Top 5 High-Value Scholarships for Students with Learning Disabilities in 2026 (Up to $10,000)

Published: November 23, 2025

Last Updated: January 3, 2026

If you’ve got a documented learning disability (LD) or ADHD, college can come with extra costs, tutoring, coaching, testing accommodations, assistive tech. The good news: a few legit scholarships are built specifically for students who learn differently.

Quick filter: If you’re CS/Engineering → start with Google Lime. If you’re 4-year college → Anne Ford. If you’re community college/trade/tech program → Allegra Ford Thomas.

Below is the best shortlist for the 2025–2026 cycle, updated with the latest posted deadlines (and notes where dates vary).

1. The Google Lime Scholarship (High Value)

This is one of the most prestigious awards in the tech world. Google partners with Lime Connect to support students with visible or invisible disabilities who are pursuing careers in computer science.

• Award Amount: $10,000 (USA) or $5,000 (Canada).
• Who is it for? Undergraduate or graduate students with a disability (including LD/ADHD) pursuing a Computer Science or Engineering degree.
• Deadline: Varies by year (usually spring). Verify on Lime Connect or College Board before you apply.

2. Anne Ford Scholarship

Created by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), this scholarship is the gold standard for students with LD and/or ADHD who are pursuing a four-year degree.

• Award Amount: $10,000 ($2,500 per year for four years).
• Who is it for? Graduating high school seniors with a documented learning disability and a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Application Window: Open now. Closes April 17, 2026.

3. Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Awards

This award recognizes high school seniors who have learning disabilities like dyslexia and have demonstrated academic achievement despite their reading challenges.

• Award Amount: Up to $6,000.
• Who is it for? Learning Ally members with a specific learning disability who plan to continue their education at a two- or four-year college.
• Deadline: December 31 (cycle-based—check the official Learning Ally page for the current year).

4. The RiSE Scholarship

The RiSE Scholarship Foundation aims to reward students who learn differently. Unlike many merit-based awards that focus purely on GPA, RiSE values the story of your journey and resilience.

• Award Amount: $2,500.
• Who is it for? Current high school seniors with a documented learning disability (diagnosis letter required).
• Status: Deadline is typically in January (verify on the official RiSE Scholarship Foundation page during application season).

5. Allegra Ford Thomas Scholarship

Also managed by the NCLD, this is the sister scholarship to the Anne Ford award. It is specifically designed for students who are taking a vocational or technical path rather than a traditional university route.

• Award Amount: $5,000 ($2,500 per year for two years).
• Who is it for? Students enrolling in a two-year community college, vocational training program, or specialized program for students with LD/ADHD. (If you are considering vocational training, make sure to check if your program qualifies for Workforce Pell Grants as well.)
• Also called: Allegra Ford-Thomas Scholarship.
• Application Window: Open now. Closes April 17, 2026.

Bonus: NCLD ADHD College Success Scholarship

This is a newer award specifically for students with a primary diagnosis of ADHD.

• Award Amount: Varies (One-time award).
• Who is it for? Students with a documented diagnosis of ADHD who are pursuing higher education. Unlike the Anne Ford award, this is specifically for ADHD.
• Application Window: Changes by cycle—check NCLD’s application portal (the 2025 cycle closed in late September).
• Why apply? This directly targets students who might not have a specific “Learning Disability” (LD) diagnosis but struggle with ADHD.

Tips for Winning These Scholarships

• Documentation is Key: Most scholarships here require documentation (IEP/504, psychoeducational eval, or a clinician diagnosis letter). Have a clean PDF ready.
• Tell Your Story: Don’t hide your disability. The essay questions usually ask how you overcame challenges. Focus on your resilience and the tools you use to succeed.
• Apply for Both: If you are applying for the Anne Ford scholarship, check if you also qualify for local community grants, as “stacking” awards is often allowed.

Don’t overthink it, apply anyway. The “no” is already yours if you skip.
Save this page and come back when your documents are ready.