ECU Disability Scholarship: Stephen C. & Bonnie S. Smith Endowed Award

Stephen C. & Bonnie S. Smith Endowed Scholarship for Students with Disabilities at ECU

Key facts:

• Organisation: East Carolina University (ECU)
• Category: Scholarship
• Country / region: United States

• Funding: Financial assistance through an endowed scholarship; award amount not specified.
• Study level: University students; specific eligible study levels not specified.
• Field of study: Not restricted to a particular field in the source.
• Duration: Not specified.
• Host institution: East Carolina University, North Carolina, USA.
• Language requirement: Not specified.

About the scholarship

East Carolina University (ECU) has announced a new endowed scholarship established by alumni Steve and Bonnie Smith.

The Stephen C. & Bonnie S. Smith Endowed Scholarship was created to support students whose disabilities affect their experience at university.

The scholarship honours Greg Smith, Steve Smith's brother, who graduated from East Carolina University in 1976 and had cerebral palsy.

The idea developed after the ECU Foundation contacted the Smiths about establishing a scholarship. What began as an unexpected conversation eventually became a way for the family to support students facing challenges during their university experience.

The donors explained that financial assistance can make a meaningful difference by reducing students' financial stress and giving them greater flexibility to focus on their education.

Who can apply?

The scholarship is intended for students with disabilities that interfere with their college experience at East Carolina University.

However, the published announcement does not provide a complete eligibility guide. It does not specify:

• Whether applicants must meet a particular academic performance requirement.
• Which disability documentation is required.
• Whether undergraduate and postgraduate students are both eligible.
• Whether applicants must demonstrate financial need.
• Whether there are nationality or residency restrictions.

Interested students should contact East Carolina University or its scholarship office for the current eligibility criteria.

What you get

The scholarship provides financial assistance to an eligible ECU student with a disability.

The university announcement does not disclose:

• The exact scholarship amount.
• Whether the award is renewable.
• The number of recipients selected each year.
• The duration of financial support.

The scholarship is part of ECU's wider efforts to support students through endowed and general scholarship funding.

How to apply

The November 5, 2026 announcement confirms that the scholarship has been established, but it does not provide a direct application link or application instructions.

Students interested in the award should contact East Carolina University to confirm:

1. Whether applications are currently being accepted.
2. The eligibility and disability documentation requirements.
3. The application procedure and relevant deadlines.
4. The scholarship value and renewal conditions.

Do not assume that the scholarship is currently open for applications based solely on the announcement.

Documents required

The published announcement does not list specific application documents.

Applicants should confirm the requirements with East Carolina University. Disability-related documentation, academic records or other supporting materials may be requested, but these are not confirmed in the announcement.

Important dates

• Scholarship announcement: November 5, 2026.

Official information

Read the university's announcement: https://news.ecu.edu/2026/11/05/a-scholarship-rooted-in-love-and-legacy/

For application details, eligibility confirmation and award information, contact East Carolina University directly.