UCT Charities Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by United Commercial Travelers of America

United Commercial Travelers (UCT) has a longstanding commitment to aiding individuals with intellectual disabilities. To further this cause, UCT Charities was founded, primarily offering scholarships via the UCT Charities Scholarship Program. These scholarships are aimed at those seeking higher education or certification to educate individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Those who wish to receive financial aid from the UCT Charities Scholarship Program must fulfill one or more of the following conditions:
   1. Existing teachers of intellectually disabled individuals who require further coursework for certification or to maintain their certification.
   2. Seasoned teachers aspiring to gain certification to educate individuals with intellectual disabilities.
   3. Individuals with a bachelor’s or master’s degree intending to undertake graduate work in special education, focusing on teaching individuals with intellectual disabilities.
   4. College juniors or seniors whose undergraduate studies are in special education, specifically aimed at teaching individuals with intellectual disabilities.
   5. Individuals enrolled in courses to become a certified instructor in a structured trade, vocational, or recreation program at a facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
   6. Students in the second year of a two-year associate’s degree program at an accredited institution, with a course of study specifically aimed at teaching individuals with intellectual disabilities.
2. Applicants teaching or studying special education in areas other than intellectual disabilities are not eligible.
3. Applicants must intend to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities in the United States or Canada.
4. Applicants must show a legitimate need for financial aid.

Application Process

1. Those interested in the UCT Charities Scholarship Program should request an application by reaching out to UCT Charities at (866) 458-2862, ext. 808 or at dvanorder@uctnorthamerica.org.
2. Along with the completed application, first-time applicants must also include a typed résumé detailing their work experience in the field of special education, specifically teaching individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Submitting the Application

Once the application form is received, applicants should fill out all sections and return it, along with any other required information, to UCT Charities at the above address. Applications are evaluated monthly. Applicants should allow two months for the scholarship assistance to be distributed. The deadline for applications is November 15.

Approval of Assistance

1. Applications are evaluated monthly. All applicants will receive a notification by mail regarding the decision.
2. An applicant may be granted an amount up to $2,500 in any one calendar year.
3. The scholarship assistance is a reimbursement intended to cover registration fees, tuition, and textbooks only.
4. Upon approval of an application, payment will be made once positive documentation is received confirming the applicant's registration and payment for college or university courses in special education to teach individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Application Overview

1. The applicant requests information about the UCT Charities Scholarship Program from UCT Charities.
2. The applicant fills out the scholarship application and returns it, along with the required résumé of work experience and coursework, to UCT Charities.
3. The applicant receives a notification by mail regarding the decision.