World Deaf Leadership Scholarship

The WDL Scholarship makes it possible for deaf and hard of hearing leaders from developing nations to attend Gallaudet University. WDL aims to empower selected individuals through the knowledge, skills, and aspirations that a higher education brings so that they can make significant contributions to their deaf community and nation. WDL is funded by the Nippon Foundation of Tokyo, Japan. Since making its first award in 2003, 17 WDL Scholarships have been awarded. See them here.

The scholarship covers tuition, room, board, and medical insurance, and provides an annual stipend for expenses such as books, supplies, laundry service, personal products, and local transportation.

Additional support for a WDL Scholar includes mentorship from a member of the Gallaudet University faculty and an internship in the scholar’s home country.

When WDL Scholars graduate from Gallaudet, they must return home and work towards improving the lives of deaf people through education, advocacy, and partnering with different people and organizations.