Scholarship Program Information

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Starting in January 2026, Laughing at My Nightmare will open scholarship applications for the 2026–2027 academic year, and we know the demand will be higher than ever.

Our scholarship program exists to expand access to higher education for students with disabilities, with a strong emphasis on supporting emerging leaders. We are committed to uplifting students who are not only pursuing their education but also demonstrating leadership potential in their communities, their fields of study, or their daily lives. The applicants we serve are talented, driven individuals who are often overlooked, underfunded, and navigating systems that were not built with them in mind. Your support makes it possible for us to change that.

Over the last two years, your generosity allowed us to award a full-ride scholarship to a young woman with spinal muscular atrophy attending Yale Law School, and a partial scholarship to a young man with SMA pursuing his undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley. These awards are investments in future attorneys, advocates, leaders, and changemakers.

As we prepare for the next cycle, we are committed to reaching even more students and strengthening our focus on leadership. Your support today ensures we can open more doors in 2026 because financial barriers should never stand between a brilliant disabled student and the education and leadership opportunities they deserve.

Important Dates for the 2026 Scholarship Cycle

Application Opens: January 15, 2026
Application Closes: March 9, 2026
Final Round Notifications and Interviews: 4/15-4/25
Final Decisions Released: May 20, 2026

Required Application Materials

Applicants must provide the following
• One to two letters of recommendation
• Proof of household income
• Acceptance letter from their college or university and estimated yearly tuition

• Transcripts, which are optional
• Resume
• Completed narrative questions provided in the application

The Application will be available here by 1/15/26.

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THE IMPACT

'25 RECIPIENTS

About The Program

Since its inception 12-years-ago, LAMN has tirelessly worked to bridge gaps in accessibility by offering a diverse range of adaptive equipment. From mobility aids to specialized technology, these resources have empowered countless individuals to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

As Laughing at My Nightmare, Inc. looks toward the future, it remains dedicated to expanding its reach and impact within the disability community. Through continued partnerships and community support, LAMN aims to further empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their full potential.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

2025 Scholarship Recipients

Laura Bairett

Yale Law School

JD Candidate

I was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and have used a power wheelchair since the age of two. I have a bachelor’s degree in Finance and am a JD candidate at Yale Law School, where I’ve had the opportunity to join the Yale Law Journal as a First-Year Editor and serve on the boards of several student organizations. After graduating, I hope to work in health law with an emphasis on disability rights issues.

I’m thrilled and honored to have received Laughing At My Nightmare’s first academic scholarship. Living with a serious disability is an expensive proposition that compounds the difficulty of paying for school—this scholarship is making all of that more manageable and letting me focus on my education and pursue the path that’s best for me. I’m excited for a career that will allow me to work on legal problems that matter to me and so thankful for Laughing At My Nightmare’s help getting started!

Lucas Cook

UC Berkeley

Disability Studies and Public Policy Undergraduate

Hello, my name is Lucas Cook and I have Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2. I graduated as a Valedictorian from my High School Class with a 4.26 GPA. In High School I was Co-Captain of the Debate Team and on the board of Alliance for Disability Awareness. I am most proud of the work I did serving as the District 3 Representative to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Special Education Committee where I fought to create a more inclusive environment in all schools.

Additionally, I have interned for Vanaman German LLP a disability rights law firm. I will be going to UC Berkeley to major in Political Science and minor in Disability Studies and Public Policy. The LAMN Scholarship will help me be able to afford housing for all four years. In the future, I plan on becoming a disability rights attorney and am looking forward to going to college.

Scholarship Program Information

Important Dates for the 2026 Scholarship Cycle

Required Application Materials

About The Program

2025 Scholarship Recipients

Program Sponsors