Morelli Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation
Overview
The Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation exists to celebrate Joseph’s memory by helping students with dyslexia pursue higher education in STEM. Through annual scholarships and a free freshman Mentorship Program, the Foundation seeks to boost confidence and provide practical support so recipients can thrive in college.
Award details
- Scholarships are granted once a year and range from $500 to $2,500.
- Historically, roughly 15–20% of applicants receive awards.
- Most Morelli Scholars take part in the Foundation’s complimentary Mentorship Program during their first year of college. The program emphasizes stress management and strategies for working smarter rather than harder; many participants describe it as crucial to their college success. A large number of first-year mentees later return as mentors. (See the Mentorship page for more information.)
Who is eligible
- Current high school students or high school graduates may apply.
- Applicants must plan to enroll in an accredited U.S. undergraduate institution, technical school, or community college in the fall. Graduate students are not eligible.
- Applicants must be pursuing a degree in a STEM discipline (science, technology, engineering, or math).
- Applicants must have a documented reading- or language-based learning disability such as dyslexia. Other learning differences (e.g., dyscalculia, dysgraphia), ADHD, or autism alone do not meet the eligibility requirement unless there is also a dyslexia diagnosis.
Documents and materials you will need
- A personal email address (please do not use a school-issued email).
- Proof of your learning challenge (for new applicants): examples include a 504 plan, an IEP, or a one-page letter from a teacher or school counselor.
- Your most recent transcript (official or unofficial) showing classes from the previous term.
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, reading specialist, or other school staff member who knows you and can speak to your learning challenge and successes. If someone will upload the recommendation on your behalf, plan ahead so they have sufficient time to do so.
If you have questions about any part of the application or required documents, consult the Foundation’s website or the Mentorship page for additional details.