CAPED Scholarship Application
Open from May 1st to August 31st, 11:59pm
Welcome! The California Association for Post-Secondary Education and Disability (CAPED) has proudly offered scholarships to students with disabilities in post secondary education since 1982.
Scholarship applications are available online May 1st to August 31st.
Before You Begin
Confirm that you meet general eligibility requirements:
- You are currently enrolled at a California college or university and participate in your school’s disability support program or office. You may submit either a recent accommodation letter from the current academic year or the CAPED disability accommodation form.
- You have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 as an undergraduate student or 3.0 as a graduate student. Review the scholarship descriptions below for additional eligibility alerts, including some scholarships that require a higher GPA.
- You have completed at least 6 semester units or 8 quarter units as an undergraduate student, or 3 semester units or 4 quarter units as a graduate student. Unofficial transcripts are required to verify completed units and cumulative GPA.
- You will be enrolled in classes at a California college or university during the upcoming fall term. Proof of enrollment will be required, if selected for an award.
- You have not received a CAPED scholarship award within the past two years.
Please review the scholarship descriptions below:
- Meet CAPED general eligibility requirements
- Submit a Disability Verification Form
- Submit a letter of support
- Provide enrollment verification, if selected
For students with a learning disability in math.
For students with a documented learning disability pursuing a degree program (certificate-only programs are not eligible).
For students using assistive technology to access college courses.
For students who are blind or visually impaired and pursuing a degree at a California college or university.
For students participating in postsecondary education.
For students building career skills through college or university classes.
For students demonstrating high academic achievement and community involvement. (Minimum GPA: 3.5)
For students showing leadership and dedication to advancing disability access. (Minimum GPA: 3.5)
For students with strong academic performance. (Minimum GPA: 3.0)
For students attending a 4-year college or university in the fall term.
For students pursuing careers in counseling or disability-related fields (e.g., psychology, social work, rehabilitation counseling).
For students making a positive difference in the lives of others experiencing mental health challenges.
- Have a Gmail email address to apply and upload required documents
- Don't currently have a gmail account? Here's how to set one up! {LINK HERE}
- Or, come to open Friday office hours on May 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th from 10am - 12noon. August dates coming soon.
- Your contact information, including the mailing address where the award will be sent
- One application narrative. You may upload a Word document or paste your response directly into the application. Responses should be 750–1000 words. Alternative formats such as a video submission are welcome.
Scholarship Application Narrative
Please respond to the following prompt in 750–1000 words.
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 (your own, your family’s, or your advocacy/work in disability access)
- Challenges you have navigated and strengths you bring
- How this scholarship would reduce barriers or expand opportunities for you
There is no single “right” approach. We value authentic stories, clear goals, and thoughtful reflection.
- Unofficial transcript
- Letter of support from an institutional representative
- Accommodation letter or verification of disability
Start Your Application
When you're ready, begin the application using the button below.
What Happens Next
After you submit your application, CAPED reviewers will evaluate materials using a consistent review process. Applicants will be notified after the review period, and a general timeline will be included in the confirmation message.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply for CAPED Scholarships?
Applications open online on May 1st and are accepted through August 31st.
When is the scholarship application due?
The deadline is August 31st at 11:59pm PST. Deadline extensions are not available. Applicants are encouraged to submit early. Technical support for submission issues will not be provided outside of regular business hours.
Where can I review the general eligibility requirements?
Most college students who participate in their school’s disability or access support office will be eligible. Students must plan to enroll in the upcoming fall term and meet the minimum required unit thresholds.
Where can I review scholarship descriptions?
CAPED offers 11 scholarships. All applicants must meet the general eligibility requirements, and some scholarships also have additional requirements listed in the application.
Where can I find the scholarship application instructions?
What happens after I submit my application?
Applications are reviewed by the CAPED Scholarship Review Committee. Scholarship recipients are typically notified at the beginning of October.
Applicants who are not selected will also be notified by email in October. There is no appeal process, and additional inquiries regarding award decisions will not be addressed.
Can I apply if I am a high school senior?
Applicants must have completed at least 6 undergraduate semester units or 8 quarter units at a public or private California college or university.
Can I apply for more than one CAPED scholarship?
You may apply for up to 3 scholarships. If selected, you may only receive 1 scholarship award. Only 1 Scholarship Application is needed to apply for multiple scholarships.
How do I know if I qualify as a student with a disability?
Any student with a verified disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as defined in the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, who is enrolled in an accredited California university, community college, or private college may apply.
Applicants must also participate in their campus Disability or Accessibility Support Program and meet the scholarship-specific requirements for the award they are applying for.
What disability verification do I need to submit?
A Disability Certification Form must be completed by your campus Disability or Accessibility Support Program and attached to your application.
Note: Students may submit a recent accommodation letter from the current academic year or the CAPED disability accommodation form.
What should the letter of recommendation include?
The letter of recommendation must be written by a college instructor or professor and should describe your academic achievements and your ability to meet scholastic responsibilities. The letter must be signed. Electronic signatures are accepted.
Note: Letters of recommendation cannot be accepted by email. They must be attached to the application.
How will my application be evaluated?
Applications are evaluated using a combination of GPA, essays, and letter of recommendation. Failure to complete any required part of the application will result in automatic disqualification.
