Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship 2026

Our goal is to help as many college students with Down syndrome as possible to go for their dreams of higher education and independence!

Ruby's Rainbow offers two scholarship tiers:

• Tier 1 Application: For applicants requesting $1,000–$3,000

• Tier 2 Application: For applicants requesting $4,000–$10,000

Since Tier 2 applications are requesting more scholarship funds, they have more required elements than Tier 1 applications, and may take more time to complete.

Ready to apply? Please read all instructions carefully before filling out your application! Have questions? Feel free to contact us at any point during the application process either through our website or by emailing [email protected].

PRO TIP: Be sure to check out our Scoring Rubrics before you complete your application!

Our Scholarship Review Committee uses these rubrics to determine which applicants will receive scholarships. You can use them to learn more about what we are seeking in a strong Ruby’s Rainbow application!

• For applicants who have never received a Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship before:
  Please see our Application Scoring Rubric.

• For applicants who have received a Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship in the past: Please see our Re-Application Scoring Rubric.

We absolutely love learning about all the incredible things college students with Down syndrome across the country are doing!! We look forward to hearing from and learning more about you!!

If you would like to use a screen reader please see the following instructions:

• Make sure to use a Google Chrome browser! If you don't have Google Chrome, use this link to download the web browser: https://www.google.com/intl/en_us/chrome/

• Once you have Google Chrome downloaded, you are now able to use the Google Chrome extension for screen readers! Here is the link to download the extension: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/screen-reader/kgejglhpjiefppelpmljglcjbhoiplfn?hl=en

Eligibility Requirements for Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship

Submitting a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship application indicates the applicant meets the following criteria:

• This grant is for individuals with Down syndrome who are at least 18 years old, or who will turn 18 by August 1 of the application year.

• The applicant has the desire and intent to enroll or continue enrollment in a post-secondary class or program that will enhance their life through employment skills, independent living or life skills, or interest in another area. (See qualifying programs, expenses and courses under Scholarship Expense Criteria below.)

• Applicant will provide copies of high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., certificate of completion); high school transcript if graduating in the spring of this year; or proof of acceptance to or current enrollment in a post-secondary program.

• Individuals who have previously been awarded a Ruby’s Rainbow scholarship can apply for another scholarship as soon as the following year, as long as they still meet all other eligibility requirements listed above.

Scholarship Expense Criteria

• Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship funds must be applied toward tuition at a university, community college or other post-secondary institution, including institutes of technology and vocational and trade schools. This can include certificate, degree and non-degree programs. Program must be located within the United States.

• Scholarship funds must be utilized in full within one academic year.

• Scholarship funds can be used for housing, food or transportation ONLY if these costs are included in the same bill as the tuition fee. Separate disbursements will not be made for these accommodations.

• Up to 10% of awarded scholarship funds may be used for textbooks and other coursework-related supplies if needed, with proper documentation.

• Enrichment classes in the arts qualify for funding only if they are certified programs. Examples of qualifying enrichment classes include painting or film production classes or workshops. Please email [email protected] with any questions regarding qualifying enrichment classes. At this time, classes based on physical activities (such as swimming, horseback riding or dance classes) do not qualify for Ruby's Rainbow scholarship funds.

Application Guidelines

• NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We would like you, the applicant, to fill out the following application as independently as you can, to the best of your abilities. We understand you may need assistance from a parent, guardian or friend, but we do want to read your own, individual responses to the application questions. This is so we can get a full understanding of your personality, goals and accomplishments.

• NOTE TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS OR OTHER ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS: We understand that some applicants need assistance with filling out this application. We prefer to read each applicant’s own, individual responses to each section of the application. This is so we can get a full understanding of their personality, goals and accomplishments. If you assist an applicant with filling out their application, please use the designated space within the application to note the type of help you provided.

To be considered for a Ruby’s Rainbow Scholarship, applicants must submit all required materials by the submission deadline. This includes the following:

REQUIRED ELEMENTS:

• Completed and signed application

• Recommendation letter(s)

• Parent/guardian contact information, if applicable

• Proof of high school graduation, upcoming graduation or current acceptance to/enrollment in a post-secondary program

• Photos of you

• Proof of estimated tuition cost for one academic year of your program/intended program

• Letter from a qualified medical professional confirming the applicant's diagnosis of Down syndrome (including any type of trisomy-21)

• "Extras" – anything you feel will help us get to know you better, such as photos, videos, original artwork or poetry, etc.

NOTIFICATION OF RECEIPT AND STATUS OF APPLICATION:

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automatic email confirmation of receipt. 

Once scholarship determinations have been made, you will receive notification by email or letter to let you know whether we are able to award you a scholarship for this year. We intend to notify all applicants by mid-June.