The heart of Ramp Less Traveled’s work is the scholarship and mentoring program. We offer a two-pronged solution to helping students with spinal cord injuries get to college and pursue their goals. First, financial support: Ramp offers a one-time $2,500 scholarship to be used for educational and/or personal expenses at an American college or university. Second, mentoring: It is not our business to grant scholarships and then leave the recipients to themselves. Ramp pairs scholarship recipients with an experienced mentor who helps guide the student and his or her parents along the path to college success. The mentoring relationship is comprehensive and ongoing, and we will do our best to ensure a successful and rewarding college entrance following injury. Learn more about some of our mentoring areas below.
So much of what is worth experiencing in college occurs outside of the classroom. We believe dorm living is essential to the full college experience, allowing everything from random conversations to the formation of lifelong friendships. We'll work to ensure the university housing accommodations are accessible to the needs of the student.
Opportunities for fun and social engagement in college abound: sporting events, musical and dramatic performances, library parties, clubs and activities, Greek life, academic talks, etc. It is crucial that every student have access to the full range of student experiences, and Ramp highly recommends our students engage in as many opportunities for social enrichment as possible.
Colleges differ widely in the type of food services they offer their students. But all dining options offer the opportunity for students to share conversations and meet new friends, so Ramp will help investigate the best dining options.
While college offers so many opportunities for personal enrichment, we recognize that students with spinal cord injuries must still grapple with serious medical demands. We'll help recommend a game plan regarding nursing services, therapy, personal attendants, and an on-campus health team to the extent that each student needs them.
Some academic routines may need to be adjusted following spinal cord injury. For example, students may need special testing accommodations or notetaking solutions, along with voice dictation software or electronic books. We'll work with your college's disability office and recommend appropriate assistive technology and other academic accommodations.
It is easy to get lost in the web of government agencies such as vocational rehabilitation, Medicaid, and college loan offices when navigating the college admissions process following injury. We'll offer tips and procedures to help stay sane while seeking out additional funding sources.