UCT Charities Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by United Commercial Travelers of America

Overview

The UCT Charities Scholarship Program awards financial support to students and teachers pursuing college degrees or certifications to work with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The program is administered by UCT Charities and focuses on education and training that directly benefits this population. Scholarships reimburse eligible expenses such as tuition, registration, and textbooks. Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria and demonstrate financial need.

Description: A scholarship and reimbursement program supporting education and certification for professionals serving people with intellectual disabilities.

History of the Award: UCT Charities established the program to continue long-term support for education and professional development focused on intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Supports teachers and students focused on intellectual disabilities.
• Provides reimbursement for course-related costs.
• Administered by UCT Charities to maintain ongoing support.

Assistance Qualifications

The program defines specific eligibility categories for recipients, emphasizing preparation to teach or directly serve people with intellectual disabilities. Eligible candidates include current or prospective teachers, undergraduate and graduate students in special education, and trainees in structured vocational or recreation instructor programs. Applicants must plan to work with people with intellectual disabilities in the United States or Canada and demonstrate financial need. Candidates focusing on other special education areas are not eligible.

Eligibility: Includes certified or prospective teachers, undergraduates and graduates in special education with a focus on intellectual disabilities, and trainees in related vocational programs; must demonstrate need and plan to serve in the U.S. or Canada.

• Multiple specific education and certification pathways qualify.
• Service to people with intellectual disabilities in the U.S. or Canada is required.
• Financial need must be demonstrated.

Application Procedure

Prospective applicants should request an application directly from UCT Charities by phone or email and complete the form according to instructions. Initial applicants must include a typed résumé detailing relevant work experience and coursework in special education with an emphasis on intellectual disabilities. Contact information for requests is provided by UCT Charities. Complete and accurate submission of required materials is necessary for consideration.

Application Materials: Request the application from UCT Charities and submit a completed form plus a typed résumé of relevant work experience and coursework.

• Request the application by contacting UCT Charities.
• Include a résumé of special education experience and coursework.
• Provide truthful and complete information on the application.

Application Submission

After obtaining the application, applicants must answer all questions and return the completed packet along with any requested documentation to UCT Charities. Applications are reviewed monthly, and applicants are notified by mail of the decision. The program indicates applicants should allow approximately two months for distribution of scholarship assistance following approval. Timely and complete submission helps avoid processing delays.

Application Timeline: Monthly review cycle; allow about two months for distribution of funds after approval.

• Submit a complete application with requested documentation.
• Applications reviewed monthly; notifications are sent by mail.
• Expect roughly two months for funds to be distributed after approval.

Assistance Approval

Approved awards are granted based on the review of submitted applications and supporting documentation. The program provides reimbursement for eligible expenses—registration fees, tuition, and textbooks—upon receipt of documentation showing the applicant has registered and paid for qualifying courses. Individual awards may not exceed $2,500 in any calendar year. All applicants are notified by mail regarding the action taken on their application.

Award Value: Grants are reimbursements up to $2,500 per applicant per calendar year for registration, tuition, and textbooks only.

• Awards are reimbursements, not upfront scholarships.
• Maximum reimbursement is $2,500 per calendar year.
• Payment requires documentation of registration and payment for qualifying courses.

Application Summary

The application process follows a clear sequence: request information, complete and return the application with required résumé and documentation, then await notification by mail. UCT Charities reviews applications monthly and communicates decisions to applicants in writing. Applicants should ensure they meet eligibility criteria and provide all requested materials to facilitate timely review and payment. Following these steps helps ensure consideration for available funds.

Steps to Apply: Request application, complete and return it with résumé and supporting documents, then await mailed notification of the decision.

• Request the scholarship application from UCT Charities.
• Complete the application and include a résumé of relevant experience and coursework.
• Await mailed notification; follow instructions for reimbursement if approved.