200+
Over 200 TBM Scholars and growing
TBM Scholarship Scheme
Every learner deserves the chance to thrive.
Advancing access to inclusive education and developmental support for neurodiverse learners across Ghana.
The purpose
Opportunity should not depend on a family’s income.
The TBM Scholarship Scheme for Neurodiverse Learners is an educational support initiative founded by Thara Brigitte Mills Simmonds.
It aims to help families access inclusive and specialised education, individual learning support, assessment, therapy, and resources that can support a learner’s development.
“A child's neurological difference should never determine the limits of their education, development or future.”
Our Scheme in Numbers
3
Scholarship Award Categories
150+
Over 150 TBM Scholars Scheme Alumni
1,000
Our goal for scholarships committed by 2028
GHS 500K
The amount disbursed towards education, assessment, and therapy
10
Global partners
Ways support may be provided
Scholarship support shaped around each learner
Support is considered according to a learner’s needs, family circumstances, assessment, and available resources. The final award letter would set out the approved support and duration.
Full educational
Substantial or complete support toward approved education costs for learners with significant financial need.
- Tuition and learning materials
- Individualised education and approved services
Partial educational
A contribution toward approved education costs, with the family contributing the remaining amount.
Therapy and development
Support for recommended professional intervention, based on assessment and individual recommendations.
- Occupational, speech, or physical therapy
- Behavioural or developmental support
Assessment and early intervention
Help with developmental assessment or early intervention where cost may otherwise delay access to support.
Skills and independence
Practical learning for older learners, which may include digital skills, creative arts, vocational training, or life skills.
Emergency educational support
Short-term assistance may be considered when a sudden change in family circumstances puts continued education at risk.
Who the scheme may support
Start with the learner’s needs and potential
The scheme may support children with neurodevelopmental, developmental, or learning differences who need additional educational support.
Support needs may include
- Autism spectrum disorder or ADHD
- Dyslexia and other specific learning differences
- Intellectual or developmental disabilities
- Speech, language, communication, or sensory needs
- Developmental delays or other needs requiring specialised education
Consideration is individual
Eligibility is not determined by diagnosis alone. A learner’s educational needs and developmental profile, the family’s circumstances, and available resources are considered together.
A formal diagnosis is not always required to make an inquiry. The framework says that a lack of diagnosis should not automatically prevent an application where there is clear evidence that assessment or intervention is needed.
Approved support
Practical help for learning and development
Depending on the category awarded, support may cover all or part of approved expenses such as:
Education
Tuition, specialist education, individual learning support, books, and learning materials.
Assessment and therapy
Educational assessment, developmental assessment, and approved therapeutic support.
Skills and access
Skills programmes, vocational education, assistive learning resources, and approved transportation support.
Each award is specific. An award letter would state the approved expenses, amount or percentage, duration, and any family contribution. Boarding or residential support is described in the framework as exceptional and subject to approval.
A careful review
What the application process may involve
The programme framework describes these steps. Ask through the Contact Me page for current application information and availability.
Application
A parent or guardian completes the official scheme application form.
Documentation review
Relevant academic, developmental, assessment, and financial documents may be reviewed.
Learner assessment
An educational or developmental assessment may be requested when needed.
Family interview
A parent or guardian may be invited to discuss the learner’s needs and family circumstances.
Committee review
A scholarship committee reviews applications to support fairness and accountability.
Decision and award letter
Successful families receive details of the support, approved services, duration, and conditions.
Submitting an inquiry or application does not guarantee an award. Decisions depend on assessment, demonstrated need, programme review, and available funds.
Dignity and inclusion
Support should protect each learner’s dignity.
The framework commits to child protection, confidentiality, and safeguarding. A learner should not be publicly identified as financially disadvantaged without informed consent from a parent or legal guardian.
Progress can include communication, social development, independence, participation, and skills. It is broader than conventional academic grades alone.
For partners and sponsors
Help widen access to opportunity.
The framework describes a partnership-funded scheme, with possible support from individuals, companies, foundations, and development partners.
Potential sponsorship areas include education, therapy, skills development, or a combination of support. Sponsors may receive anonymised impact updates while learner privacy is protected.
Discuss partnership or sponsorshipLearn more
Let’s build pathways for learners to flourish.
For current information about the scheme, application availability, or partnership opportunities, contact TBM’s team through the existing Contact Me page.
Visit Contact Me