It’s back to school time! If you’re like me, you’re spending every spare moment hunting for extra scholarship money, anywhere you can find it. During my personal hunt, I’ve come across a few scholarships that are either specifically for people with mental illness, people with any disability including mental illness, or essay subjects for which mental illness would be an excellent topic. Here are the links and a brief description for each if you want to apply this year or next!

Baer Reintegration Scholarship: For students diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder, are currently in medical treatment, and are actively involved in rehabilitative or reintegration efforts (defined as part- or full-time employment, volunteer efforts, school enrollment, or clubhouse membership). Applications accepted October through January.

Charles A. Olayinka Memorial Scholarship: For students diagnosed with bipolar disorder who are under the care of a licensed mental health professional. Deadline for this year has passed, but mark your calendars to check back in May next year!                                                                       

FitSmallBusiness.com “Business Plan” Scholarship for Students with Disabilities: For students with any type of disability, including psychiatric conditions. Deadline December 4, 2015.

disABLEDperson, Inc. National Scholarship Competition for College Students with Disabilities: For students with any disability as defined by the ADA. Deadline for this year has passed, but mark your calendars to check back in January!

I Define Success Scholarship: For any student enrolled in an institution of higher education. I think talking about mental illness would be a great jumping off point for this essay contest!Deadline August 15!

Do you know of any other scholarships for students with mental illness? Comment below any that you know!

By Kate Fitch, CMWN Volunteer

Scholarships for People with Mental Illness