California Association for Postsecondary Education and Disability
CAPED Scholarships
Investing in the educational journeys of students with disabilities since 1982.
CAPED scholarships recognize achievement, reduce barriers, and support students as they pursue their academic, professional, and personal goals.
Applications are open each year from May 1 through August 31 at 11:59 p.m.
Can I apply?
Most applicants must meet the following requirements.
- Be currently enrolled at a California college or university.
- Participate in the school’s disability support program or office.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 as an undergraduate student or 3.0 as a graduate student.
- Have completed at least 6 semester units or 8 quarter units as an undergraduate student.
- Have completed at least 3 semester units or 4 quarter units as a graduate student.
- Plan to enroll in classes at a California college or university during the upcoming fall term.
- Have not received a CAPED scholarship award within the past two years.
- Be able to provide an unofficial transcript.
- Be able to provide a recent accommodation letter from the current academic year or the CAPED disability accommodation form.
Some scholarships have additional requirements, including higher GPA standards or specific areas of study.
What will I need?
Prepare these materials before you begin the application.
Contact Information
Include the mailing address where an award should be sent if you are selected.
Application Narrative
Prepare one narrative between 750 and 1,000 words.
You may upload a Word document or paste the narrative directly into the application.
Alternative formats, including video submissions, are welcome.
Unofficial Transcript
Your transcript must show completed units and cumulative GPA.
Letter of Support
Provide a letter from an institutional representative.
Disability Support Documentation
Provide a current accommodation letter or the CAPED disability accommodation form.
Narrative Prompt
Describe your educational journey, your connection to disability, and how receiving a CAPED scholarship would support your academic, professional, or personal goals.
You may include:
- Your current program of study and educational goals
- Experiences related to disability
- Challenges you have navigated
- Strengths you bring
- How the scholarship would reduce barriers or expand opportunities
The current application uses Google Forms and requires a Google account for document uploads.
How does the application process work?
Applicants may submit up to two applications but may only be selected for one scholarship.
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May 1
Applications open
Students may begin submitting scholarship applications.
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August 31
Applications close
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m.
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After the deadline
Applications are reviewed
The CAPED Scholarship Review Committee evaluates GPA, the application narrative, and the letter of support using a consistent review process.
Incomplete applications are automatically disqualified.
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Early October
Applicants are notified
Recipients and applicants who are not selected are notified by email.
There is no appeal process.
Which scholarship is right for me?
Review the scholarship descriptions and choose the opportunities that best match your goals and eligibility.
$1,000
Dick Griffiths Memorial Scholarship
For students with a learning disability in math.
$1,000
Susan Bunch Memorial Scholarship
For students with a documented learning disability who are pursuing a degree program. Certificate-only programs are not eligible.
Up to $500 in technology support
Access Technology Scholarship
For students who use assistive technology to access college courses.
$1,000
Walter Young Memorial Scholarship
For students who are blind or visually impaired and pursuing a degree at a California college or university.
$500
Amber Perez Memorial Scholarship
For students participating in postsecondary education who have an intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or are Regional Center clients.
$1,000
College Access & Success Scholarship
For students with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or Regional Center connections who are building career skills through college or university classes.
$1,500
CAPED Excellence Scholarship
For students who demonstrate high academic achievement and community involvement.
Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.5
$1,500
Steve Fasteau Past Presidents’ Scholarship
For students who demonstrate leadership and dedication to advancing disability access.
Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.5
$1,000
CAPED Memorial Scholarship
For students with strong academic performance.
Minimum cumulative GPA: 3.0
$1,000
Betty Bacon Memorial Scholarship
For students who will attend a four-year college or university during the fall term.
$500
Counseling and Career Development Scholarship
For students pursuing careers in counseling or disability-related fields, including psychology, social work, and rehabilitation counseling.
$1,000
Alyssa McCroskey Memorial Scholarship
For students making a positive difference in the lives of others experiencing mental health challenges.
Help expand educational opportunity.
Scholarship donations help students with disabilities continue their education, reduce financial pressure, and pursue academic, professional, and personal goals.
Ready to take the next step?
Review the requirements, prepare your materials, and begin your CAPED scholarship application.