CONTACT: Tony Stephens, Assistant Vice-President, Communications 212.502.7627 | tstephens@afb.org
ARLINGTON, VA (June 10, 2025)— The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is proud to announce the first cohort of recipients in its newly launched AFB Scholars Program, which supports the next generation of blind and low vision leaders pursuing higher education.
In its first year, four outstanding students have been awarded the Lulu J. Alonso scholarship in recognition of their academic achievements, leadership potential, and commitment to creating a more inclusive world. The inaugural AFB Scholars are:
- Annika Ariel— From Santa Rosa, CA, entering her 2nd year of law school at Stanford University;
- Madeline Major— From Plymouth, MN, will enter the University of Minnesota in the fall as a freshman intending to study sociology and communications;
- Maddie Nardone— From Winston Salem, NC, pursuing a doctorate in occupational therapy at the Medical University of South Carolina;
- Joshua Olukanni— From Lawrenceville, GA, completing a M.S. in wealth management at Georgetown University.
“These extraordinary students embody the values and vision of AFB. Their academic drive, personal resilience, and dedication to academic excellence and advocacy are nothing short of inspiring,” said Eric Bridges, AFB President and CEO. “The purpose of the AFB Scholars Program is to support future leaders who will shape a world where blind and low vision individuals can excel, and we look forward to continuing to expand the program’s reach to empower more students.”
The AFB Scholars Program is part of the organization's broader mission to champion inclusion and access for people who are blind or have low vision. By investing in educational opportunities, AFB continues to break down misconceptions about blindness and foster leadership within the disability community.
Made possible through the generous support of the Alonso Scholarship Fund, the AFB Scholars Program aims to invest in today’s scholars to transform tomorrow’s world. These scholarship awards are offered in addition to AFB’s existing scholarships available through our partnership with the American Council of the Blind. For more information about the AFB Scholars Program, visit www.afb.org/scholarships.
Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind creates equal opportunities and expands possibilities for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. In addition to publishing the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), AFB is also the proud steward of the Helen Keller Archive, which is available on the AFB website at www.afb.org.
