2024 Matthew C. Graziadei Achievement Scholarship Award

The Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC) offers the Matthew C. Graziadei Achievement Scholarship Award to a North Carolina high school senior with a disability. This award includes a $1,500 scholarship to be used for any post-high school learning experience or training, or for equipment and technology needed for employment. The scholarship honors Matthew Carmen Graziadei, a remarkable young man who died in 1998 at age 26 after being diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at age seven. Recipients are selected based on attributes including determination, perseverance, persistence, dedication, confidence, motivation, fortitude, and accomplishment. All North Carolina students with disabilities are eligible for nomination, including students enrolled in the Occupation Course of Study, students receiving a Graduate Certificate, and students enrolled in the Future Ready Course of Study. The award is presented to the winning student during their high school awards ceremony, with additional students potentially selected as runners-up.