East Texas Lighthouse Scholarship Program

We believe in removing barriers and creating opportunities for those who are blind or visually impaired. ETLB offers needs-based educational scholarships for individuals pursuing postsecondary education opportunities, including two-year, four-year, and graduate degrees.

This program can help cover school-related expenses such as tuition, books, fees, technology, housing, and transportation. Students who receive scholarship funds through this program are also offered educational case management services to help ensure a holistic approach to success.

All scholarship applications are reviewed and awarded each semester based on the student’s academic performance, demonstrated need, and amount of funding available. Eligibility requirements include:

Be legally blind or a dependent of someone who is legally blind.
Be a resident of Texas.
Acceptance to and attendance at an accredited college or university (Please note: If a degree plan is offered regionally or at a public institution of higher education, attendance at distant and/or private colleges or universities may not be funded.)
Record of academic success.
For graduate degree funding (e.g. master’s degree or terminal degree): Applicant must have worked in the field of proposed degree for at least two years prior to the date of application.

YOU WILL NEED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WITH YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION:

Certification of legal blindness. Legal blindness is defined as an individual who cannot see better than 20/200 in the best eye with correction or whose visual field in the best eye is 20 degrees or less at the widest diameter with correction (Please note: Dependents who are not legally blind must submit certification of parent/guardian legal blindness.)
Proof of Texas residency.
A transcript(s) from the school you are currently attending. Entering freshmen will need to include their high school transcripts and graduate students will also need to include undergraduate transcripts.
For graduate degree applicants: Proof of employment in field of degree.
One letter of reference from a person not related to the applicant. Examples include letters from vocational, high school, or college counselors, academic advisors, and current or former teachers.
Proof of acceptance from a post-secondary school.
One 3-4 paragraph letter of intent describing your educational, career, and future plans. Letter should include what this scholarship will mean to you and/or your family.
Proof of FAFSA application and award.
Proof of financial aid award from institution (required even if award is $0).
Documentation of any other forms of financial aid including Pell
Grants and/or other scholarships.
Student detailed schedule for upcoming semester.
Invoices justifying requested scholarship amount.

All supporting documentation – except current semester grades and invoices not yet posted by the student’s postsecondary institution (e.g. housing bill) – must be received by the posted deadline. Current semester grades and other required documentation received by student after the application deadline must be submitted as soon as they are available.

Please note: Funding amounts are based on demonstrated need, student performance, and amount of funding available. Funding limits are based on funding availability and may vary between semesters.

Applications will be open through April 15th and supporting documentation is due by May 15th. For more information about the program or application process, please contact MK Kahrhoff, Education and Employment Services Administrator, at 903-590-4335, or by email at mkahrhoff@etxlighthouse.org.