Frank and Patty Skerl Educational Scholarship for the Physically Disabled

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Frank and Patty Skerl Educational Scholarship for the Physically Disabled

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This $500 scholarship from the Skerl Family supports high school seniors, undergraduate students, and graduate students with a physical disability who are pursuing higher education. The application includes a 400-600 word essay about how being part of the disabled community has shaped your worldview and how you will use that experience in your future.

Mar 30, 2027

355 days left

$500

Award amount

21

Scholarship applicants

3

Requirements

Quick decision

AI insights

Best for

  • Students with a physical disability pursuing higher education
  • High school seniors with a qualifying physical disability
  • Undergraduate students with a qualifying physical disability

Key highlights

  • $500 award
  • 1 award listed
  • Deadline: 2027-03-30

Why apply

  • The eligibility is fairly targeted, which can make this scholarship especially relevant for students with qualifying physical disabilities
  • It is open across multiple education levels
  • The essay prompt gives you room to show personal perspective, resilience, and future goals

Who can apply

  • Education level: high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
  • Background: has a physical disability
  • If the disability is not visibly noticeable, it should still affect mobility and/or ability to physically exert oneself
  • The listing says applicants with disabilities such as Type 1 Diabetes, Autism, or Cleft Palates are not eligible
  • Parents of those with physical disabilities are not eligible
  • Essay topic: explain how being part of the disabled community has affected your view of the world and how you will use that experience to positively impact your future endeavors
  • Essay length shown in the listing preview: 400-600 words

Always verify the full eligibility rules on the official source before you apply.

Quick facts

Status

_published

Study levels

high_school_senior, graduate_student, adult_non_traditional

Number of awards

1

Payout method

Paid directly to the student

Before you apply

AI guidance

Things to double-check on the official page.

Important checks

  • Make sure your disability fits the listing's definition before applying
  • Review the exclusion note carefully, especially if your condition is not visibly noticeable
  • Confirm all application requirements on the official scholarship page
  • Check whether any profile or platform-specific steps are required on Bold.org
  • Verify whether there are any additional materials beyond the essay, since the listing shows requirements_count: 3 but does not fully spell out all items in the excerpt

Missing or unclear on the listing

  • The excerpt does not state GPA requirements
  • The excerpt does not state citizenship or residency requirements
  • The excerpt does not state whether a specific major or field of study is required
  • The excerpt does not fully list all application steps
  • The excerpt does not provide full payment details beyond payout method: student
  • The excerpt does not state whether financial need documentation is required
  • The excerpt does not state whether recommendation letters are required

Red flags

  • The listing includes specific exclusions that may rule out some students who identify as disabled
  • The excerpt does not fully show all application requirements even though it lists 3 requirements
  • Provider verification status in the raw preview is shown as unverified

Next steps

AI guidance

A short checklist so you know what to do after reading the listing.

  1. Confirm every eligibility rule on the official program page.
  2. Prepare the listed materials (1 document type(s) detected in the catalog).
  3. Add the deadline to your calendar and submit before it passes.
  4. Apply through the official site linked above.

Application tips

AI guidance

Listing-specific ideas from our AI layer — not official rules. Skip anything that does not match the program page.

  • Answer both parts of the essay prompt: worldview and future impact
  • Use specific examples from school, healthcare, advocacy, or daily life to show how your experience shaped you
  • Keep your essay focused on your own lived experience, since parents of disabled individuals are not eligible

Key requirements (3)

Program rules and conditions. Uploads and file types are listed under Required documents.

EssayShort answersSpecial eligibilityFinancial need
  • Essay prompt: Please note: If not visibly noticeable, the physical disability should still affect one's mobility and/or ability to physically exert themselves. Those with disabilities such as Type 1 Diabetes, Autism, or Cleft Palates are not eligible to apply.….
  • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student Background: Has a physical disability.
  • Individuals with physical disabilities are one of the most underserved groups in our modern society. Living with a disability can come with challenges in all areas of life, including education.….

Required documents

Materials you may need to upload or submit; check the official application for the final list.

  • Essay or written statement

Applying

To apply, students must respond to an essay prompt about how being part of the disabled community has influenced their view of the world and how they will use that experience to positively impact their future endeavors. The raw listing preview shows an essay length of 400-600 words. Students should verify any additional requirements on the official page.

Award & payment

Amount: $500

Number of awards: 1

Payout: Paid directly to the student

About the provider

Skerl Family

Overview

This scholarship from the Skerl Family supports students with physical disabilities who are pursuing higher education. The listing shows a $500 award, one recipient, and a deadline of 2027-03-30. Applicants must submit an essay about how being part of the disabled community has shaped their worldview and future goals.

Sponsor & application

Information last verified Apr 9, 2026.

Always confirm deadlines, requirements, and application details on the official page before you apply.

FAQ

The listed award amount is $500.