GVRA Announces $17,000 Annual Grant for Eligible Students with Disabilities

ATLANTA, GA – The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) is pleased to announce the availability of the Bud McCall Post-Secondary Vocational Rehabilitation Grant, up to $17,725 to be awarded annually to eligible students with disabilities seeking post-secondary and other Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) services. 

To be eligible, an individual must have a permanent disability that results in a substantial impediment to employment and be eligible for GVRA services. To apply, visit https://gvs.georgia.gov/bud-mccall-grant.

“The Bud McCall Grant represents an enormous opportunity for Georgians with disabilities to attend a college or university, fulfill their career goals, and participate in Georgia’s thriving economy,” says Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services (GVRS) Board Chairman Tom Wilson. “This is a win-win for employers looking for talented and skilled graduates who are ready to enter the workforce.”

GVRA’s announcement of the grant follows policy changes that removed the financial needs assessment and other requirements for individuals with disabilities seeking post-secondary opportunities. The changes became effective on January 1.  In addition to removing the barriers, GVRA  established a maximum grant amount that matches funding offered through the Pell Grant. The Bud McCall Grant provides up to $7,395 for tuition, $9,430 for maintenance (room, board, and meals), and $900 for books annually.

“The financial support, along with the vocational rehabilitation services offered through GVRA, will allow many individuals with disabilities across Georgia to fully participate in a post-secondary experience and to achieve their dreams,” says GVRA Executive Director Chris Wells. “We welcome the opportunity to serve, and we are committed to each client’s success.”

Formerly referred to as Post-Secondary Training Support, the Bud McCall Grant is named in honor of former State Representative Tom McCall’s and GVRS Board Member Jane McCall’s son, who was born with an extensive list of disabilities. Bud’s love for others served as an inspiration to his family, friends, and the entire community.  In October 2023, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services Board approved a resolution to rename the grant and to underscore Georgia’s commitment to helping individuals with disabilities reach their full potential. For additional information about GVRA or the Bud McCall Grant, contact Carla Murphy, Public Affairs Director, at [email protected] or (470) 816-6501.

About the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency

Established in July 2012, the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) operates five integrated and interdependent statutory programs that share a primary goal - to serve Georgians with disabilities to empower them to live independent lives.