At The Way Forward Foundation we believe education should be accessible for all and we never want a lack of funding to prohibit wheelchair users from pursuing college or secondary education.

Our scholarships are available for individuals pursuing further education in a university, college, or trade school.

Eligible Applicants 

Individuals with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury who reside in the US. Other conditions are eligible  for our scholarship program, including (but not limited to) spina bifida, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis,  and all other conditions causing a paralysis disability. 

NOTE – meeting eligibility requirements is not a guarantee of a grant award.

Requirements: Once you have submitted an application, please email any questions to hello@wayforwardfoundation.org. Please include your first and last name in the email. 

Documents Needed for Applications

Part 1: Documentation of Paralysis
A letter on the letterhead of a treating physician or primary care provider.

Part 2: Personal Recommendation
A recommendation from a teacher, instructor or coach that can speak on how this scholarship will affect your life.
To include (not limited to) the following: What makes the applicant unique compared to other applicants? How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?

Part 3: Financial Need Statement
Provide a statement that showcases the student’s financial need for the scholarship. Provide a statement that showcases the student’s financial need for the scholarship. Statement to included but limited to the following: Please advise a forecast of how many years you have left in school. What steps have you taken to prepare for your higher education goals financially? How would receiving this scholarship impact your ability to focus on your education? Have you received other scholarships, if so which ones?

Part 4: Personal Statement
How have you demonstrated leadership in your school or community and how has this helped define who you are? What are your future plans that involve utilizing your higher education experience. Do you have any mentors or have been influenced by someone for a future goal that is relative to why you are seeking a degree in higher education? (700 word maximum)

Application Deadline: March 20, 2026 by 5:00pm EST