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The Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC) is proud to offer the Matthew C. Graziadei Achievement Scholarship Award to support North Carolina high school seniors with disabilities. The award amount is $1,500, with the potential for a higher amount and/or runner ups depending on funds. This scholarship is awarded directly to the student and can be used for any post-secondary experience, including further education, employment related expenses, independent living, pursuing hobbies, or purchasing assistive technology and/or other equipment needs. (Because the amount is over $600, the student will receive a 1099 form.)
ELIGIBILITY:
ALL North Carolina high school students with disabilities that are graduating in Spring 2026 are eligible for nomination. This includes:
- Students who are homeschooled, enrolled in private schools, public charter schools, or
- traditional public schools.
- Students with or without a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Students who will receive either a diploma or a certificate
SELECTION CRITIERIA:
Matthew Carmen Graziadei was a remarkable young man who died in January 1998 at the age of 26. At the age of seven Matt was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. He graduated from Myers Park High School in Charlotte, NC and was elected to Who’s Who in American High School Students. Matt was a student intern at the Charlotte Mint Museum and served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association both locally and statewide. He achieved President’s Honors at Central Piedmont Community College and served in Washington, DC with the US Surgeon General’s Council on Families and Disabilities. Matt also started his own business and was a contractor in facilities, engineering and computer services.
Scholarship recipients reflect the qualities that defined Matthew C. Graziadei:
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Determination – believing you can go beyond what seems possible
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Perseverance – staying strong even when things are tough
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Persistence – trying again and again until you succeed
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Dedication – putting in steady effort to reach your goals
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Confidence – trusting yourself to handle challenges
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Motivation – focusing on opportunities instead of barriers
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Accomplishment - achieving success while embracing new possibilities
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applications will only be accepted through Friday, February 20, 2026. The award will be presented to the winning student during their high school awards ceremony. Based on applications received, additional students may be selected as Runner Up.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must submit the following documents for consideration, NOTE NEW REQUIREMENT:
- Student Information Form – TRANSCRIPTS ARE NOT REQUIRED
- Nominated student must submit a written or dictated paragraph about why they qualify for this award and how they would use the award to help with their future plans.
- Nomination Narrative - A one-page narrative, completed by school counselor, teacher, student or someone who knows the student describing the student and his/her accomplishments in relationship to the attributes listed on the cover page. Include a brief personal history, education or career goals, and reasons why they should be selected for this award.
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Administrator from high School: Principal, Assistant Principal, EC Director, Director of Student Services, a Teacher, Coach, Job Coach or School Counselor, Community Member – Student’s peer, relative, employer, pastor, neighbor, service provider, etc.
DEADLINE:
One copy of the completed, signed application packet must be received by Friday, February 20, 2026. Winner and finalists, if applicable, will be selected by April 10 and the Individual
nominating the student or the high school counselor will be notified by May 1st. Incomplete
applications will be deemed ineligible and rejected.
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