Defining the Disability Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice & Injury Lawyers
Description
The Defining the Disability Scholarship is a college-assistance award offered by Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice and Injury Lawyers to support students living with disabilities. The scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers and encourage students not to abandon their academic goals because of disability-related challenges. Applicants are asked to reflect on evolving definitions of disability and to explain how disability has affected their lives or the lives of people they know. This award is part of the firm’s broader commitment to community service and access to education.
Key takeaways:
- Scholarship offered by Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice and Injury Lawyers to help students with disabilities pay for college.
- Applicants must reflect on disability beyond the traditional medical model.
- Focus is on lowering financial obstacles and supporting educational goals.
- Part of the firm’s community giving efforts.
Eligibility
Applicants must be U.S. legal residents living in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia and must be current high school seniors, vocational students, college students, or graduate students. Eligible applicants must be enrolled (or accepted and planning to enroll) in a vocational program or a two- to four-year post‑secondary institution for the Fall 2026 semester. Candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing. Employees of Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice & Injury Lawyers, their immediate family members (parent, child, sibling, spouse), and household members of such employees are explicitly ineligible.
Key takeaways:
- Open to U.S. residents (50 states + D.C.) who are HS seniors, vocational, college, or graduate students.
- Must be enrolled in a vocational or 2–4 year postsecondary program for Fall 2026.
- Minimum GPA requirement: 3.0 and in good academic standing.
- Employees, immediate family, and household members of the firm are excluded.
Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the scholarship application form and supply a professional résumé outlining academic and work experience. A school transcript is required; first-year college students, graduate students, and recent transfers may submit an unofficial current transcript plus the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school applicants who are seniors should provide proof of acceptance to their intended college or university. Ensure all documents are complete and legible when submitting.
Key takeaways:
- Complete the official application form and include a professional résumé.
- Provide current school transcript; special provisions for first-year/transfer students.
- High school seniors may submit proof of college acceptance instead of a college transcript.
- Submit clear, complete documentation.
Essay Prompt and AI Policy
Applicants must submit a 750–1,000-word essay addressing the prompt: How can disability be defined in today’s world as opposed to its traditional medical definition? Essays should explore the applicant’s personal perspective on what disability means and describe how disability has affected their life or the life of someone they know. All essays will be evaluated for originality; use of AI-generated content is prohibited. Any submission found to contain AI-assisted writing will be disqualified.
Key takeaways:
- Essay length: 750–1,000 words.
- Prompt: Compare contemporary definitions of disability with traditional medical definitions and reflect on personal impact.
- Essays must be original and written by the applicant.
- AI-generated or AI-assisted essays will result in disqualification.
Selection Preferences and Notes
While the specific selection process and award amount are not stated in the provided materials, the scholarship indicates a selection preference for students who are from or attending secondary school in the state. Applicants should assume that academic standing, completeness of application materials, and the strength and originality of the essay will influence decisions. Because some logistical details are not provided here, applicants should verify all requirements and any deadlines on the official scholarship page before applying.
Key takeaways:
- Preference given to students from or attending secondary school in the state.
- Complete applications and a strong, original essay are likely important to selection.
- Applicants should confirm award amount, deadlines, and final criteria on the official page.
Sponsor background
Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice and Injury Lawyers created this scholarship as part of their mission to support individuals facing the day‑to‑day challenges of disabilities. The firm recognizes that disability is more than a medical diagnosis and seeks to empower students who strive to continue their education despite obstacles. This scholarship reflects the firm’s commitment to giving back and ensuring equitable access to higher education for students with disabilities.
Key takeaways:
- Scholarship sponsored by Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice and Injury Lawyers.
- Emphasizes disability as a social and lived experience, not solely a medical label.
- Intends to support educational access and community empowerment for students with disabilities.
- Reflects the firm’s ongoing community giving priorities.
Where to get more information
The summary above covers the scholarship’s purpose, core eligibility, application components, and essay requirements based on the provided text. Specific details not included here—such as award amount, application deadline, submission portal, and notification timeline—are not provided in the source material. Visit the official scholarship webpage or contact the sponsor directly to confirm those items before submitting your application.
Key takeaways:
- This document summarizes available details but lacks certain logistical facts.
- Confirm award amount, deadlines, and submission instructions on the official page.
- Contact the sponsor directly for clarifications if needed.