Current Students
Your ongoing involvement with SSD is a great step towards your future successes in school and in life. SSD eliminates barriers faced by people with differences as they reach for their unlimited potential.
On our campus, we have assisted thousands of individuals with unique needs to successfully complete their college education. We commit to you: that we will work tirelessly to include you as a whole person, and we will honor your inherent as a person.
SSD is here to continue to guide you through a wonderful time in your life. I encourage you to stay in touch with us, communicate with us often, and fully utilize our office to support your greatest success.
Scholarships
Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Disability Scholarship
The Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Disability Scholarship has supported students with disabilities pursuing higher education since 2014. This $1,000 award is given annually to one student who has overcome challenges related to a disability. Applications are available online and must be submitted by October 1st, 2025.
Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. Disability Scholarship
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offers a $5,000 award and provides funding for Pell Grant recipients to study or intern abroad. It covers costs like tuition, housing, and travel, and includes 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) for federal jobs. Applications are available online and must be submitted by October 3rd, 2025.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program
The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) provides tuition waivers and stipends for up to four years to spouses and children of qualifying veterans. This benefit supports families affected by service-related disability or loss. Eligible students must meet Virginia residency requirements and apply through the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. Applications are available online and must be submitted by November 1st, 2025.
Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program
Tommy Tranchin Award Scholarship
The Tommy Tranchin Award supports North Texas students in grades 8–12 with physical, emotional, or intellectual disabilities who demonstrate passion in a specific field. The award funds creative projects, training, performances, and related activities—but not college tuition. Applications are available online and must include a proposal, a recommendation letter, and proof of enrollment if attending a program. Applications are available online and must be submitted by December 1st, 2025.
Elks National Foundation Emergency Educational Scholarship
Emergency Educational Scholarship provide up to $5,000 per year to undergraduate students who are the children of deceased or totally disabled Elks members. Applicants must be under 24, unmarried, demonstrate financial need, and attend an accredited U.S. college full-time. The Elk parent or stepparent must have been a member in good standing for at least one year before their death or disability, and if disabled, must still be an active member at the time of application. Students can receive the grant up to four times but cannot accept more than one ENF scholarship or grant per academic year. Applications are available online and must be submitted by December 31st, 2025.
Elks National Foundation Emergency Educational
Kids’ Chance of Virginia Scholarship
Kids’ Chance of Virginia provides scholarships to children of Virginia workers who were killed or seriously injured on the job. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, demonstrate financial need, be 26 or younger, and be enrolled or planning to enroll in a college, university, or technical school (full- or part-time). Scholarships are $7,000 per year for four-year or graduate students and $5,500 for two-year or trade school students. Awards are given annually and can be renewed. Required documents include a recent transcript, FAFSA Student Aid Report (with SAI), a brief statement of goals, proof of the parent’s injury or death (e.g., claim letter or death certificate), and the parent’s employer information. Applications are available online and must be submitted by December 31st, 2025.
Student Success Glossary
The Student Success Glossary is a guide to assist students with on-campus resources.