Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Scholarship for Students with Spinal Cord Injury sponsored by Center for Disability & Access

The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Scholarship (CHNF) sponsored by the Center for Disability & Access (CDA) is available to eligible students with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) who attend or plan to attend the University of Utah as undergraduate or graduate students. The Craig H. Neilsen Foundation was established in 2002 to support programs and scientific research to improve the quality of life for those affected by and living with spinal cord injury. Mr. Neilsen was an alumni of the University of Utah, receiving both his MBA and JD from the U. The CHNF scholarship was established at the University of Utah in 2008 to support the academic success of students with a spinal cord injury.

The scholarship is provided by a generous grant from the CHNF and is based on each student’s cost of attendance and is intended to cover a large portion of tuition, books, and fees. Opportunity for additional funding to support costs related to personal care assistants and/or adaptive equipment or other SCI related expenses also exists.

To be eligible to apply, students must have a spinal cord injury and be registered with CDA as a student with a disability. Incoming or otherwise interested students not already registered with CDA should schedule an intake appointment prior to the scholarship application deadline to begin the process to determine eligibility. To schedule an intake appointment, call CDA at (801) 581-5020.

In addition to completing the University of Utah General Scholarship Application, students applying to the CHNF scholarships also must submit:

  • A typed personal statement to include: academic and career goals, how you have used your disability as an example in a positive way, what volunteer or community service you have participated in, and financial need. Please also include the cause of level of spinal cord injury.
  • One letter of recommendation from someone acquainted with your academic record (not a family member). Please request letters to be provided to you to be uploaded as part of your application.

To apply, a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA is required and recipients must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA and achieve a 2.5 GPA each semester for the term of the scholarship. Opportunities for students registered less than full-time may exist and will require approval from CDA.

Selected recipients will be notified by June 30, 2024

NOTE: For students with other disabilities a separate CDA scholarship is available – the Center for Disability & Access Scholarships for Students with Disabilities. To apply for these scholarships please apply to the separately listed scholarship application.

For additional information about CDA scholarships, visit https://disability.utah.edu/students/scholarships.php.

Award
Varies
Deadline
03/01/2024
Supplemental Questions
  1. Are you registered with the Center for Disability & Access (CDA) and found eligible for services? If you are not currently registered, please contact CDA to meet with an advisor.
  2. Who is your advisor in the Center for Disability and Access, if you currently have one?
  3. Have you completed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application? https://fafsa.ed.gov
  4. Have you received a scholarship before from our office? If so, which one(s) and what year(s)?
  5. Please provide level of spinal cord injury (i.e. C1, T1, S2, etc...)
  6. Do you plan to request supplemental funding to support costs associated with a Personal Care Assistant (PCA)?
  7. Submit a typed personal statement to include: academic and career goals, how you have used your disability as an example in a positive way, what volunteer or community service you have participated in and financial need
  8. Please provide a name and email address for your letter of reference.
  9. Current Email Address:
  10. Current Phone Number:
  11. Primary Mailing Address:
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