High school seniors and college students with visual impairments now have a direct path to financial aid for the upcoming school year.
Human Services Commissioner Stephen Cha announced Tuesday that the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CBVI) is officially accepting applications for its 2026-2027 College Scholarship Program. The program, which has supported scholars for over two decades, offers five distinct scholarships with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
The initiative aims to remove the financial barriers that often hinder students with disabilities from pursuing higher education.
“These scholarships offer financial assistance to ensure that individuals with visual impairments can achieve their academic and professional aspirations,” Cha said. “Higher education is a gateway to endless possibilities, and it’s crucial that everyone, regardless of visual ability, has the chance to explore all that it has to offer.”
Each scholarship is tailored to different academic paths and personal achievements. All applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 and be active or eligible CBVI clients.
| Scholarship Name | Amount | Focus Area / Primary Criteria |
| Mary Louise Buckley | $5,000 | Majors in Health Services or Communications. |
| Cathy and Herb Bodensiek | $2,500 | Majors in STEM or Business Administration. |
| Sarah J. Churchill | $1,000 | Focus on Volunteerism and charitable causes. |
| Nathan & Sally Rogoff | $1,000 | General Academic Excellence. |
| Caroline Rose Foster | $1,000 | Focus on Independence and Self-Determination. |
The deadline for all applications and supporting documentation is April 30.
- Eligibility: Open to high school seniors and current college students attending a qualified U.S. institution in Fall 2026.
- Submission: Applications must be submitted online or emailed to CBVI.Scholarship@dhs.nj.gov.
- Language Access: Applicants can request instructions and forms in Spanish via the email address above.
“Education should be accessible to everyone,” Deputy Commissioner Kaylee McGuire added. “Beyond financial aid, these scholarships recognize and celebrate the remarkable talents and achievements of students with visual impairments.”
