Program 01 · Education

The Scholarship Program

Awards for graduating high school seniors with disabilities in the Tampa Bay area, supporting the next chapter — college, trade school, or any post-secondary path.

Overview

Every child deserves the chance to succeed.

ACA's scholarship program exists to help graduating high school seniors with disabilities take the next step — whether that's enrollment at a university, community college, trade school, or another post-secondary pathway.

Scholarships are intended to support expenses that directly enable a student's continued education, including tuition, books, and other academic materials. The program grows with every dollar ACA raises.

Eligibility

Who can apply.

01Graduating high school senior in the Tampa Bay area (Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, or surrounding counties)
02Student with a documented disability, as understood under IDEA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
03Accepted to or enrolling in a post-secondary program — four-year university, community college, trade school, or other approved program
04Willing to complete a short application including a personal statement about educational goals

Selection Process

How scholarships are awarded.

The cycle opens

ACA announces each year's scholarship application window publicly on this site and through partner schools and community organizations.

Eligible students apply

Students who meet the criteria submit a short application — personal information, educational goals, and documentation of post-secondary acceptance.

The committee reviews

The ACA selection committee reviews each application based on eligibility, financial need, and educational goals. All reviews are confidential.

Recipients are notified privately

Recipients are contacted directly. ACA does not publish recipient names or personal details. Privacy of every student is protected.

Apply

For the next cycle.

The scholarship application process and dates for the current cycle will be posted here when the application window opens. In the meantime, if you are a student, family member, counselor, or school staff member with questions, please reach out directly.

Required Disclosures

The fine print.

Non-discrimination

American Children's Alliance does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or any other protected status. Eligibility is limited to graduating high school seniors with documented disabilities in the Tampa Bay area.

Scholarship terms

Scholarship awards are issued at the discretion of the ACA scholarship selection committee. Award amounts, award counts, and eligibility criteria may change from cycle to cycle based on available funding. Awards may be paid directly to the recipient or to the recipient's institution, at ACA's discretion.

Tax treatment

Scholarship funds used for qualified education expenses (tuition, required fees, books, supplies) are generally not taxable to the recipient under current IRS guidance. Funds used for non-qualified expenses (room and board, personal expenses) may be taxable. Recipients should consult a tax professional if needed.

Privacy

ACA protects the privacy of applicants and recipients. Personal information submitted through the scholarship application is used solely for selection purposes and is not shared with third parties except as required by law.

American Children's Alliance Inc. · Florida 501(c)(3) · EIN 99-4949990 · 100 S. Ashley Drive, Suite 600, Tampa, FL 33602