Kenneth Tiede Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by National Federation of the Blind Kansas
Overview
The National Federation of the Blind of Kansas annually awards scholarships to academically meritorious blind students in Kansas. Awards are based on academic excellence, community service, and financial need and are presented at the state convention. The 2026 convention will be held at Holiday Inn & Suites Overland Park-West, 8787 Reeder St., Overland Park, KS, from November 13–15, 2026. Applicants may include college, vocational, or technical school students.
Description: Scholarships recognize high-achieving blind students who demonstrate service and need, and winners are announced during the state convention.
Award Value: Up to $3,500 will be awarded this year, with the largest single award being $1,500.
- Annual scholarships for blind students in Kansas
- Awards consider academics, service, and financial need
- Presentation at the state convention in November 2026
- Total awards up to $3,500; largest award $1,500
Eligibility
Applicants must be legally blind and either reside in Kansas or attend a Kansas school. Candidates should be pursuing or planning to pursue full-time post-secondary study in 2027 at an accredited college, university, or trade school; one scholarship may be awarded to a part-time student who is employed. A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required. Proof of blindness and enrollment status are part of the application requirements.
Eligibility: Legally blind in both eyes with best correction; Kansas resident or attending a Kansas school; full-time post-secondary study in 2027 (limited part-time exception); GPA 2.50 or greater.
- Legal blindness required
- Kansas residency or attendance at a Kansas institution
- Full-time post-secondary enrollment in 2027 (exceptions possible)
- Minimum GPA 2.50
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the online application and submit supporting documents to be considered. The application requires answers to all questions; enter N/A where a question does not apply. Essays should address the topic "You," be no longer than 800 words, and explain what sets the applicant apart, how they handle blindness, and their qualifications for the scholarship. One letter of recommendation and a current transcript must also be provided.
Application Requirements: Completed application, proof of legal blindness, current transcript, personal essay (<=800 words, topic: "You"), one non-family recommendation letter, and proof of acceptance for incoming freshmen or first-term graduate students.
- Complete the online application and answer all questions
- Personal essay focused on the applicant ("You") limited to 800 words
- One recommendation letter from a qualified non-family individual
- Proof of acceptance required for incoming students
Submission and Interview
After submitting the online application, gather and email required documents to the scholarship committee. Documents from recommenders or professionals may be sent directly to the committee; please include your name and a short description of the document in the email subject line (for example, "John Doe Recommendation Letter"). Send materials to [email protected]. Applicants must complete an interview with an NFB of Kansas designee; contact Anna Fuller at (785) 691-7454 to schedule the interview after the submission deadline has passed.
Interview: An interview with an NFB of KS designee is required; scheduling is coordinated with the scholarship committee chair.
- Email documents to [email protected] with clear subject lines
- Third parties may send materials directly to the committee
- Schedule an interview with Anna Fuller at (785) 691-7454
- Applicants receive a copy of their submitted online application
Timeline, Deadline, and Finalists
The online application portal closes at 11:59 PM CDT on the published October deadline; mailed applications should be postmarked no later than that date. All finalists will be notified by telephone no later than November 3, 2026. Finalists are required to participate in the entire convention and any scheduled scholarship program activities. Decisions of the Scholarship Committee are final.
Application Timeline: Online submissions due by 11:59 PM CDT on the October deadline; mailed materials must be postmarked by that date; finalist notifications by November 3, 2026; winners announced at the November convention.
- Observe the October application deadline (online: 11:59 PM CDT)
- Mailed applications must be postmarked by the deadline
- Finalists notified by phone no later than November 3, 2026
- Finalists must attend the full convention and scholarship events
Re-application
Students who have applied previously are strongly encouraged to apply again. Re-applicants should update all materials, including transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters, to reflect current accomplishments and goals. Continuing applicants remain eligible and will be considered alongside new applicants. Submit updated documentation following the standard submission process.
History of the Award: The scholarship is an annual program offered by the National Federation of the Blind of Kansas to support blind students pursuing post-secondary education.
- Previous applicants are encouraged to re-apply
- Provide updated transcripts and supporting documents
- Re-applicants are evaluated with all other applicants