Scholarships & Awards
Bender Leadership Academy encourages students and alumni to become disability advocates and thoughtful citizens through civic leadership.
Along with all her work fighting for change, (Linda Dickerson) chose to incorporate children with disabilities naturally, not making them stand out or be different, just as it should be in real life. Linda Dickerson dedicated so much of her time to fight for people just like me, who were born with, or acquired, a disability…
Linda Dickerson was an amazing pioneer and advocate for all young workers with disabilities, which inspires me to do the best I can in the future.
The Linda Dickerson Scholarship was created by Bender Leadership Academy for students who were positively impacted by attending any of our Bender Leadership Academy programs.
About Linda Dickerson – Linda Dickerson was a trailblazer in the Disabilities Rights Community. Linda was diagnosed with a rare, genetic neuromuscular disease known as Werdnig-Hoffmann, a severe form of spinal muscular atrophy. She used a wheelchair her entire life. After obtaining other significant disabilities later in her life, she still remained unstoppable. Dickerson’s internal drive and unrelenting spirit did not let any challenges get in the way of her life goals.
About the Linda Dickerson Scholarship- All students who participate in any of our Bender Leadership Academy programs are eligible to win a Linda Dickerson Scholarship. Bender Leadership Academy will award up to 10 $1,000 scholarships throughout the school year.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the application scoring process. I’m inspired by reading the applications and it’s clear your work is having an impact in the lives of these young people.
2024/2025 Award Winners
2023/2024 Award Winners
Josh S.
Trinity Area School District
Disability Mentoring Day
Madison J.
City Connections East
Disability Mentoring Day
Spencer D.
City Connections East
Disability Mentoring Day
Kimora M.
City Connections East
Disability Mentoring Day
Brodie Nash
Quaker Valley High School
Student Leaders
Julian W.
Westmoreland Community College
DigitalAccess@Work
2022/2023 Award Winners
Alexandra W.
Central Valley High School
Student Leaders
Brianna R.
Baldwin High School
Student Leaders
Jaden F.
South Fayette High School
Student Leaders
Kaylee N.
Wesley Bridge Program
Disability Mentoring Day
Alexander S.
Mt. Lebanon High School
Student Leaders
Mara I.
Western Beaver High School
Computer Basic and Customer Service Certifications
Jason D.
Ambridge School District
Computer Basic and Customer Service Certifications
Kevin A.
Christiana High School
Student Leaders
Mat L.
Westinghouse Academy High School
Disability Mentoring Day
Jamieka T.
Westinghouse Academy High School
Disability Mentoring Day
Isaiah E.
Westinghouse Academy High School
Disability Mentoring Day
David R
Hopewell High School
Disability Mentoring Day
Jesse L.
Bethel Park High School
Student Leaders
Kaitlyn A.
West Jefferson High School
Student Leaders
2021/2022 Award Winners
Rushma K.
Baldwin High School
Advanced Student Leaders
Jocelyn M.
Beaver County Community Technical Center
Certifications
Hiro M.
Fox Chapel High School
Advanced Student Leaders
Angela M.
Riverside High School
Advanced Student Leaders
Gregory D.
Insight PA Cyber Charter School
Advanced Student Leaders
Brooklyn W.
Insight PA Cyber Charter School
Advanced Student Leaders
Jason B.
Mon Valley High School
DigitalAccess@Work
Joey B.
DigitalAccess@Work
Wade D.
Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
Disability Mentoring Day
Destiny M.
Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
Disability Mentoring Day
Zachary P.
Norwin High School
Student Leaders
Courtney S.
Central Valley High School
Student Leaders
Colby R.
Peters Township High School
Student Leaders
Nicholas M.
Community College of Allegheny County/City Connections1
Student Leaders
Joy M.
Ellwood City High School
Student Leaders
The Sam Miller Award is presented to an individual with a disability between the ages of 16-21 who has shown, through action, their dedication to advocacy, anti-bullying, and leadership efforts in support of youth with disabilities. The recipient of the Sam Miller Award will be recognized with a plaque and a $300.00 gift certificate presented by corporate sponsor Bender Consulting Services, Inc. The Sam Miller Award is given annually. Applications are accepted between September 1 and August 31 of the award year.
Sam Miller Award Winners
- 2024 Logan Huwalt
- 2023 Brooklyn Walker
- 2022 Rushma Kafley
- 2021 Asher Jordan
- 2020 Brianna Cooley
- 2019 Jerry Metting
- 2018 Jayla Youngblood
- 2017 Kaitlyn Lore
- 2016 Olivia Stevenson
- 2015 Gwendolyn Jackson
- 2014 Nicole Kay
- 2013 Staci Forrest