Fundraising and Scholarship

Memorial Scholarship Programs

The Commission has provided scholarships to young men and women with disabilities that reside in Los Angeles County. These scholarships assist in furthering the educational goals of disabled students and veterans from proceeds stemming form the Commission’s Access Awards Luncheon. The Commission offers multiple scholarships within each of the three categories identified below:

Bernard Siegel/Bill Tainter Scholarship Program is a program to honor the memory of former Commissioner Bernard Siegel who was a passionate and empathetic advocate for people with disabilities. He was a distinguished professional in the aerospace industry which included the LEM landing craft that successfully landed a man on the moon. It is also named after Bill Tainter who was the Executive Director for the State of California Department of Rehabilitation. He increased the number of people with disabilities in

top-level management positions in the Department and was a nationally recognized leader and role model in the disability community. His work also included developing programs and workshops on disability awareness, as well as presentations on Americans with Disabilities Act legislation.

Ernest T. Hamilton, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Program is a program to honor the memory of former Commissioner Ernest T. Hamilton, Jr. Mr. Hamilton was a veteran of the Armed Forces and a life-long advocate for the disabled community. This scholarship goes to a disabled veteran.

Ruben Anthony Rios Creative Arts & Design Memorial Scholarship Program is a program to honor the memory of former Commissioner Ruben Anthony Rios, an artist, and a life-long advocate for the disabled community.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

• Students with disabilities pursuing higher education.

• Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.

• Applicants residing in the County of Los Angeles at time of filing.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THESE SCHOLARSHIP GRANTS?

• To provide supplemental financial assistance to incoming community college, vocational (trade) school, or four-year college students.

• To enlighten the public that individuals with disabilities can succeed in higher education and take advantage of expanded career opportunities.

• To educate the community about the academic abilities of students with disabilities.

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA?

Applicants must:

• Provide proof of enrollment in community college, vocational (trade) school or four-year college or provide an acceptance letter from the chosen institute.

• Provide proof of 2.0 GPA or better (transcripts).

• Provide two written recommendation letters from counselors, teachers, employers, coaches, or rehabilitation counselors.

• Submit a thoroughly completed Scholarship Application.

• Attend the Board of Supervisors Scholarship Presentation.

• Attend the 2026 Scholarship Reception to share their experience as a scholarship winner.

• Participate in a follow-up Scholarship survey.

HOW IS THE MONEY DISBURSED?

• Awards will be granted in each Supervisorial District of the County of Los Angeles.

• Awards will be disbursed in two parts—half upon submission of transcript grades from a community college, vocational (trade) school, or four-year college for the end of the first school semester or quarter.

• The second half will be disbursed upon the submission of transcript grades from the end of the second semester or quarter; transcript must be submitted within 30 days following the end of each semester or quarter.