Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Ruby’s Rainbow

Are you a student with Down syndrome enrolled in—or planning to enroll in—a post-secondary program? Apply for a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship and you could receive between $1,000 and $10,000 to support your next academic year.

Less Time Applying, More Time Dreaming!

2026 APPLICATION CHANGES
We updated the application for 2026 to make it easier to understand, more welcoming, and better suited to students’ goals. The form is intended to help applicants feel comfortable telling their story as they pursue education and independence.

Two application tiers (requirements vary by award amount)
- Tier 1 — $1,000 to $3,000: A streamlined application with fewer required elements.
- Tier 2 — $4,000 to $10,000: For larger awards; this tier has additional required materials and may take more time to complete.

About the scholarship
Ruby’s Rainbow’s mission is to expand opportunities for college students with Down syndrome so they can pursue higher education and greater independence. Applicants choose the tier that matches the amount of funding they are requesting.

Questions? Read all instructions carefully before starting your application. If you need help at any time, contact us through the website or email Liz@rubysrainbow.org.

Helpful tip: Review the Scoring Rubrics before you apply
Our Scholarship Review Committee uses scoring rubrics to decide awards. Use them to see what makes a strong application.
- New applicants: consult the Application Scoring Rubric.
- Previous recipients re-applying: consult the Re-Application Scoring Rubric.

Accessibility (screen reader instructions)
If you use a screen reader:
- Use Google Chrome. Download it here: https://www.google.com/intl/en_us/chrome/
- After installing Chrome, add the screen reader extension here: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/screen-reader/kgejglhpjiefppelpmljglcjbhoiplfn?hl=en

Eligibility requirements
By submitting an application, you confirm you meet all of the following:
- Diagnosis: You have Down syndrome.
- Age: You are at least 18 years old, or you will turn 18 by August 1 of the application year.
- Program intent: You plan to enroll or continue enrollment in a post-secondary class or program that supports employment skills, independent living, life skills, or other personal interests (see Scholarship Expense Criteria for qualifying programs and expenses).
- Documentation: You will provide proof of one of the following: high school diploma or equivalent (for example, certificate of completion); a high school transcript if you are graduating this spring; or proof of acceptance into or current enrollment in a post-secondary program.
- Previous recipients: If you already received a Ruby’s Rainbow scholarship, you may apply again the following year provided you still meet all eligibility requirements.

Scholarship expense rules
- Use: Award funds must be applied toward tuition at U.S.-based universities, community colleges, post-secondary institutions, technical institutes, vocational or trade schools. Eligible programs include certificate, degree, and non-degree offerings.
- Timing: Funds must be spent within one academic year.
- Housing/food/transportation: These may only be covered if they appear on the same bill as tuition; separate disbursements for those items will not be issued.
- Course materials: Up to 10% of the total award may be used for textbooks and course-related supplies if you provide documentation.
- Enrichment classes: Arts enrichment classes qualify only if they are certified programs (examples: painting or film production classes/workshops). Physical-activity–based classes (e.g., swimming, horseback riding, dance) are not currently eligible. If you’re unsure whether a class qualifies, email Liz@rubysrainbow.org.

Application guidelines
- Applicant independence: We want to read each applicant’s own responses. Complete the application as independently as you can. We know some applicants will need help; that’s okay.
- If someone helps you: Parents, guardians, or others who assist should indicate on the application what help was provided. We prefer to review the applicant’s own words to better understand personality, goals, and achievements.

Required application materials
To be considered, submit all required documents by the deadline:
- Completed and signed application
- Recommendation letter(s)
- Parent/guardian contact information, if applicable
- Proof of high school graduation, upcoming graduation (transcript if graduating this spring), or proof of acceptance/enrollment in a post-secondary program
- Photographs of the applicant
- Proof/estimate of tuition cost for one academic year of the program
- Letter from a qualified medical professional verifying a Down syndrome diagnosis (including any type of trisomy-21)
- Optional extras: anything that helps us know you better (photos, videos, original artwork, poetry, etc.)

Application receipt and notifications
- After submitting, you will receive an automatic confirmation email acknowledging receipt.
- Award decisions and notifications will be sent by email or letter. We aim to notify all applicants by mid-June.

We love hearing about the accomplishments and ambitions of college students with Down syndrome across the country and look forward to learning more about you!