Scholarships for students with a physical and/or learning disability

The Lynne F. Solon Foundation, whose mission is to help improve the lives of individuals affected by diabetes and its related complications, and also individuals living with other disabilities, has established the scholarship fund.

The Foundation was formed to honor the memory of Lynne Solon, a 1968 graduate of Streator Township High School, who died in 1993 at the age of 42, from complications of diabetes. Lynne was a juvenile diabetic who endured the disease and related complications for over 30 years. Throughout her life, Lynne exhibited a positive spirit and outlook on life, never letting her health problems deter her from being a caring, sensitive, loving and thoughtful person who always put the needs of others ahead of her own needs.

Scholarships are available for students, with a physical and/or learning disability, who are pursuing post-secondary education, meet application criteria and requirements, and plan to enroll in a college, trade school, or other professional school.

Award is $1500.00 for an applicant’s freshman year for a qualifying high school senior, and up to $1500.00 for a previous recipient in a post-secondary program, who applies in a subsequent year.

The scholarship committee is looking for students who show dedication, determination and perseverance to triumph over their life challenges who have become accomplished students with future collegiate and/or professional goals in mind.

New scholarship applicants – deadline March 31, 2024.
Returning scholarship applicants – deadline May 31, 2024.

Application Criteria

Applicant must be a current high school, post-secondary school-bound senior, who has submitted applications to and is planning on attending an accredited college or university or post-secondary program, or a past recipient of this scholarship.
Applicant must be a U.S. Citizen.
Applicant must have a documented physical and/or learning disability.
Applicant must have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher on a 4 point scale (or equivalent).

Application Requirements

Applicant must provide a Personal Statement (maximum 2 pages) including a brief personal history, educational/career goals, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work/ community service and reasons why he or she should be selected by the Lynne F. Solon Scholarship Committee. This statement must be written solely by the applicant. Past recipients must provide an updated personal statement.
Applicant must provide a letter of reference from a teacher, counselor, or administrator of present school.
Applicant must provide current documentation of a disability. This documentation may include the diagnosis page of the I.E.P. and/or 504 plan.
Applicant must provide a most recent school transcript. Please contact the counselor of your school to receive a copy.
Applicant must agree to allow Lynne F. Solon Foundation to use his/her name, photo and/or story in future scholarship materials. If chosen as an award winner, the recipient must provide Lynne F. Solon Foundation proof of registration to accepted trade school, college or university for the scholarship to be issued the fall semester of the same year that the award is presented.
Download Scholarship Application (pdf) here, or complete the online application here.

Application and supporting materials may also be emailed to: Scholarships at Lynne F. Solon Foundation

Please send printed application and supporting materials to:
Lynne F. Solon Foundation
P.O. Box 99
Edwardsville, IL 62025