There is an undeniable lack of representation and accessible resources for students with disabilities in the Central Valley. Despite national and state efforts for disability accessibility, there lies a huge gap for resources and advancements to support students with disabilities, especially in the Central Valley, in their trajectories towards higher education. In addition to this, students with disabilities are often subjected to ableist practices and norms in their schools and communities due to failures to educate themselves on disability justice and accessibility. Inclusivity and accessibility are paramount values within our organization, and the Student with Disabilities Scholarship is one method we use to advance disability inclusion and justice in our organization and within education systems. 

The Central Valley Scholars Student with Disabilities Scholarship recognizes exemplary students with disabilities (physical and/or mental disabilities) in the Central Valley who, despite facing various obstacles, continue to pursue their educational journey. Our scholarships are developed with the core belief that all students are worth investing in and we select recipients on a basis of identity, need, and potential for growth; rewarding those who other educational organizations often dismiss. The Student with Disabilities Scholarship invites vulnerability, encourages empowerment, and gives students with disabilities the space to validate their stories and find the beauty in their struggles.

For purposes of this application, we define a disability as any condition that places the body and/or mind outside of the societal “norm” that leads to difficulty in participating in everyday life (Senior & Disability Action). For example, any physical and/or mental condition that makes it more difficult to study, work, walk, and many other required tasks of day to day life. Such conditions might include, but are not limited to, physical disabilities, mental health and psychiatric disabilities, d/Deafness, blindness and low vision, learning disabilities, autism and aspergers, invisible disabilities (including pre-existing conditions such as diabetes), and many more.