2026 Rosa DeLauro and Tom Cole GLOBAL Advancement Awards

$2,000 Continuing Education Awards

The Rosa DeLauro and Tom Cole GLOBAL Advancement Awards, presented at the AcceptAbility Gala in Washington, DC, will be given to two outstanding individuals with Down syndrome who are pursuing continuing education opportunities after high school. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) are two of GLOBAL’s Congressional Champions who have shown unwavering dedication to ensure that NIH research funding for Down syndrome continues to increase every year. Selected awardees are asked to attend the AcceptAbility Gala, on Wednesday, May 20 at the JW Marriott Washington, DC, where the awards will be presented.

Eligibility:

Applicant must show a demonstrated interest in continuing education beyond high school and active involvement in their community.
Applicant must be 18 years of age or older, have Down syndrome or other IDD, and is a U.S. citizen.
Awards are to be used towards a continuing education program, such as college, post-secondary education program, vocational program, therapeutic training, or any other program that will assist the awardee in achieving their dreams. The program to which the funds will be applied will be reviewed and approved by the scholarship selection committee.
Recipients agree to attend the AcceptAbility Gala with a guest on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at the JW Marriott Washington, DC, where the awards will be presented. Recipient will be provided a complimentary ticket to the event plus one guest. The recipient must pay for their own travel (airfare and hotel, if needed) to DC for the event.
Recipients agree to be included in promotional materials for this and future years’ Rosa DeLauro and Tom Cole GLOBAL Advancement Awards. Recipients agree to provide updates to GLOBAL after funds are utilized.
Recipients may not be persons who are, or at any time in the last 5 years have been, in a position to exercise significant influence over GLOBAL (i.e. board members, ambassadors, family members, etc.).

Instructions:

Complete the below application including:

A 300-500 word essay describing your future plans and how participation in ongoing education will help you: (1) Reach your goals, (2) Be included in your community, and (3) Help you make an impact in the world *required
Upload one letter of recommendation (from a teacher, coach, program coordinator, etc.) *optional
Upload a photo of yourself (high-resolution jpeg file requested) *required

Direct any questions to programs@globaldownsyndrome.org or 720-548-5605

Apply Today! Use the form below. Applications due Friday, April 3, 2026.

Tom Cole and Rosa DeLauro Global Advancement Awards application

Applicant's First Name

Applicant's Last Name

Applicant's Nickname

Applicant’s Address Line 1

Applicant’s Address Line 2

City

State

Zip

Country

Applicant’s Email

Applicant's Phone

Applicant's Date of Birth

Parent/Guardian Full Name

Phone (Parent/Guardian)

Email (Parent/Guardian)

Ethnicity Ethnicity

Gender Gender

High School Attended

Year Graduated/Completed

What program will you use the scholarship for if awarded?

URL/Link to the program you are participating in

If awarded, are you and a guest able to join us at the AcceptAbility Gala on the evening of Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at the JW Marriott Washington, DC?

Yes

No

If awarded, do you agree to allow GLOBAL to promote you and this award program on their website, social media, emails, etc.?

Yes

No

Describe, in an essay, your plans for the future and how participation in ongoing education will (1) help you reach your goals, (2) be included in your community, and (3) help you make an impact in the world. (300 minimum to 500 maximum word essay)

Attachments:
Upload one letter of recommendation (from a teacher, coach, program coordinator, etc.)

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

Attachments:
Upload a photo of yourself (high-resolution jpg/jpeg file) *required

Maximum file size: 268.44MB

Website/URL

Would you like to join our birthday club?

Yes

No