Scholarship Application for College Students with Down Syndrome – Apply Now!

Scholarship Application for College Students with Down Syndrome – Apply Now!2024-02-22T20:55:16+00:00

~Are You a Student with Down Syndrome Interested in a College Scholarship?~

Welcome to our Scholarship Application Page for College Students with Down Syndrome!

The 2024 Application Window Is Open Now Through April 15!

Our goal is to help as many college students with Down syndrome as we possibly can to go for their dreams of higher education and independence!

Ready to apply? Please be sure to read the instructions carefully before filling out your application, and don’t hesitate to contact us through our website or email Liz@rubysrainbow.org with any questions. Note that Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarships range between $1,000 and $10,000 and must be utilized in full within one academic year.

NOTE for returning Rockin’ Recipients: If you will have a scholarship award balance going into the next Fall semester, please contact Catherine@rubysrainbow.org before you apply for a new scholarship. Depending on the size of your remaining balance, you may not be eligible for a new scholarship.

We absolutely love learning about all the incredible things college students with Down syndrome across the country are doing!! We look forward to hearing from and learning more about you!!

Application Instructions

(Please read carefully before starting the application process)

Please check out our Scoring Rubrics to learn more about what we are seeking in a strong Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship Application!

Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship Application Scoring Rubrics

These rubrics reflect the criteria that our Scoring Committee use to evaluate all Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship Applications.

If you have never before received a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship, check out the first rubric on the page! (This also applies to applicants who have applied for a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship in the past but were not awarded a scholarship that year!)

If you have been awarded a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship in the past, be sure to scroll down to view the second rubric on the page, which is for RE-APPLY Applicants!

You will also find videos on the Rubrics page that explain more about the scoring criteria our Scholarship Selection Committee will use to evaluate all scholarship applications!

You can also watch our presentation on “What Makes a Great Application”, that was recorded from a virtual event we hosted! We cover the application process and tips for submitting a rockin’ application!

Eligibility Requirements for Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship

Filling out a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship application indicates that the applicant meets the following criteria:

  • This grant is for individuals with Down syndrome who are at least 18 years old, or who will turn 18 by August 1 of this year.
  • The applicant has the desire and intent to enroll or continue enrollment in a post-secondary class or program that will enhance their life through employment skills, independent living or life skills, or interests in any other areas. (See more information under “Scholarship Expense Criteria” below.)
  • Applicant will provide copies of high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., certificate of completion), high school transcript if graduating in the spring of this year, or proof of acceptance to or current enrollment in a post-secondary program.
  • Individuals who have previously been awarded a Ruby’s Rainbow scholarship can apply for another scholarship as soon as the following year.

NOTE for returning Rockin’ Recipients: If you will have a remaining scholarship award balance going into the next Fall semester, please contact Catherine@rubysrainbow.org BEFORE you apply for a new scholarship. Depending on the size of your remaining balance, you may not be eligible for a new scholarship.

Scholarship Expense Criteria

  • Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship funds must be applied toward tuition at a university, community college or post-secondary institution, including institutes of technology and vocational and trade schools; this includes certificate, degree and non-degree programs. Note that program must be located within the United States.
  • Scholarship funds can be used for housing, food or transportation ONLY if these costs are already included as part of the tuition fee. Separate payments will not be made for these accommodations.
  • Up to 10% of scholarship funds awarded may be used for textbooks and other coursework-related supplies if needed. In this case, a paid receipt must be provided to Ruby’s Rainbow for reimbursement.
  • Enrichment classes in the arts qualify for funding if they are certified programs. Examples of qualifying enrichment classes include painting or film production classes or workshops. Please email Liz@rubysrainbow.org with any questions regarding qualifying enrichment classes. At this time, classes based on physical activities do not qualify for funding (such as swimming, horseback riding or dance classes).

How to Apply

Scroll down to access the online Scholarship Application below. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Liz@rubysrainbow.org with any questions you may have while reviewing the application. We are so excited to learn more about you and your journey toward higher education, and we look forward to hearing from you!!

Notification

Once you submit your application, you will receive an email confirmation of receipt. If you do not receive a confirmation, please email Liz@rubysrainbow.org to make sure your application was received.

Once the application period has closed and scholarship determinations have been made, you will receive an email or letter notification to let you know whether we were able to award you a scholarship for this year. We intend to notify all applicants by early June.

Application Checklist

Please read this checklist carefully to be sure you have provided the required materials for a complete application. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Monday, April 15, 2024, to be considered for review.

  • Completed and signed application
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Parent/Guardian Information, if applicable
  • High school diploma, transcript, certificate of completion, or other acceptable proof of enrollment/graduation status (see below for more info)
    • If applicant is still in high school, a current transcript or letter from an administrator to show enrollment and projected graduation date can be accepted. Applicants can apply while still in high school, but must be planning to graduate in the spring of the application year.
    • If applicant has graduated high school and is already enrolled in a college or other post-secondary program, a college transcript, program acceptance letter or letter from program director is acceptable in lieu of high school diploma. These DO NOT have to be official documents; copies are acceptable.
  • Applicant Essay
  • A photo of you
  • Anything you feel will help us get to know you better! (optional) Examples include: Pictures, video, artwork, poetry, etc.
  • Parent Letter (optional) – We welcome ONE family member or assisting individual to submit a letter about the applicant and their journey (in addition to the applicant’s personal essay).

Application Guidelines

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We understand you may need assistance from a parent, guardian or friend when filling out your application. Please keep in mind that we want to read your own, individual responses to the questions, so we can get a full picture of your accomplishments, goals and personality.

NOTE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS: We understand that some applicants need assistance with filling out our application. We do prefer to read applicants’ own, individual responses to the questions, so we can get a full picture of their accomplishments, goals and personalities. Once the applicant has filled out as much as possible on their own, please feel free to add information where needed, and make a note in the space provided that the applicant received assistance with that section.

Although it is not required, we highly encourage applicants to submit extra supporting materials in addition to their completed applications. Be creative!!

Video and Extra Submissions

All videos and files submitted with the application should be less than two minutes in length. YouTube links, Vimeo links or Movie files are preferred when sharing video submissions. There are instructions within the application about how to upload video files.

How to Submit Application

Once you have completed your online application and clicked Submit, it will be sent automatically to Ruby’s Rainbow for review by our scholarship review committee. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on Monday, April 15, 2024.

Apply Now!

The 2024 Scholarship Application window is open now through April 15!

** Note that when you click the Apply link below, you will be redirected to the Kaleidoscope website to start your Ruby’s Rainbow scholarship application! **

NOTE for returning Rockin’ Recipients: If you will have a scholarship award balance going into the next Fall semester, please contact Catherine@rubysrainbow.org before you apply for a new scholarship. Depending on the size of your remaining balance, you may not be eligible for a new scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I received a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship before, can I reapply this year?2023-09-06T13:21:25+00:00

Yes! If you meet our Eligibility Guidelines, you can apply for a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship, whether you have received an award from us before or not. This means you can apply again as soon as the year after you received a scholarship from us!

If I applied for a scholarship last year but did not receive one, can I apply again this year?2023-09-06T13:22:57+00:00

Yes! As long as you still meet our Eligibility Requirements (listed above), you can apply again this year for a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship. Please be sure to take a careful look at our Scoring Rubrics to make sure you are submitting the strongest possible application! This is especially important if you have applied before but were not awarded a scholarship! Our rubrics provide you with a roadmap for submitting your best possible application.

When and how will I find out if I am awarded a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship?2023-09-06T13:12:03+00:00

After each year’s application window closes in April, our Scholarship Review Committee carefully reviews all applications to select which applicants will receive a Ruby’s Rainbow scholarship. Then we contact all applicants via email or U.S. Mail by early June. If you applied but have not heard anything by mid-June, feel free to send an email to Liz@rubysrainbow.org.

If I am awarded a scholarship, how and when will I receive the funds?2019-01-12T15:19:20+00:00

With proper documentation, Ruby’s Rainbow can send the scholarship funds directly to the university or program you are attending. Applicants (or their parents/guardians) can also receive scholarship funds directly via reimbursement for tuition, books or other qualified expenses by submitting proper documentation, including paid receipts. If you are awarded a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship, we will send you more information about the proper documentation needed for tuition or other fee reimbursement.

How much money is awarded to each scholarship recipient?2023-09-06T13:14:32+00:00

Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarships range from $1,000 to $10,000 per awarded individual. We award our larger scholarships in conjunction with major supporters and businesses. (This is part of why we highly recommend submitting extra supporting materials with your application, such as videos, scans of artwork or writing, etc., to help us get to know you better! These “extras” make for stronger applications, which are more likely to be awarded larger scholarships! For more information, please check out our Scoring Rubrics before you apply!)

Please note that all scholarship funds awarded must be used within one year.

Can I apply if I am still in high school?2022-01-02T23:19:18+00:00

Yes, you can apply for a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship if you are still in high school, as long as you are at least 18 years of age, or will be by August 1 of the scholarship year, and you are planning to graduate in the spring/summer of the year in which you apply.

I need a little help filling out my application. Is that okay?2023-09-06T13:24:10+00:00

Yes! We do ask that you fill out as much of the application as you can without help, as independently as you can and to the best of your abilities. We recognize that you may need assistance from a parent, guardian or friend, but we want to read your own, individual responses so we can get a full picture of your accomplishments, goals and personality.

Once you have completed as much of the application as possible on your own, we welcome a family member or friend to add anything to your application that they feel is needed to help us get to know you better. We also welcome one family member to submit a letter, in addition to the applicant’s personal essay, if they would like to add any additional information or inspirational stories.

What do you mean when you ask me to submit Extras – “something to help us get to know you better”?2022-11-11T14:49:58+00:00

We would love to get to know you better!! You can submit photos, artwork, drawings, poems, a video of you doing something you are proud of, a personal video you made…the possibilities are endless!! We want to get clear vision of your personality, accomplishments, activities you enjoy and your future goals…so be creative!!! If you submit links to videos, please be sure they are not password-protected, so we can share them with our scholarship committee for review. Videos should be two minutes or less in length.

What do I need to include in my application for it to be complete?2022-11-11T14:51:14+00:00

For your Ruby’s Rainbow application to be considered complete, you must submit the following:

  • Completed Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship Application
  • Applicant essay
  • Parent/Guardian Information (if applicable)
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Two references
  • A copy of high school diploma, certificate of completion, or equivalent proof of enrollment in post-secondary educational program (see application for more options and details)
  • At least one photo of you
  • Other supporting materials, if desired (e.g., photos, drawings, videos, etc.)

All of the above materials must be submitted by the April deadline for your application to be reviewed. If any of the above items are missing, we will be unable to consider your application.

While videos and other extra supporting materials are not required with your application, due to the competitive nature of the application process, they are strongly recommended! We encourage you to submit something that will help us get to know you better and give us a clear vision of your personality, strengths, accomplishments and future goals. We can’t wait to receive your application and get to know you better!!

Who can I ask to write a letter of recommendation for me?2022-11-11T14:51:46+00:00

We love to hear from others about how you have inspired them or touched their lives in some way!! A few examples of people you can ask are longtime friends, teachers, employers, co-workers or religious leaders. Please ask them to keep recommendation letters to one page in length.

If I don’t have Down syndrome but I do have another developmental or intellectual disability, am I eligible to apply for a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship?2019-01-12T15:33:01+00:00

No, to be eligible for a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship, any applicant must have Down syndrome. Since Ruby, who inspired the organization, was born with Down syndrome, the organization has chosen to focus its efforts on benefitting the Down syndrome community.

Do I have to have been accepted to a postsecondary program to apply?2022-01-02T23:23:12+00:00

No, we encourage you to apply even if you are still considering postsecondary programs or courses but you haven’t been accepted to one yet. Scholarship applications received past the deadline will not be considered, so even if you are just thinking about applying to a postsecondary program, it’s best to be prepared by submitting your Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship application in a timely manner!

How do I submit my application?2022-11-11T14:53:16+00:00

You can submit your application and supporting materials online by clicking the green Apply link above. Please note that applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on the April deadline to be considered.

When is the deadline for applications?2023-09-06T13:18:20+00:00

The application window for the 2024 Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship will open on January 1, 2024. The application deadline will be Monday, April 22, 2024. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Central Time on that date; no application can be submitted for review past that deadline.

How will my Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship application be evaluated or scored?2023-09-06T13:19:34+00:00

All Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship applications are evaluated by our Scholarship Review Committee—a group of caring individuals who know the Ruby’s Rainbow mission and values very well and are committed to supporting them. The Review Committee uses the criteria detailed in our Scoring Rubrics to evaluate all applications based on five different categories: Personal, Accomplishments, Goals, Community Impact and Extras. Applicants may be awarded between 0 and 5 points in each of these categories. Please see the rubrics for more information.

When will the Ruby’s Rainbow application be available?2020-12-21T19:01:16+00:00

Applications for a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship will open in January of each new year for funds to be granted for the fall of that same year. Check our Apply page for exact dates. You can also contact Liz@rubysrainbow.org or call 512-879-7801 with any questions.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Liz@rubysrainbow.org with any questions! We look forward to hearing from you!!

Our 2023 application window is open now through Monday, April 17, 2023!

How to Apply

All documents needed to apply for a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship are included in the application links below. Please be sure to refer to the “Application Checklist” to be sure all information needed for a complete application is provided to our committee for review. Please note that any documents or information received after the application deadline will not be considered. You can also refer to the “Frequently Asked Questions” at the end of the application, and if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Liz@rubysrainbow.org for assistance.

2022 Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship Application:

(This application is for applicants who have never previously been awarded a scholarship from Ruby’s Rainbow. If you have applied in the past but not yet received a scholarship, submit this application!)

2022 Recipient Re-Apply Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship Application :

(This application is ONLY for recipients who have been awarded a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship in the past, and are applying for a new scholarship this year.) 

Go to Top