Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities 2024

Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities 2024: If you are a student with a disability who wants to pursue higher education, you may face some challenges and barriers that can affect your academic success and career goals. However, you are not alone. There are many resources and opportunities available to help you overcome these obstacles and achieve your dreams. One of these opportunities is the Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities, a program that provides renewable scholarships to students with disabilities who are enrolled in full-time or part-time undergraduate study at an accredited U.S. college or university.

The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities was established in 2016 by Wells Fargo, a leading financial services company, in partnership with Scholarship America, a nonprofit organization that helps students access and complete higher education. The program aims to help students with disabilities obtain the education or training they need to reach their career aspirations and contribute to their communities. The program also supports Wells Fargo’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and its vision to help all customers succeed financially.

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In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities, including the eligibility requirements, application process, award amount, renewal criteria, and tips and resources. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of how this program works and how you can apply for it.

Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities 2024: Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities, you must meet the following general requirements:

You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident.
You must be a resident of the U.S. at the time of application.
You must have an identified disability, defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term or recurring condition that impacts one or more major life activities.
You must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent.
You must be a high school senior or graduate, or a current undergraduate student, who plans to enroll (or is already enrolled) in full-time or part-time undergraduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university in the U.S. for the entire academic year.
You must not have a felony conviction or a second or subsequent alcohol or drug-related misdemeanor.
You must not be in default of any federal or state student loans.

In addition to the general requirements, you must also meet one of the following academic criteria:

You must rank in the top 6% of your class at the end of the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and earn a minimum SAT score of 1200 (math and critical reading only) or a minimum ACT score of 27 (through the June test administration of your graduating year). Note: Starting from Fall 2023, the minimum ACT score will be 25.
You must earn a minimum SAT score of 1400 (math and critical reading only) or a minimum ACT score of 32 (through the June test administration of your graduating year) and a minimum cumulative GPA of 4.0 (based on the S.C. Uniform Grading Policy). Note: Starting from Fall 2023, the minimum ACT score will be 31.

Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities 2024: Application Process (How To Apply)

To apply for the Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities, you must follow these steps:

Contact your high school guidance counselor and request an application form. You can also download the application form from the Scholarship America website.
Complete the application form and submit it to your high school guidance counselor along with your official transcript, test scores, and any other required documents.
Your high school guidance counselor will verify your eligibility and rank and submit your application to Scholarship America by the deadline.
Scholarship America will review your application and notify you of your award status by mail.

There are two application periods for the Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities: early and late. The early application period is open from January 10 to April 14, 2024, and is intended for students who meet the academic criteria by the end of their 11th grade. The late application period is open from May 15 to June 30, 2024, and is intended for students who meet the academic criteria by the end of their 12th grade. You can only apply once, so choose the application period that best suits your situation.

Award Amount and Disbursement

The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities award amount is determined annually by the South Carolina General Assembly. Currently, the maximum value is $6,700 for freshmen and $7,500 for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The scholarship is divided into two equal payments per academic year and is credited to your student account to cover any tuition, fees, books, or other educational expenses. If you have any excess aid after paying your charges, you will receive a refund that you can use for any college-related expenses, such as off-campus housing.

If you are majoring in a STEM field, you may be eligible for the Palmetto Scholarship Enhancement, which provides an additional $2,500 per year starting from your sophomore year. To qualify for the enhancement, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be enrolled in an eligible STEM major or an eligible STEM-related track within an approved major. You can find a list of eligible majors and tracks on the Scholarship America website.
You must have earned at least 14 credit hours of math or life and physical science courses by the end of your freshman year.
You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn at least 30 credit hours per academic year.

To apply for the enhancement, you must complete the Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities Enhancement Form and submit it to the financial aid office of your institution by the deadline.

Renewal Criteria and Conditions

The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities can be renewed for up to four years (eight semesters) of undergraduate study, as long as you meet the following renewal criteria:

You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of each academic year.
You must earn at least 30 credit hours per academic year, or 15 credit hours per semester if you are enrolled for only one semester.
You must continue to meet the general eligibility requirements.

If you fail to meet the renewal criteria, you will lose your scholarship and you will not be able to regain it. However, you may be eligible for a one-time probationary semester if you have extenuating circumstances that prevented you from meeting the renewal criteria. To request a probationary semester, you must submit a written appeal to Scholarship America and provide supporting documentation of your circumstances.

There are some conditions that may affect your scholarship eligibility or award amount, such as:

Changing your major or institution. If you change your major or institution, you must notify Scholarship America and your financial aid office and make sure that you still meet the eligibility requirements. If you change your major from a STEM field to a non-STEM field, you will lose your enhancement and your award amount will be reduced accordingly.
Taking a gap year or a leave of absence. If you decide to take a gap year between high school and college, you must reapply for the scholarship and meet the eligibility requirements. If you take a leave of absence during college, you must notify Scholarship America and your financial aid office and request a deferment of your scholarship. You can defer your scholarship for up to two semesters for reasons such as military service, medical leave, or study abroad.
Participating in a co-op or internship program. If you participate in a co-op or internship program that is part of your curriculum, you may be eligible to receive your scholarship during that semester, as long as you are enrolled in at least six credit hours and pay tuition and fees. You must also notify Scholarship America and your financial aid office and provide proof of your participation.
Enrolling in summer courses. If you enroll in summer courses, you may be eligible to receive your scholarship during that term, as long as you are enrolled in at least 12 credit hours and pay tuition and fees. You must also notify Scholarship America and your financial aid office and request a summer disbursement of your scholarship.

Tips and Resources

The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities is a highly competitive and prestigious scholarship that can help you achieve your academic and career goals. To increase your chances of winning this scholarship, here are some tips and resources that you can use:

Start preparing early. The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities is based on your academic performance and test scores, so you should strive to excel in your coursework and prepare well for the SAT or ACT. You can use online tools, books, or tutors to help you study and practice for the tests. You should also take challenging courses, such as honors, AP, or IB, that can boost your GPA and demonstrate your academic rigor.
Get involved in your community. The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities also considers your leadership potential and community involvement, so you should participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or internships that showcase your skills and interests. You should also seek out opportunities to take on leadership roles, such as being a club officer, a team captain, or a peer mentor. You can use your resume, essay, or letters of recommendation to highlight your achievements and contributions.
Apply early and follow the instructions. The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities has a limited number of awards, so you should apply as early as possible to increase your chances of getting the scholarship. You should also follow the instructions carefully and submit all the required documents by the deadline. You should also check your email and mail regularly for any updates or notifications from Scholarship America or your institution.
Seek guidance and support. The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities application process can be complex and challenging, so you should seek guidance and support from your high school guidance counselor, your financial aid office, or Scholarship America. They can help you with any questions or issues that you may have regarding the scholarship. You can also reach out to other students or alumni who have received the scholarship and ask for their advice or feedback.

In conclusion, The Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities is a great opportunity for students with disabilities who want to pursue higher education and achieve their career aspirations. The program offers renewable scholarships, as well as an enhancement for STEM majors, to help students cover their educational expenses and reduce their financial burden. The program also supports Wells Fargo’s vision of helping all customers succeed financially and creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture.