Financial Assistance

2009 Recipients

Congratulations to the following recipients.

  • John Blimke
  • Noelle Romashko
  • Andrew Stasey
  • Larry Taylor
  • Chuck Tripi

2010 Recipients

Congratulations to the following recipients.

  • Imran Ahmed
  • Chris Garrison
  • Joey Haizel
  • Larry Taylor
  • Chuck Tripi
  • Lea Wojcik

Click here to view additional financial assistance opportunties.

Click here to view an article and photos on the 2008 financial assistance awards night.

Overview

AbilITy Connection Financial Assistance recognizes students with disabilities who are pursuing an education in Information Technology. The award is offered to help overcome obstacles to continued education. It may be used for student expenses such as tuition, books, transportation, child care, etc.

Eligibility Guidelines

  • Applicants must be disabled, at least a senior in high school or enrolled in a technical college or four-year college or university, reside in Southeastern Wisconsin, be permanent residents or citizens of the United States, and be enrolled in an education program that leads to a career in Information Technology.
  • A complete AbilITy Connection financial assistance application must be received by June 1 to be considered for the next school year. To be considered a complete application, you will submit the application form, two required recommendations and documentation of acceptance from a school (in the case of high school seniors) or, if you are currently enrolled in a technical college or four-year college or university, a transcript showing your grades from the most recent semester. Late or incomplete applications will be not considered.
  • One recommendation must come from a counselor, director, or teacher of a high school, college, university, or technical college. Use the recommendation form attached and ask the person making the recommendation to mail it directly to AbilITy Connection.

    One additional recommendation must come from a non-relative or another educator who knows the applicant well. For applicants who are currently participating in the AbilITy Connection Mentoring Program, this second recommendation must come from your mentor. Again, ask the person making the recommendation to mail it directly to the AbilITy Connection Coordinator.
  • Recipients will be notified by mail by July 1st. The awards will be presented in August.

Where to Submit Applications

Send applications and letters of recommendation to:

Amber Anderson
AbilITy Connection Employment Consultant
IndependenceFirst
540 South 1st Street
Milwaukee, WI 53204-1516
(414) 226-8337 (Voice/TTY) | 414-291-7525 (FAX)

Financial Assistance Application Form

Click the link below to display the financial assistance application in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Print the form in Reader, fill it out completely and send it to Amber Anderson at the address above.

Financial Assistance Application Form

If you don't have Acrobat Reader, click the link below to download it free of charge from the Adobe web site.

Get Acrobat Reader

Recommendation Form

Click the link below to display the recommendation form in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Print the form in Reader and give a copy to the people you would like to write your letters of recommendation. They can send the completed letter to Amber Anderson at the address above.

Recommendation Form

Testimonial

"What I really gained from receiving the financial aid and recognition was the confidence and moral support I felt. It was a very hard time in my life. I needed one more semester to graduate, I was trying to maintain a good work history at Children's Health System, and I was going through a divorce. I also am confronted with the normal day to day inconveniences everyone has, especially those with disabilities.

I needed to hear someone say, "we believe in you so much we will invest in your future." Because of the value of that financial aid on a higher plane I made it through the semester."

Michael Maki
IS Analyst Intern
Children's Hospital and Health System

NSCIA/GMAC Financial Aid

Click here to view the NSCIA web site.

NSCIA/GMAC awards up to four $500 extended education Financial Aid each year to students with spinal cord injuries or children of parents with SCI. Two financial aids are given in the Spring, and two are given in the Fall semesters. Deadline for applications are March 31st for the Spring semester and October 31st for the Fall semester. Eligibility requirements are:

  • Must be a NSCIA-GMAC member in good standing (i.e., member for at least 6 months) or a child of one.
  • Must have a SCI or the child of a parent with SCI.
  • Must have a GPA of 3.0 (B average) or higher.
  • Submit a letter of recommendation.
  • Must be involved in extracurricular activities such as volunteering or a job.
  • Submit a copy of education transcripts.
  • Submit a short essay describing your education objectives and plans for the future (no more than one page).