AFB Announces 2026-2027 Scholars Supporting Blind and Low Vision Students

The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has announced the recipients of the 2026-2027 AFB Scholars Program, supported through the Lulu J. Alonso Scholarship Fund. This program provides scholarships of up to $28,000 for graduate study, $20,000 for undergraduate study, and $8,000 for community college programs to students who are blind or have low vision. The recipients were selected through three scholarship pathways: Aging & Vision Loss, Research, and Science & Technology. Notable scholars include Isabelle Bailey, pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Maine; Jonesti Steele-Averitte, studying Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Alabama; Bradley Blair, a doctoral student in Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University; and Amelia Laing, an incoming Chemistry major at Wellesley College. AFB President and CEO Eric Bridges highlighted the program's impact, stating, "Through this engaging scholarship program, we’re not only able to invest in our scholars’ future, but we’re also able to empower them to make a lasting impact for the greater good of society." For more information about the AFB Scholars Program, visit AFB's official website.