James F. Reville Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by The Arc New York

Overview

The Arc New York awards scholarships annually to support students pursuing careers that serve people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. The program focuses on candidates in special education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and related fields, as well as individuals who contribute significantly to the field. Awards are intended to reduce financial barriers for full-time students enrolled in eligible education programs. The scholarship program emphasizes evidence of commitment and formal enrollment in relevant programs.

Description: Two scholarships are presented each year to students accepted or enrolled in full-time education programs related to intellectual or other developmental disabilities. Recipients are selected based on alignment with the program’s goals and documented enrollment status.

• Annual scholarships target education and clinical disciplines serving developmental disabilities.
• Recipients must be enrolled full time in an eligible program.
• The program supports demonstrated commitment to improving services for people with developmental disabilities.

Award Details

Two scholarships of $3,000 each are awarded annually. Payments are distributed as reimbursements for eligible expenses, with up to $1,500 available per semester while the student remains enrolled. Distributions are made via direct deposit and must be requested with proof of full-time status and eligible expenses. Funds must be claimed within four years of the award date.

Award Value: Each scholarship is $3,000, disbursed in installments not to exceed $1,500 per semester and provided as reimbursement for documented expenses.

• Each scholarship totals $3,000.
• Payments are reimbursements and require documentation.
• Maximum distribution is $1,500 per semester while enrolled.
• Funds must be claimed within four years of the award.

Eligibility

Applicants must be accepted into or enrolled in a full-time degree program related to intellectual or other developmental disabilities at the time of application. Applicants must also be residents of New York State. Current recipients of other scholarships from The Arc New York are ineligible to apply for additional scholarships under this program. Eligibility focuses on enrollment status and residency rather than specific institutions.

Eligibility: Candidates must be New York State residents and accepted into a relevant full-time degree program; current Arc New York scholarship recipients may not apply.

• Must be a New York State resident.
• Must be accepted into or enrolled in a full-time relevant program.
• Current Arc New York scholarship recipients are ineligible.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a completed application and one signed letter of recommendation from an academic instructor. The recommendation must be written specifically for this scholarship application, on official college or education program letterhead, and signed by the instructor. Letters that do not meet these criteria will not be considered. The application packet should be complete and comply with the stated documentation requirements to be eligible for review.

Application Requirements: A completed application plus one signed academic recommendation on college/education program letterhead written specifically for this scholarship are required.

• Submit a completed application.
• Include one signed academic recommendation on official letterhead.
• Letters not meeting format or authorship requirements will be excluded.

History of the Award

The scholarship honors James F. Reville for his long-standing leadership and advocacy on behalf of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Mr. Reville served as President of The Arc New York from 1965 to 1969 and previously led the Welfare League chapter. He was a long-time board member and chaired the national association’s Ways and Means Committee. In 1970 he received gubernatorial appointments to the Advisory Council on Mental Retardation Facilities and the Developmental Disabilities Council.

History of the Award: Named for James F. Reville, the scholarship recognizes his leadership roles within The Arc New York and his statewide appointments advancing services for people with developmental disabilities.

• Named in honor of James F. Reville’s leadership and advocacy.
• Reville served as The Arc New York President (1965–1969) and held other leadership roles.
• He received state appointments related to developmental disabilities in 1970.