apply for Bud McCall Grant

The Bud McCall Post-Secondary Vocational Rehabilitation Grant is awarded to students with disabilities who are seeking college or university education to prepare for employment. Individuals with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan may be a candidate for the grant and GVRA services. To be eligible, individuals must have a disability that results in a substantial impediment to employment and be eligible for GVRA services. Additionally, their employment goal must require a college education.

Who is Bud McCall

Bud McCall is the first-born son of former State Representative Tom McCall and Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services Board Member Jane McCall whose love for others served as an inspiration to his family, friends, and the entire community. Bud was born with an extensive list of disabilities and lived an extraordinary life for 15 years. In October 2023, the Georgia Rehabilitation Services Board approved a resolution recognizing Bud McCall by naming the grant in his honor and underscoring GVRA’s commitment to helping individuals with disabilities reach their full potential.

Additional Resources

Federal Student Aid

Georgia Student Finance Commission

University System of Georgia

Technical College System of Georgia

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services Board

Bud McCall Grant Publications

- Bud McCall Grant Poster

- Bud McCall Grant Poster (Spanish)

- Bud McCall Grant Rack Card

- Bud McCall Grant Rack Card (Spanish)

To view more of GVRA's publications, click here.

Eligibility Requirements

Must have a disability that results in a substantial impediment to employment
Must apply for services and become a GVRA client
Must provide an acceptance letter for an accredited degree program at a college or university OR a degree, diploma, or Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) program at a technical college
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year
Must apply all comparable benefits for which the individual is eligible, including Pell grants, before applying the Bud McCall Grant to their balance
PLEASE NOTE: For instance, if a student receives financial aid or support such as the Pell Grant, state grants, scholarships, or other funding, the Bud McCall Grant will be paid only after that aid has been applied.
Must submit updates to include grades, student account details, and class schedule each semester to their counselor to maintain eligibility

Process to Become Eligible

Apply for GVRA services, click this link: GVRA Referral Website (ga.gov). Potential clients also may call (844) 367-4872 or visit a local office. 
1. Upload documents using Checklist
2. Submit application
Counselor schedules meeting to discuss:
1. Application and career goals
2. Submitted documents
3. Eligibility determination
4. Employment goal
5. Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) developed
Individual submits required documents for support
1. Acceptance letter (Georgia Match can be used to create an IPE but a formal acceptance letter will be required prior to expenditure of funds)
2. Completed FASFA confirmation
3. Student account detail
4. Class Schedule