2023 NDSC Convention Scholarship

The Rio Grande Down Syndrome Network will be offering scholarships to the 2023 National Down Syndrome Congress Annual National Conference July 20-23 in Orlando, Florida. Previous scholarship recipients from 2022 are excluded. THREE full scholarships will be awarded. If more families submit a scholarship request than scholarships available, a random drawing will take place to award scholarships.  Only RGDSN members are able to submit a scholarship request.

The purpose of the scholarship is to allow the scholarship recipients to have an opportunity to experience the latest information from experts in the Down syndrome field. Therefore, scholarship recipients are expected to share their experiences with RGDSN. When scholarship recipients return from the convention, a survey will need to be completed.  

The scholarship application must be completed and submitted online by March 10, 2023. Scholarship recipients will be notified by March 17, 2023. Registration must take place by March 21, 2023.

Scholarship will include the following:

• Travel expenses for individual with Down syndrome and one caregiver/parent (up to $1500 for both).  
• Provides 1 hotel room for 3 nights in Orlando, FL at the JW Marriot, Grande Lakes for up to $600 (no incidentals covered).
• If individual with Down syndrome and caregiver fly, provide transportation to and from hotel and airport for up to $150.
• Provide convention registration for two individuals ($450) and up to $350 in other conference services (i.e. kids camp, etc)

All other scholarship recipient expenses related to the conference will not be covered by RGDSN (i.e. meal expenses, additional guests in hotel room, etc.).

Scholarship Criteria:

• Attend with Individual with Down Syndrome (Note: if special circumstances, the Board will consider)
• Member of RGDSN (click here if not a member to sign up)
• Live in New Mexico
• Have not received RGDSN scholarship in 2022

Scholarship recipients may be responsible for directly purchasing all scholarship items noted above and submit receipts for reimbursement to RGDSN in a timely manner. Registration and hotel rooms will open March 21 and need to be secured by scholarship recipient the day it is open. If you would like a hard copy application, please email info@rgdsn.org or call/text 505-382-5061. The RGDSN Board will consider special circumstances that don't meet the criteria noted above. Please note the circumstance you would like considered below.