2024 / 2025 Scholarship Opportunities
Blanche Fierstein will be remembered as an uncompromising leader in the field of special education whose singular vision and ability to inspire others shaped special education curricula and created unprecedented opportunities for people with developmental disabilites.
Blanche was an educator, mother and tireless advocate. Her own daughter with special needs inspired her to become a special education teacher. Quickly rising through the NYC Department of Education, Blanche was appointed as Principal of the Queens Occupational Training Center. There she was at the forefront, creating practical curricula and quality standards in vocational training. Her groundbreaking work and tireless resolve helped shape vocational training across New York State.
Award: $5,000
Applications are due: April 1, 2025
To qualify, the candidate must be:
- Enrolled in college/university in Nassau County pursuing an advanced degree in special education OR
- An employee of AHRC Nassau who has been employed for a minimum of one (1) year and is pursuing an advanced degree in special education OR
- An AHRC Nassau Lifetime Member pursuing an advanced degree in special education (applicant does not need to be attending school in Nassau County)
Download Blanche Fierstein Application
Please mail all required documents to:
AHRC Nassau/Blanche Fierstein Scholarship Award Committee
189 Wheatley Road, #3
Brookville, NY 11545
Questions regarding this application may be emailed to:
fiersteinaward@ahrc.org
Each year, The Arc New York presents scholarships to students pursuing degrees in special education, physical or occupational therapy, or a field related to intellectual or other developmental disabilities.
2025
JONATHAN WEINGOLD SCHOLARSHIP
For The Arc New York Chapter employees.
NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 7, 2025
This $3,000 scholarship per recipient is presented annually to full-time Chapter employees who wish to further their education with the intention of contributing to the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. The scholarship is paid in two installments of $1,500, one per semester. The funds must be claimed within a four-year period from the time the scholarship is awarded. Four scholarships are presented annually.
ARTHUR W. PENSE SCHOLARSHIP
For nursing, physical or occupational therapy degree program students.
NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 7, 2025
This $3,000 scholarship is paid in two installments of $1,500 per semester. The funds must be claimed within a four-year period from the time the scholarship is awarded. One scholarship is presented annually.
JAMES F. REVILLE SCHOLARSHIP
For full-time college students in a program related to the intellectual and developmental disability field such as behavioral sciences, social work, healthcare administration and management, or psychology.
NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 7, 2025
This $3,000 scholarship per recipient is paid in two installments of $1,500 per semester for any year the student is enrolled in college in a program related to the field of intellectual or other developmental disabilities. The funds must be claimed within a four-year period from the time the scholarship is awarded. Two scholarships are presented annually.
JOSEPH T. WEINGOLD SCHOLARSHIP
For students enrolled in a New York State degree program, leading to a special education certification.
NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, February 7, 2025
This $3,000 scholarship per recipient is paid in two installments of $1,500 per semester. The funds must be claimed within a four-year period from the time the scholarship is awarded. Two scholarships are presented annually.