The terms and conditions for the REAL Scholarship are listed below for those who may be interested in applying for the Early Intervention Studies (EIS) Programs for the 2026-2027 academic year.

PLEASE NOTE: While students may apply for the REAL Scholarship prior to receiving confirmation of acceptance into the programs, funding will not be awarded without an official letter of acceptance and proof of enrollment.

Background

The Regional Early Acquisition of Language (REAL) Project is a partnership between the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University and the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB), united by a shared mission to eliminate language deprivation among young deaf children by 2050. REAL activities operate at both national and regional levels, focusing on delivering resources and support to families with deaf children, providers working with young deaf children, and medical professionals serving this population.

As part of our dedication to advancing early intervention, we have allocated funds for scholarships to address the critical shortage of professionals specializing in early language acquisition and early childhood education for deaf children. Priority for these scholarships will be given to students entering the Early Intervention Studies programs. This ensures the development of a professional workforce that reflects and meets the various needs of families accessing services.

Eligibility

The REAL Scholarship is offered to students based on the following criteria: 

1. Resides in the following states and U.S. territories that the REAL project serves:  Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Montana, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Hawaii, as well as American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Marshall Islands, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico; 
2. Will study in higher education at Gallaudet University in a field related to Early Intervention and/or Early Childhood Education including Early Intervention Studies, Education, Speech Language Pathology, Audiology, Social Work, and other related fields;
3. Intends to work in the Early Intervention or Early Childhood field after graduation.

EIS-Specific Information

1. Additional funds are also available to students who are accepted and enrolled in the Early Intervention Studies Programs to cover travel, lodging, and books. 

Selection for Scholarships

To determine if the candidate may qualify for a REAL scholarship, the candidate will: 

1. Review eligibility requirements
2. If all requirements are met, complete application at this link that includes:
   1. Personal information
   2. Goal statement
   3. Major 
   4. Letter of acceptance from a qualifying program at Gallaudet University or screenshot of your application portal showing that your completed application has been submitted
   5. Resume

Award Amount

The award amount will depend on the number of applications submitted, needs of the applicant, length of the program, and other possible costs involved in the program. 

Deadline

Submit the completed application by March 31, 2026.

Apply here

Please email realsouth@aidb.org if you have any questions about the REAL Scholarship.