Announcing the Inaugural:
The Niedre M. Heckman Growth and Empowerment Scholarship is dedicated to supporting individuals with albinism 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.
Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship recipients!
Britta Strevig
“It is an honor to be a NOAH Niedre M. Heckman Growth and Empowerment scholarship recipient. With this scholarship I am further encouraged to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Arts in Animation at the Savannah College of Art & Design. It is my goal to become a Story Artist for feature animated films. It is my passion to tell stories that resonate with audiences of any age in the form of films and children’s books. It is my hope to that somewhere out there, someone is able to feel seen and represented for by the stories I tell. It is my ultimate goal to work at either the Walt Disney Animation Studios or at Pixar Animation Studios to not only make a film featuring Disney’s first princess with Albinism, but to also make films with messages that will last a lifetime. Thank you so much, NOAH for this incredible opportunity and for all you do for the Albinism community.”
Kira Schoff
“I will be attending the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire to study nursing. This scholarship will help me pursue my degree and reach my goal of becoming a nurse, where I can continue to make a difference by helping others.”
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.