EMPOWERING POTENTIAL: THE CRITICAL ROLE OF SCHOLARSHIPS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS WITH FINANCIAL NEED

DANIEL LINDEN, III

Director of Student Support Services

In the pursuit of a college degree, students who have learning differences face a unique set of challenges that extend beyond the classroom. Whether they come from public, private, or charter schools, learning challenges can become a barrier to academic success and, often, students need personalized assistance to meet the U of A’s academic performance standards; the kind of assistance they can get through the SALT Center.

But what happens when students who need the kind of personalized support the SALT Center offers cannot access it because of limited financial resources?

Thanks to incredibly generous donors, scholarships to offset SALT Center fees are available to students who need them. These scholarships are more than just financial support. They are often a lifeline that helps students realize their dream of a college degree. They truly change the trajectory of lives. By alleviating financial stress, scholarships allow students to focus on their studies, participate in campus life, and pursue internships or research opportunities that enhance career readiness.

They also send a powerful message: students who learn differently are valued, capable, and deserve investment. Students participating in the SALT Center bring resilience, creativity, and determination to their academic and professional pursuits. They also build leadership skills by becoming Peer Mentors, SALT Center Student Ambassadors, participate in study abroad programs, research, and participate with confidence in any one of a number of activities available through the university. Again and again, we see that they graduate and become leaders, advocates, and changemakers in their fields. Many of their stories are highlighted in this journal.

We are very proud that for the 2025-2026 academic year, the SALT Center anticipates providing roughly 60 need-based scholarships equating to over $280,000 toward SALT Center program fees. By expanding access to the SALT Center, here at the University of Arizona, these scholarships help build a future where every student, regardless of ability or income, has the chance to reach their fullest potential.

If you want to help support a student who has financial need, please visit our giving page:

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