Dr. Toni Jo Mason Scholarship

The Dr. Toni Jo Mason Academic Scholarship, funded by the Dr. Toni Jo Mason Academic Scholarship Fund, is a competitively awarded program which is available to undergraduate students with disabilities enrolled at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).

About The Scholarship

  • The Dr. Toni Jo Mason Academic Scholarship, funded by the Dr. Toni Jo Mason Academic Scholarship Fund, is a competitively awarded program which is available to undergraduate students with disabilities enrolled at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).
  • Established in 2014, the Dr. Toni Jo Mason Scholarship Fund Program was designed to serve as a lasting tribute to the vision, mission, life work, and example of Dr. Toni Jo Mason to overcome obstacles and the struggle experienced by people with disabilities.

person in a wheelchair holding a pink piggy bank
Background of Dr. Mason
Dr. Mason was diagnosed with cerebral palsy soon after birth. Her parents, both educators, created an encouraging environment that enabled and supported her belief that she could and would accomplish anything other children could do with time and determination. Dr. Mason’s life and career were a commitment to ensuring that all people with disabilities were recognized by their abilities, and were provided encouragement, equal opportunities, and support to dream, learn, and achieve their fullest potential.

As an educator and humanitarian, Dr. Mason helped pave the way for all children with disabilities nationally. She contributed to the development of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and served as a federal child compliance officer for the United States Department of Education. She also developed and implemented the self-study and transition plans for Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. As a federal child compliance officer, Dr. Mason traveled nationally to ensure the intent and spirit of the law were implemented and upheld.

Mason also significantly impacted the Florida K–12 school system. As a coordinator of diagnostic services for the Leon County School District in Tallahassee, Florida, she initiated action on the part of the school district to make elementary school playgrounds accessible to students with physical disabilities. Dr. Mason considered her work to implement accessible playgrounds in elementary schools a major accomplishment in raising awareness and supporting equal access for children.

"Together we will all be ABLE to overcome the struggle of disability." - Dr. Toni Jo Mason

The 'spirit' of the scholarship program is to support the recipient as well as raise awareness of the importance of building support networks and success opportunities for all students to dream, reach for success with 'stick-to-it-ness' and never ever give up hope to reach their full potential.

 

Purpose of Establishing Non-Endowed Collegiate Academic Scholarship Programs with Educational Institutions

  • The Dr. Toni Jo Mason Academic Scholarship Funds are established in partnership with educational institutions, and are intended for and available to full-time undergraduate students with physical disabilities enrolled at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) who demonstrate financial need.

  • Funds are to be used for the cost of college/university tuition, books, fees and/or technology to support the academic achievement of the recipient.

  • This scholarship is an annual award not to exceed $3,000 an academic year and can be received for a total of two (2) academic years.

Application Guidelines

Student applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered for scholarship selection:

1) Be a full-time, incoming freshman, current undergraduate student, or transfer student;

2) Provide documentation of the nature and/or extent of a physical disability;

3) Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA form by the required deadline and be determined to have unmet financial need;

4) Complete a Dr. Toni Jo Mason Academic Scholarship Application Form; and

5) Have and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50

Application Filing Deadline: April 1, 2023 | Please select from one of the following applications:

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For Additional Questions or Information Regarding this Scholarship, Please Contact Us

Center for Disability Access & Resources (CeDAR)


P:
(850) 599-3180
F:
N/A
E:
cedar@famu.edu