DefIANt Scholars Program

In 2020, the North East Community Foundation proudly partnered with Ian Malesiewski to create a new scholarship to empower, encourage, and uplift local students. The DefIANt Scholars Program is a scholarship available to seniors in Erie County, Pennsylvania, who have a physical or intellectual disability.

“The number of students with disabilities who can go on to pursue higher education is disappointing,” said Malesiewski, a North East native and athlete who sustained a spinal cord injury in 2016 and attended the University of Miami. But he understands why. 

There are so many challenges – from physically navigating the new environment to taking notes and completing assignments. Malesiewski relied on technology, like a special mouse he uses with his mouth to type, along with the support of friends, family, and even athletes like NFL player James Conner. “I have a great support system,” he said. “But not everyone does.”

DefIANt Scholars aims to make the transition to college less difficult. Its mission is to help aid the disabled community to break down barriers, stereotypes and misconceptions inside and outside of the classroom.