The Microsoft Disability Scholarship Program is a collaborative effort between The Seattle Foundation and the Disability at Microsoft Inclusion Network. Designed to support high school seniors with disabilities, this program facilitates the pursuit of higher education in fields related to technology, business, and law. The program reflects Microsoft's broader commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion, particularly in the technology industry, by empowering students who face unique challenges to succeed in their academic and professional journeys.
This scholarship is administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest manager of education support programs. Applicants must be current high school seniors planning to enroll either full-time or half-time in undergraduate studies at accredited U.S. institutions, including two-year colleges, four-year universities, and vocational-technical schools. Eligible fields of study include Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Law, Business, and related majors such as Finance, Pre-Law, Business Administration, Paralegal, and Marketing. A demonstrated passion for technology, leadership experience, financial need, and a minimum GPA of 2.5 are required. International students may apply if they are enrolling in a U.S.-based institution. Microsoft employees and their children are ineligible.
The program awards up to 11 scholarships annually, each valued at $5,000. These awards are renewable for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is obtained, contingent upon maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA and continued enrollment in an eligible field. This makes the maximum potential scholarship value $20,000 over four years. Scholarship America processes payments in early August, which are sent directly to the recipient’s school.
Applicants are evaluated on academic performance, community involvement, work history, educational goals, financial need, and an essay focused on innovative technology ideas that benefit individuals with disabilities. An online recommendation is also required. The selection process involves two tiers: Scholarship America identifies finalists, and Microsoft makes final recipient selections. All applicants will be notified of outcomes in June via email.
To complete the application, students must submit an official transcript showing coursework, credit hours, and grades; international applicants must also provide exam results, diplomas, and translations. If applicable, SAT/ACT scores must be submitted separately if not included on the transcript. One online recommendation form must be submitted within three business days after the application deadline. The 2026 application deadline is March 16 at 3:00 PM Central Time, and the scholarship does not operate on a rolling basis but opens annually.
Use a personal email; emphasize technology passion and leadership; financial need is required.
