undergraduate colleges or technical/vocational programs.

The definition that will be utilized to determine specific learning disability qualifications is:

Specific learning disability - The individual exhibits a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations. Such terms include conditions asperceptual handicaps, brain injury, minimal brain dysfunction, dyslexia, and developmental aphasia. The term does not include individuals who have learning problems which are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor handicaps, of mental retardation, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.

Eligibility

1. Applicant must be a resident of the state of Illinois.
2. The applicant must show evidence of a psychological evaluation and/or an Individual Education Program which indicates that the applicant was diagnosed as having a learning disability. Psychological and/or IEP will not be returned.

Application Information

1. The details and instructions for applying for the LDA/IL scholarship are attached. To avoid disqualification of any applicant, it is important that all forms be completed.
2. Scholarship winners will be selected by the Scholarship Committee.
3. The amount of the scholarship to be awarded is $500.00. Upon proof of acceptance into college, technical, or vocational school, the scholarship money will be sent to the school's financial aid office.
4. The application DEADLINE is Friday, 3/23/07. All application materials and references received after that date will not be considered. Please allow five (5) days for mailing. For additional information, contact the LDA/IL office at 708-430-7532. Winners will be notified at the end of May.
5. THREE current references are required, including at least one from a school counselor, administrator or teacher. Please do not include a relative as a reference. The Personal Reference form maybe duplicated to suit your needs, or a separate letter of reference may be included. Do not exceed three references.
6. NO application should be sent until ALL information is included. Applications will not be considered unless they are complete!

When all scholarship requirements are completed, please send to:

Learning Disabilities Association of Illinois
Attention: Scholarship Committee
10101 S. Roberts Road, Suite 205
Palos Hills, Illinois 60465-1556