To learn about the previous winners of the Defining the Disability Scholarship, please visit our winners page.
The attorneys at Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice and Injury Lawyers recognize the difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities, whether these are caused by an injury or exist independently. Disabilities extend beyond medical diagnoses and create daily obstacles for many people. We are passionate about giving back to our community and are committed to ensuring that students don’t give up on their aspirations. With this in mind, we are thrilled to offer a $1,000 scholarship to assist one student living with a disability in covering college expenses.
The Defining the Disability Scholarship is a $1,000 award available to students who meet the eligibility criteria outlined below. To apply, students must submit a 750-1,000 word essay answering the following question: How can we define disability in today’s world as opposed to its traditional medical definition? While reflecting on what disability means to you, describe how it has impacted your life, whether personally or through someone you know. Make sure to submit your application before the October 31st, 2025 deadline!
Award Amount: $1,000
Eligibility
- The scholarship is open to any current high school senior, vocational student, college student, or graduate student who is a legal resident of the United States, residing in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia, and who is enrolled in a vocational program or a two to four year post-secondary institution for the Spring 2026 semester.
- Employees of Berkowitz Hanna Malpractice & Injury Lawyers, their immediate families (parent, child, sibling, and spouse), and persons living in the same households of such individuals (whether related or not) are not eligible to participate in the competition.
- Candidates for this scholarship should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good overall academic standing.
Application Requirements
- The candidate must fill out the form below with all necessary information
- The candidate must submit a 750 -1,000 word essay response to the prompt: How can disability be defined in today’s world compared to its traditional medical definition? As you explore what disability means to you, share how it has played a role in your life, whether through someone you know or through your own personal experience.
- Please note that all essays will be checked for AI writing. If AI writing is deemed present in the essay, the application will be denied.
- The candidate must submit a professional resumé that lists their experience, both professional and academic.
- The candidate must submit a transcript from their current school. First-year college students, graduate students, or individuals who have recently transferred schools may submit an unofficial transcript from their current school, as well as the most recent official transcript from their prior school. High school students can submit proof of acceptance to their college or university.
- Preference will be given to students either from or attending secondary school in the state.
The recipient of the Defining the Disability Scholarship will be chosen during the month following the scholarship deadline.
We will not be available to answer scholarship-related questions by phone. Please do not call our office or utilize the online Contact form to ask about the status of your application, as we will not be available to answer these questions. Please send any scholarship questions to [email protected] with the subject line “2025 Defining the Disability Scholarship”.
Submission Form
