First established by Charles Owen in loving memory of his blind wife, this scholarship is now endowed to honor the memory of both. The Charles and Melva T. Owen Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to students who must be pursuing or planning to pursue a post-secondary course of study in a degree program at a U.S. institution in the fall of the year of application. One scholarship may be given to a person employed full-time while attending school part-time. Applicants must be legally blind in both eyes. Applicants do not have to be U.S. citizens but they must be residing in the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. They must be 18 years of age by July 3, 2024. Applicants do not need to be an NFB member to win. At least one letter of recommendation is required; more letters are permitted. The best letters come from an authoritative source and provide verification of the applicant's excellence with examples of their level of scholarship, ability as a leader, community involvement, or fineness of character. For the proof of legal blindness, applicants do not need to send actual medical records. They just need to provide a clear statement from a qualified professional that certifies they are "legally blind" in both eyes according to the federal definition. Qualified authorities include a professional in eye care or a medical doctor, a professional in the education or rehabilitation of persons who are legally blind, or the president of an NFB state affiliate. High school seniors must submit the reports on their college entrance examinations, if available. They must send a copy of their report summary from the ACT, SAT, or other such standardized tests. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the National Federation of the Blind for more information.