Barbara McCarthy Scholarship
Virginia AER awards scholarships annually to undergraduate or graduate students with exemplary academic achievements and a strong commitment to serve people with visual impairments. This scholarship is named in honor of Barbara McCarthy for her dedication, passion, commitment, and leadership within the field of education for persons with visual impairment. The annual scholarship award is $1500 along with an AER Student membership and upcoming state conference registration in March of 2026.
Eligibility Requirements:
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Must be a resident of Virginia enrolled in a professional preparation program in the field of vision or a non-resident of Virginia enrolled in a Virginia preparation program.
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Must be an undergraduate or graduate student with the intent to pursue licensure in the Vision field.
Deadline: January 5, 2026
Submit the following documents, electronically or hard copies by January 5, 2026:
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Resume
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Two (2) letters of recommendation from professionals
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A copy of a current non-official transcript(s)
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Completed Virginia AER student scholarship application including a written statement describing your interest in the vision field.
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A written essay contributing to the following prompt:
What inspired you to pursue a career supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired, and how has that motivation shaped your professional journey?
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Optional: AER membership number and expiration date
Application Documents