The Jan La Belle Scholarship Program

The Jan La Belle Scholarship Program was established in 2009 to provide a financial resource to individuals with disabilities who desire to pursue their personal and career goals through attendance at a postsecondary institution.

The 2014 application period begins
September 15, and continues until November 15, 2013.

One or more Jan La Belle Scholarship winners are selected annually for a total possible non-renewable award of up to $15,000. Award amounts are based on several factors, including available funds and number of eligible applicants. The Jan La Belle Scholarship offers the following two application options for individuals with disabilities.

Option A – Academic (Standard Diploma)

·     Meeting of all Florida FCAT standards or approved Disability Portfolio;**

·     Community service leadership or involvement; and

·     Receipt of any other scholarship awards.

Option B – Career or Trade Skill Development

·     Accomplishments in field of interest;

·     Community service leadership or involvement; and

·     Receipt of any other scholarship awards.

Award Restrictions

·     A 2.5 GPA must be maintained at a post-secondary institution during the period of the scholarship award.

·     No criminal activity, arrests or convictions may occur.

·     Acceptable attendance must be maintained.

**In lieu of Florida FCAT scores, applicants may submit an alternative method (disability portfolio) that provides evidence of meeting state academic standards. This portfolio includes a sampling of artifacts or materials (i.e., personal achievements, work samples, other assessment results, letters by school or district officials, report cards, progress reports, Individualized Education Plans (IEP), etc.) that represent the applicant’s successful advancement through grade levels.

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

·     Applicant must be an individual with a disability.

·     Applicant must be a Florida resident.

·     Applicant must be an individual 16 to 24 years of age who is entering as a first time student at any institution of higher learning, whether academic or vocational.

Eligible applicants must also provide the following documents:

·     Two letters of reference from someone other than a family member, relative, or personal friend. Suggestions include: a current or former teacher, employer, etc. The content of the letters should address your commitment to learning, personal or professional advancement, and service;

·     Verification of Disability Form (form is attached as part of this application);

·     High School Transcript; and

·     Proof of accomplishments, including in field of interest, such as certificates, awards, letters of commendation, postsecondary acceptance letters, etc.

If applying for Option A, applicants must also provide:

·     Standardized Test Scores or approved Disability Portfolio

Notification Procedures for 2014:

Applicants will be notified of their award status no later than March 30, 2014.  Award winners must complete and return an acceptance form no later than 60 days after notification of award. Failure to return the acceptance form by this date will result in forfeiture of the award.