The two most prominent grants for students with ADD/ADHD entering college are the Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Scholarship (for those with learning disorders) and the Focus on Your Possibilities Scholarship (for those with ADD specifically). The Anne Ford and Allegra Ford Scholarship is provided through the National Center for Learning Disabilities, Inc., and rewards two high school seniors each year with $10,000 to use for college expenses. The scholarship is granted to students who show remarkable self-reflection and a willingness to be spokespersons for their learning disability. The Focus on Your Possibilities Scholarship is a $5,000 scholarship presented to 21 individuals each year by the Eli Lilly Company; however, the award is intended for adults (over the age of 25) with ADD/ADHD who wish to pursue higher education.
Scholarships for students with ADD/ADHD can be rare and very difficult to find. Even the most popular and prestigious award, the Anne Ford Scholarship, is only give to two high school students per year. Students with these learning disabilities might want to pursue other opportunities and resources.
Instead of struggling to find the handful of scholarships that apply strictly to graduating seniors who have ADD/ADHD, try expanding the search. Attention-Deficit Disorder qualifies under the much broader category of learning disability. Many colleges, associations and foundations provide financial aid to students for a variety of learning disabilities, including ADD.
The Learning Disabilities Association of America is a large organization that provides multitudes of resources to Americans with learning disabilities. Every state in the U.S. has a chapter of LDA. Many states offer special scholarships for students entering college; most noteworthy, the Iowa chapter provides financial aid and Arkansas hosts the Ralph G. Norman Scholarship.
The National Center for Learning Disabilities is a great place to start when looking for information and assistance with ADD and other learning disabilities. The Center awards money to teachers and schools who have demonstrated excellence in education (in addition to sponsoring the Anne Ford Scholarship for students), and also provides tips for studying and organization. The Council for Exceptional Children is another important community for families who have children with learning disabilities. The CEC website (linked below) has more information about scholarships named above and also provides special opportunities to members.