Microsoft Disability Scholarship
Delivering on the mission of the Microsoft cross disability employee resource group to empower and enable people with disabilities.
Scholarship eligibility
This scholarship will be awarded to promising high school seniors with disabilities who plan to attend a vocational or academic college and target a career in the technology industry. The scholarships are renewable – each winner who continues to meet the criteria is eligible to receive an annual award of $5,000 for up to four (4) consecutive years for a potential total $20,000 scholarship.
Requirements
To be considered for the Microsoft Disability Scholarship, you must:
- Be a current high school senior living with a disability (as defined by WHO), whether that be visual, hearing, mobility, cognitive, speech or other disability.
- Plan to attend an undergraduate program in a 2 or 4-year University/College or Technical College in the fall of the academic year following high-school graduation. Schools must be in the USA or have a USA-Affiliate for financial transactions (contact Seattle Foundation to verify non-USA school’s eligibility).
- Declare an approved major in engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, business, or a related field (e.g. paralegal, pre-law, finance, business administration, or marketing).
- Demonstrate a passion for technology.
- Demonstrate leadership at school and/or in the community.
- Have a high school cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Require financial assistance to attend college.
- Enrollment status must be full-time or half-time.
How to apply
To apply for a Microsoft Disability Scholarship, you will be required to submit the following items:
Résumé. Your résumé should include the following information:
—Extracurricular activities (school and community related)
—Honors and awards that you have received (if possible, include awards that are technology related)
—Work experience
Transcript. Include an unofficial copy of your current academic transcript. (If selected as a finalist, applicant will need to provide the Seattle Foundation with official versions.)
Three essays.
—In no more than 500 words, describe how you plan to be engaged in the technology industry or technology law or policy in your career.
—In no more than 500 words, please share your vision of how Microsoft can innovate its future devices and services solutions to creatively & successfully support those living with disabilities in the workplace and in daily life to reach their potential.
—In no more than 250 words, describe your financial need for this scholarship, include personal financial impact of disability accommodations if any.
Two letters of recommendation. At least one letter must be from a faculty or staff member at your school. Letters of recommendation should be original and should not be duplicates of college recommendation letters. Do not include relatives as references.
The 2022 scholarship application process is now closed, please visit this site in the fall for the 2023 scholarship application cycle. For questions, please email disscholarshipinfo@microsoft.com
Please note, emailed or mailed scholarship applications will not be accepted.
Frequently asked questions
No, all high school students living with a disability with a financial need are encouraged to apply.
Not necessarily. You must attend a school either in the USA or the school you attend must have a US-affiliate for financial transactions (contact scholarships@seattlefoundation.org to verify non-USA schools’ eligibility.)
Yes, as long as your undergraduate program meets the eligibility requirements.
No, all materials must be submitted through the online application link.
Yes, award recipients will receive $5,000 per school year, up to $20,000 total award.
Not at this time. As the Fund grows, Microsoft reserves the right to make to develop such programs.
