Scholarships

CMDSS Scholarships

CMDSS Educational/Job Training Scholarship

CMDSS strongly believes and supports the empowerment, growth and higher education of individuals with Down syndrome by providing monetary assistance through tuition assistance scholarships for programs such as college programs, trade school, vocational school, job training, or adult continuing education programs. Award amounts may be up to $5,000 but are dependent on a variety of factors such as participation in CMDSS or Buddy Center programs, tuition program cost, budget allocation, and number of applications in a calendar year.

Application packets must be submitted by May 1st.

  • Educational pursuits may include, but are not limited to: college, community college, trade school, vocational school, job training, or adult continuing education programs.
  • Scholarship funds may be used in multiple programs, but must be used within one (1) year of award.

General Scholarship Information

Applicant Eligibility Requirements:

  • The applicant must have Down syndrome, be over the age of 18, and be a resident of Mississippi.
  • The applicant must be accepted to a college, trade school, job training, continuing education program or similar type of program.
  • There must be a personal connection and/or family involvement in support of CMDSS activities or programs.
  • Scholarship awards are awarded one time only and the scholarship award is not renewable.
  • Past scholarship award winners may not reapply. Past applicants who did not receive a scholarship award are encouraged to reapply.
  • Applications must be submitted by May 1st using the online form.
  • Scholarship funds may be used in multiple programs but must be used within one (1) year of award.
  • If applicant is under legal guardianship or power of attorney, their legal representative must sign the application.

Award Payment:

  • The applicant must have Down syndrome, be over the age of 18, and be a resident of Mississippi.
  • The applicant must be accepted to a college, trade school, job training, continuing education program or similar type of program.
  • There must be a personal connection and/or family involvement in support of CMDSS activities or programs.
  • Scholarship awards are awarded one time only and the scholarship award is not renewable.
  • Past scholarship award winners may not reapply. Past applicants who did not receive a scholarship award are encouraged to reapply.
  • Applications must be submitted by May 1st using the online form.
  • Scholarship funds may be used in multiple programs but must be used within one (1) year of award.
  • If applicant is under legal guardianship or power of attorney, their legal representative must sign the application.

OPTIONAL Supporting Documentation (not required) 

The following are provided as examples of the types of supporting documentation which may help the scholarship committee in their deliberations:

  • Academics – school transcripts, report cards, academic awards; Letters of recommendation;
  • Photo essay or video of applicant and their interests and activities;
  • Record of Activities – type of activity, years and estimated hours of service and organization name;
  • Honors and Awards – certificates and awards;
  • Extracurricular activities – records of activities, statements from activity leaders, certificates and awards;
  • Employment – employment history, employment training, performance reviews, certificates and awards;
  • Independent Living Skills – record of progress made in acquiring skills, statement of achievement from teacher/coach;
  • Advocacy – statement of how the applicant educates others on the needs of those with disabilities (teachers, peers, or the community);
  • Assistive Technology – record of technology used, how it has impacted the applicant or others.

Online Application packets must be submitted by May 1st.

For more information or questions, please email [email protected].

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