The Drew Swan Sibling Scholarship is a financial award offered by Extra Special People, Inc. (ESP), a nonprofit organization based in Georgia, United States, dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. The scholarship provides $1,500 to help a sibling of a person with disabilities pursue higher education at a nonprofit college or university. For many families navigating the emotional and financial demands of supporting a loved one with disabilities, this award offers a meaningful recognition of the sacrifices and resilience of siblings.
This scholarship is specifically designed for siblings of individuals with disabilities who are enrolled or accepted into a two-year or four-year nonprofit higher education institution. It is a one-time, non-renewable award, meaning it is given for one academic year and cannot be renewed afterward. While the financial amount may seem modest, it carries a deeper significance as it acknowledges the unique role siblings play in families living with disability.
This post covers everything you need to know about the Drew Swan Sibling Scholarship, including eligibility requirements, benefits, required documents, how to apply, and key tips to strengthen your application.
Scholarship Overview
| Field | Information |
| Host Country | United States |
| Degree Level | Associate (2-year) or Bachelor’s (4-year) |
| Funding Type | One-time, non-renewable award |
| Deadline | July 1, 2023 (this cycle is now closed) |
| Who Can Apply | Siblings of individuals with disabilities in Georgia |
| Benefits Summary | $1,500 scholarship award |
Note on Application Status
This scholarship cycle is currently closed. The deadline for the 2023 cycle was July 1, 2023, and the winner announcement was scheduled for July 30, 2023. If you are interested in this award, you are encouraged to monitor the official Extra Special People website for future cycles and updated deadlines.
Eligibility
To be considered for the Drew Swan Sibling Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship / Residency: You must be a sibling of an individual with disabilities who is based in the state of Georgia.
- Academic qualifications: You must be accepted into or currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year nonprofit higher education institution. For-profit institutions are not eligible.
- Disability connection: You must have a sibling who has been diagnosed with or lives with a disability.
- Degree level: The scholarship supports students pursuing an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree.
- Renewable status: This is a non-renewable, one-year award. Previous recipients are not eligible to apply again.
Eligible Countries
This scholarship is restricted to applicants connected to the state of Georgia in the United States.
- United States (Georgia-based applicants and/or siblings with disabilities residing in Georgia)
If you are outside the United States or Georgia, this particular scholarship does not apply to your situation. You may want to search for scholarships in your own country or region.
Eligible Fields of Study
This scholarship is open to all fields of study.
There are no restrictions placed on what subject, program, or major you are pursuing. Whether you are studying education, health sciences, business, engineering, the arts, or any other discipline, you are eligible to apply as long as you meet the other requirements.
Benefits
The Drew Swan Sibling Scholarship provides the following:
- Award amount: A one-time cash award of $1,500 is given to one selected student per cycle.
- Purpose: The funds can be used toward tuition, fees, books, accommodation, or other education-related expenses.
- Recognition: Beyond the financial award, recipients are recognized for their role as a sibling supporting a family member with disabilities.
Note: This scholarship does not cover tuition in full and does not include travel, health insurance, living stipend, or visa-related benefits. It is a partial financial contribution toward your education costs.
Required Documents
The following documents are typically required for this type of scholarship application.
- Completed application form: Fill out all required fields on the official application.
- Proof of enrollment or acceptance: An official letter from your college or university confirming your enrollment or admission into a two-year or four-year nonprofit institution.
- Proof of sibling’s disability: Documentation confirming that your sibling has a disability. This may include a medical letter, school record, or disability certification.
- Personal statement or essay: A written piece explaining your relationship with your sibling, the impact of their disability on your life, and your educational goals.
- Proof of Georgia connection: Documentation confirming that you or your sibling with a disability is based in Georgia.
- Academic transcripts: Official or unofficial transcripts from your most recent educational institution.
- Recommendation letter(s): Letters from a teacher, counselor, or community leader who can speak to your character and academic potential.
- Government-issued ID or birth certificate: To verify your identity and your relationship to your sibling.
How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply for the Drew Swan Sibling Scholarship:
Step 1: Confirm that this scholarship cycle is open. The 2023 cycle is now closed. Visit the official Extra Special People, Inc. website at www.extraspecialpeople.com to check if a new cycle has opened.
Step 2: Read the full eligibility requirements carefully. Make sure you have a sibling with a disability in Georgia and that you are enrolled in or accepted into a nonprofit two-year or four-year college or university.
Step 3: Gather all required documents before you begin the application. This includes proof of enrollment, proof of your sibling’s disability, transcripts, and any required essays or recommendation letters.
Step 4: Request recommendation letters early. Give your referees at least two to three weeks notice before the application deadline. Provide them with relevant information about the scholarship and your goals.
Step 5: Write your personal statement. Be honest and specific about your experience as a sibling of someone with disabilities and how this has shaped your character, goals, and reason for pursuing higher education.
Step 6: Review your application for completeness and accuracy. Check that all documents are attached, all fields are filled in, and no information is missing or incorrect.
Step 7: Submit your completed application before the deadline. Late submissions are not accepted.
Step 8: Keep a copy of your submitted application and all supporting documents for your records.
Step 9: Monitor your email for updates regarding shortlisting, interviews (if applicable), and the winner announcement.
Step 10: If your application is unsuccessful, consider reapplying in the next available cycle and look for similar scholarships for siblings of individuals with disabilities.
Key Dates and Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Opens | To be Determined |
| Application Deadline | July 1, 2023 (2023 cycle – now closed) |
| Shortlisting | To be Determined |
| Interviews | To be Determined |
| Final Results / Winner Announcement | July 30, 2023 |
| Programme Begins | To be Determined |
Note: These dates are for the 2023 cycle, which is now closed. Visit the official ESP website for updates on future cycles.
Application Deadline
For the 2023 cycle, the deadline was: July 1, 2023.
The winner announcement was scheduled for July 30, 2023.
This scholarship cycle is now closed. Applications submitted after the stated deadline are not accepted.
If you missed this cycle, keep an eye on the official Extra Special People, Inc. website for information about future scholarship cycles and updated deadlines.
Selection Criteria
The Drew Swan Sibling Scholarship is not simply awarded on the basis of financial need or academic grades alone. The selection committee at Extra Special People, Inc. is looking for a student who genuinely stands out. Here is what they consider:
- Personal story and connection to disability: How has having a sibling with a disability shaped your perspective, resilience, and compassion? Authentic and reflective storytelling matters here.
- Academic record: While there is no published minimum GPA, the scholarship is awarded to a student who stands out, suggesting that strong academic performance is an important factor.
- Character and community involvement: Your engagement with your community, your school, or disability-related causes may strengthen your application.
- Educational goals and career plans: The committee will want to see that you have clear intentions for your higher education and how your studies connect to your future.
- Essay quality (if applicable): How well you communicate your story and goals through writing is likely to be a significant differentiator.
Important Tips
- Apply early. Do not wait until the deadline. Submitting your application several days before July 1 gives you time to correct any errors or missing documents.
- Be authentic in your personal statement. The scholarship was created to recognize the unique experiences of siblings of people with disabilities. Share your real story, including the challenges and the growth.
- Do not focus only on hardship. While your challenges matter, balance them with what you have learned, how you have grown, and what you are working toward. Scholarship committees respond to hope and ambition.
- Choose your referee wisely. Select someone who knows you well and can speak specifically about your character, your relationship with your sibling, and your academic potential. A generic letter from someone who barely knows you will not help.
- Give your referee enough time. Ask for recommendation letters at least three weeks before the deadline. Provide them with background about the scholarship and bullet points about yourself to make their job easier.
- Confirm your institution qualifies. The scholarship is only available to students attending nonprofit colleges and universities. Double-check that your institution qualifies before you invest time in the application.
- Contact Extra Special People, Inc. directly if you have questions. Do not rely on third-party platforms for details about the application process. Go to the official source.
- Stay organized. Keep copies of every document you submit. If there is an issue with your application, you will need your records.
- Monitor your email after submission. Make sure to check both your inbox and spam folder regularly after applying, as correspondence about shortlisting or results may be sent by email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship open to students outside Georgia?
Based on the available information, this scholarship is linked to the state of Georgia. At minimum, the sibling with a disability must be in Georgia.
Can I apply if my sibling has not been officially diagnosed but clearly has a disability?
The scholarship is described as being for siblings of individuals with disabilities, but it is not clear from the available information whether an official medical diagnosis is required.
Is the $1,500 award paid directly to me or to my institution?
Some scholarships pay students directly, while others pay the institution on behalf of the student. Check with Extra Special People, Inc. to confirm how the award is disbursed.
Can I apply to other scholarships at the same time?
Yes. This scholarship does not state any restrictions on applying to other awards simultaneously. You are encouraged to apply to as many relevant scholarships as you qualify for.
What if I am already in my final year of studies? Can I still apply?
The scholarship is described as a one-year award for students enrolled in or accepted into a two-year or four-year institution.
Is this scholarship renewable?
No. This is explicitly a one-year, non-renewable award. You can only receive it once.
What kind of disabilities qualify under this scholarship?
The scholarship does not specify the type of disability. It broadly refers to siblings of individuals with disabilities.
Where can I find updates about future scholarship cycles?
Visit the official website of Extra Special People, Inc. at www.extraspecialpeople.com and follow their official social media channels for announcements about upcoming scholarship opportunities.
Official Link
Visit the official Extra Special People, Inc. website for information on the Drew Swan Sibling Scholarship and to check for future cycles:
https://scholarshipowl.com/scholarship/i24476-drew-swan-sibling-scholarship
