Academic Scholarships
John Weir Academic Scholarship for College-Bound Seniors with Disabilities
About the Scholarship
The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (Ann Arbor CIL) awards the annual John Weir Academic Scholarship to outstanding students with disabilities. One-time scholarships range from $200-$500.
Eligibility
- Eligible students for the John Weir Scholarship must:
- Be a high school graduating senior;
- Have a significant disability of any kind – for example, physical, visual, developmental, cognitive, hearing, learning, emotional, or other;
- Live in Washtenaw, Livingston, or Monroe County, Michigan;
- Plan to attend a 2– or 4-year college, university or a trade school; and
- Submit all application materials by Friday, April 6th, 2018.
Instructions
Complete the Online Application Form at the bottom of this page, including essays. OR download the Paper Application Form and mail your application and essays to the Ann Arbor CIL.
Provide one letter of recommendation from a teacher or a school counselor.
Mail it to: Ann Arbor CIL, John Weir Scholarship, Attn: Anna Dusbiber, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Submit all application materials by Friday, April 6th, 2018. Materials must be post-marked no later than April 6th, 2018 to be considered.
Honoring John Weir
When my brother, John Weir, acquired his spinal cord injury (SCI) in 1964, the atmosphere was different for people with disabilities than it is today. The medical field kept people alive with SCIs, but society offered little in terms of satisfying futures. John was a pioneer in many ways. His ability to inspire practical help instead of pity was one of his gifts. While in the hospital after his surgery, he graduated from Ann Arbor’s Pioneer High School. Later, he became the first severely disabled person to go to Eastern Michigan University. In 1976, he helped found the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (CIL). At the time, CILs were a new idea designed to provide resources to people who were disabled and to assist in ways that facilitated a more active life. John remained an active pioneer until his death in 1985. ~ Lou Weir
Selection Process
The John Weir Selection Committee reviews each application and interviews the top candidates. Scholarships will be awarded in Summer of 2018 in Ann Arbor. Winners are encouraged to attend with their friends and family.
Questions?
Please email at Anna Dusbiber, Ann Arbor CIL Youth Services Manager, or phone 734.971.0277 x 17
Download the application: John Weir Scholarship Application
Please type (by yourself or with the assistance of another person) your responses to each of the following questions. Please view this as an opportunity to “sell yourself” to the Selection Committee so let your personality shine through.