Microsoft Disability Scholarship Program

The Microsoft Disability Scholarship is a community-driven initiative developed by employees at Microsoft who are deeply committed to advancing inclusion and accessibility in the technology sector. This scholarship program exemplifies Microsoft's broader commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities by providing financial support for higher education and encouraging careers in technology. The fund is built and sustained through the collective efforts of Microsoft employees who believe in creating opportunities and expanding access to education for future innovators. The program underscores the organization's belief in community action and shared responsibility to foster a more inclusive technological landscape. The scholarship targets high school seniors with disabilities who demonstrate a strong passion for technology and a commitment to pursuing related fields in higher education. Eligible applicants must intend to enroll in an undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational/technical institution within the United States in the upcoming fall term. Accepted fields of study include engineering, computer science, computer information systems, law, and a variety of business disciplines such as finance, marketing, business administration, pre-law, and paralegal studies. In addition to academic focus, applicants must also demonstrate leadership in school or community settings, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and exhibit financial need. A key element of the application process is an essay in which students propose a technology innovation aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. The essay must clearly differentiate the idea from existing technologies and articulate how it aligns with the applicant’s future engagement in the tech industry. This component highlights Microsoft's emphasis on innovation and the role of lived experience in driving meaningful technological progress. Alongside the essay, applicants must submit details about their academic and career goals, school of choice, work experience, awards and honors, and any personal or financial circumstances that affect their education, especially those related to disability expenses. Additional documentation required includes a current academic transcript and a letter of recommendation from a non-relative who has supervised the applicant in an academic or community role. Recommendations must be submitted via an online form; mailed or emailed references and applications will not be accepted. Microsoft employees and their children are explicitly excluded from eligibility to ensure equitable access to the scholarship opportunity. As of now, the application window has not yet opened. The scholarship details for the 2026 cycle, including award amounts and number of recipients, are expected to be released later in January. While the program is confirmed to be offered annually, specific information regarding recurring deadlines or performance periods has not yet been published. Interested applicants are advised to monitor the official scholarship portal for updates. Awards are expected to support tuition and other education-related expenses, and recipients are likely to be notified before the start of the academic year. This program represents an important opportunity for students with disabilities who are interested in using technology to solve real-world challenges. It combines financial support with a platform to share original ideas, thereby encouraging the next generation of leaders in accessible and inclusive tech development.

Focus on original tech ideas that aid people with disabilities; avoid duplicating college recommendation letters; include disability-related expense details if applicable.