2013 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 $50-$450. One candidate receives a $500 scholarship with an opportunity to receive three additional $500 scholarships as s/he progresses through college and meets certain eligibility criteria.
Eligibility
Eligible students for the John Weir Scholarship must:
- Be a high school senior graduating with the class of 2013;
- 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, February 15, 2013
Instructions
- Complete the Online Application Form on the next 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 Gossage, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
- Submit all application materials by Friday, February 15, 2013. Materials must be post-marked no later than February 15, 2013 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 on the basis of academic and community service accomplishments. Top candidates are interviewed in late February and early March. Scholarships will be awarded in Spring of 2013 in Ann Arbor. Winners are encouraged to attend with their friends and family.
Questions?
Please contact Anna Dusbiber Gossage, Ann Arbor CIL Youth Program Manager, at
(734) 971-0277 x 17 or anna@aacil.org