Disability Services offers several academic scholarships each year, with awards usually ranging from $300 to $2,000. All opportunities are in Academic Works, and use the general application along with some specific requirements. Awards will be based on a combination of financial need and academic achievement. Graduating seniors, previous winners, and graduate students are welcome to apply.
The application deadline is March 16, 2026.
Packet of 3 Applications
This application is used for the following three scholarships: The Class of '43 "Making a Difference" Scholarship, the Joseph V. Gavin "Keep the Faith" Scholarship, and the James M. Begin Endowment Fund.
Class of '43 "Making A Difference" Scholarship
Students registered with Disability Services at UMass Amherst are eligible for this scholarship. Candidates must have completed a minimum of 24 credits at UMass Amherst and be making "reasonable" academic progress in a degree program.
The Joseph V. Gavin "Keep the Faith" Scholarship
The Joseph V. Gavin "Keep the Faith" Scholarship was established in 1992 by family members and friends to honor the memory of Joseph V. Gavin, class of 1990. Candidates should be enrolled at UMass Amherst facing extraordinary physical challenges. Preference will be given to students with cystic fibrosis. It is expected that candidates will provide medical documentation unless currently registered with Disability Services.
James M. Begin Endowment
Established to distribute available earnings of the Fund without restriction by the Director of Disability Services on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus, with preference for students with or having had cancer, and with a further preference for students enrolled in the Bachelor's Degree with Individual Concentration program.
Richard W. Venne Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was established to support undergraduate students registered with the Office of Disability Services at UMass Amherst. Preference will be given to students with financial need as determined by UMass Amherst. It is the donor’s preference that a minimum of two awards be given annually.