Karen D. Carsel Memorial Scholarship

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)

AFB 2015 Scholarship Application

The application period for 2015 starts on February 1 and runs through May 31.

It is in your best interest to review the entire form before submitting your application. Please read the descriptions carefully, since most of AFB's scholarships are designated for specific fields of study. You will only be considered for the scholarships that you select on the application.

Applications and supporting documents must be received by AFB no later than May 31, 2015.

The Scholarship Committee will review only those applications that are complete with supporting documents and meet all scholarship requirements.

The AFB Scholarship Committee will not send reminders or notices to students who are missing documentation. It is your responsibility to make sure that your documentation is in order. When you submit your application, a checklist will be sent to you via email which will guide you in assembling your scholarship packet.

Supporting documents must be collected and sent in one envelope to the AFB Scholarship Committee. Do not send any documents until you have all the materials required. Incomplete scholarship packets will not be considered.

General Requirements
You may use this application form to apply for more than one scholarship. It is not necessary to include multiple copies of supporting documents. All applications must include the following items, without exception:

Completed online application for 2015, including all sections of the essay
Essays will not be accepted separately from the application. You can either type your essay directly into the form, or cut and paste your essay from a word processing program to take advantage of its spellcheck features. The essay section of the application is comprised of three sections. Everyone must complete Parts One, Two, and Three.
Official transcripts
Send an official transcript from the school you are presently attending. If you are not currently enrolled in school, send transcripts from ones you previously attended.
Two letters of recommendation
Proof of legal blindness
AFB requires a signed letter from an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or state or private agency for the blind, certifying that you are legally blind. The letter must clearly state that you are legally blind (i.e., have best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, and/or a visual field of less than 20 degrees in the better eye).