The Niedre M. Heckman Growth and Empowerment Scholarship is awarded to individuals with albinism residing in the United States or Canada who are pursuing their goals in fields that align with their passions and strengths, including trades, business, science, technology, and the fine arts.
Both new and returning undergraduate students making satisfactory progress through their academic or certification programs may apply annually. While there is no minimum GPA requirement, applicants must demonstrate acceptance into a degree or certificate program and maintain satisfactory academic standing.
Candidates will be evaluated on the following:
- Quality of personal statement showcasing a drive to achieve academic and career success, regardless of personal circumstances.
- Quality of essay demonstrating a commitment to community awareness with the desire and plan to give back.
- Financial need.
- Quality of two academic or professional references.
View the detailed application requirements.
Applications are now closed. Best of luck to all applicants!
Congratulations to our 2026 scholarship recipients!
Evelyn Neuhaus
“My name is Evelyn Neuhaus and I shall be perusing a major in civil engineering with a minor in Spanish at The Ohio State University come this fall. Receiving the Heckman Growth and Empowerment Scholarship not only recognizes the contributions I have made in order to give back, but also eases the financial burden that accompanies attaining a higher education. I am beyond grateful for this award and hope to use it to acquire a degree that will allow me to continue giving back!”
Brooklyn Gaffin
“I am incredibly grateful to receive the Niedre M. Heckman Growth and Empowerment Scholarship. This scholarship will help me reach my goal of becoming a cardiac sonographer at Jackson College where I will also be playing softball. Thank you for believing in my future and for helping me make my dreams come true.”
Detailed Application Requirements
To ensure your application is complete, please submit the following documents through the application form before the deadline:
- COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM
- LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE OR ENROLLMENT
- ALBINISM DIAGNOSIS VERIFICATION
- Provide a signed eye report/letter from an eye care professional.
- HOUSEHOLD INCOME VERIFICATION
- Provide one of the following: most recent tax return, W-2 form, statement of income from Social Security, or other proof of income or financial support.
- PERSONAL STATEMENT – 300-500 words
- Describe your career objective and explain how your selected post-secondary education will help you achieve it.
- ESSAY – 500-1000 words
- Describe a community of your choice, including a detailed narrative on how and when you intend to give back to that community after obtaining your degree or certification.
- TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
- Provide recommendations from an instructor, teacher, counselor, community leader, or mentor that affirm the applicant’s internal motivation, aptitude, and enthusiasm for their chosen field of study.