Sign Language fosters communication on multiple levels. If you are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) or plan to study it during college, you may qualify for some scholarships. There aren’t as many when compared to other majors, but there are a few, so research is important. Also consider looking into bilingual scholarships, as ASL may qualify. Here are just three scholarships students will want to look into if they practice ASL:
ASL Scholarships
Amount: Varies
Deadline: May 1, 2020
Presented and sponsored by the ASL Honor Society, this is a major scholarship if you’re interested in ASL, Deaf Education or Studies, or Interpreter Preparation. You must be majoring in one of those subjects to be eligible. It’s also important to note that your college must have an active chapter of the ASL Honor Society on campus.
To qualify, you should either be a high school senior or currently in college. Applications should include transcripts, an essay, an ASL essay, the form, and letters of recommendation. It’s highly recommended that you document your community service and participate in ASL competitions.
The awards vary from $1,750 to $2,500, with about 4 applicants winning each year. This is one of few ASL scholarships available nationally.
The Bilingual Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 15, 2020
If you’re attending Worcester State University, The Bilingual Scholarship is one you will want to check out.
No specific major is required, but you do have to speak another language fluently aside from your native language. ASL qualifies, but if you’re going to school for the language, you may not yet be fluent. However, if you speak two languages already, you still want to check this out. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.3 and have demonstrated financial need.
Estelle Cameron Memorial Endowed Scholarship for the Hearing Impaired
Amount: $500
Deadline: August 31, 2020
For the Houston Community College, students studying ASL or interpreting classes can qualify for the Estelle Cameron Memorial Endowed Scholarship for the Hearing Impaired. Created by former student Estelle Cameron, it awards $500.
To be eligible to win, the scholarship requires enrollment in the Interpreter/sign language program and have a minimum 2.0 GPA. Additionally, students need 6 credit hours per semester, so they can still apply if you are attending school part-time.
Interested students studying ASL or a related field, these are three scholarships you’ll definitely want to check out. It’s important to note that the ASL Honors Society scholarship honors students who are able to communicate in the language. Additionally, the ASL Honors Society scholarship is one of the few national awards in the United States. If you’re in an ASL major or program at your college, you will want to specifically ask the school if there are any awards you would be eligible for through them. Also, remember to check out local resources, scour online scholarship databases, and talk with your high school guidance counselor or college advisor.
Use College Raptor’s free Student Loan Finder to compare lenders and interest rates side by side!
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.34%-15.96%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
 |
4.92% - 15.08% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
|
|
4.50% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.50% - 14.56% Variable
3.69% - 14.41% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
4.99% - 16.85% Variable
3.47% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
good
I am an Ethiopian can i get scholaship in ASL please?