AFB Scholars Program

Supporting inclusive technology innovations.

For undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing studies in STEM fields, such as computer science, engineering, biology, mathematics, or information technology.

Shaping how we connect with the world.

For undergraduate students pursuing communications, marketing, public relations, media studies, entertainment, consumer behavior, business administration, and related fields.

Empowering professionals to improve health and well-being in their communities.

For undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in nursing, medicine, behavioral health, social work, psychology, mental health counseling, and related fields.

Uplifting talent to provide opportunity and drive meaningful community impact.

Supporting community college and first and second year undergraduate students pursuing unique, emerging, or less commonly represented fields and career paths.

AFB’s goal is to cultivate future blind leaders. During the academic year, AFB Scholars will be required to:

• Be enrolled or accepted in a full time post secondary program
• Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA
• Participate in mentorship activities with AFB Leaders
• Participate in One Approved Annual Conference with Staff
• Submit an end-of-year narrative reflecting on academic and professional growth

The Lulu J. Alonso Scholarship Fund provides three financial tiers to support postsecondary education for blind students; renewable annually.

• Community College - $8,000
• Undergraduate - $20,000
• Graduate - $28,000

• Applications Open: Monday, November 16, 2026
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, January 19, 2027
• Interviews Scheduled & Conducted: March 2027
• Selected Winners Notified: April-May 2027
• New & Returning Scholar Orientation: June 2027

Have questions about the application process? You can reach out to us at inclusivefuture@afb.org or send us a message online.

Help us expand opportunities for blind students by sharing the AFB Scholars Program with your community. Whether you're a teacher, counselor, employer, or advocate, your outreach can inspire potential applicants or connect us with supporters.

Download our program flier to share via email, social media, or at local events. Together, we can support and empower these future leaders to serve as change agents in creating a more inclusive world.

AFB is also excited to provide financial support each year to students who are blind in partnership with the American Council of the Blind (ACB).

AFB provides valuable information on other organizations and universities offering scholarships, such as opportunities from the Lighthouse Guild, National Federation of the Blind (NFB), Western Michigan University, and more.