$10,000, National Convention, and a Path to Leadership

In this episode of White Canes Connect, David Goldstein sits down with Noor Krraisat, a national scholarship finalist and President of the Pennsylvania Association of Blind Students. Noor shares her journey as a blind college student, future law school applicant, and emerging leader within the National Federation of the Blind.

Noor walks us through the entire National Federation of the Blind scholarship experience—from applying and getting the call, to traveling independently to National Convention and navigating a packed, high-stakes week as a finalist. With the scholarship now valued at $10,000, this conversation offers an inside look at what applicants can expect and why this opportunity is about far more than money.

You’ll hear how the scholarship opens doors to mentorship, community, confidence, and leadership—and how one week at convention can redefine what’s possible. Noor explains why every eligible student should apply, how the experience accelerated her involvement in NABS and affiliate leadership, and why the real return on this scholarship lasts long after the check is cashed.

What You’ll Learn

• What the NFB scholarship application process is really like
• What happens after you get the call and become a finalist
• Why National Convention is a transformative experience for blind students
• How the $10,000 scholarship can be used—and why the money isn’t the best part
• How scholarships can launch long-term leadership within the Federation

Show notes at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/149          

Apply for a $10,000 National Scholarship

The National Federation of the Blind is accepting applications for the 2026 NFB Scholarship Program. We offer an array of scholarships to blind students to support their educational and professional goals. In addition to the $10,000 cash award, each recipient receives funding to attend our national convention, opportunities to network with other blind students, and avenues to connect with hundreds of blind professionals. Learn more and apply at https://nfb.org/programs-services/scholarships-and-awards/scholarship-program. Application deadline is March 31, 2026.

NFB National Convention July 3-8 in Austin

This year’s National Convention is in Austin, Texas, from July 3-8. Learn more about the 2026 NFB National Convention at https://nfb.org/convention. Call 800-627-7468 to book your room. The main hotel is the JW Marriott. The spillover hotel is the Austin Marriott Downtown. Use the room block code, BL1, to ensure you receive the convention room rate.

Jernigan Scholarships for National Convention

If you have never been to a National Convention, you can apply for a Jernigan Convention Scholarship by going to https://www.nfbofpa.org/jernigan. Good luck!

Donate to the NFB of PA

Like what you hear on White Canes Connect? Please support us and donate to the National Federation of the Blind of Pennsylvania, visit http://www.supportpablind.org. 

Keep Up-to-date with the Affiliate

Learn about chapter and division meetings and fundraisers on Federation Focus.  It’s available on the affiliate’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@nfbofpa. New episodes drop every Monday.

We Want to Hear Your Story

Reach out with questions and comments, or share ideas! We want to hear from you. Call us at [phone] or at [e-mail].

Follow White Canes Connect

Find out why White Canes Connect is currently ranked as one of the 100 Best Visually Impaired Podcast. Find the show on:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/white-canes-connect/id1592248709 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1YDQSJqpoteGb1UMPwRSuI 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pablindpodcast 

Visit our website at https://www.whitecanesconnect.com/.