Applications are hosted on the Submittable platform. You will be asked to create a secure account when completing an application, which will allow you to see the status of your submissions. For more information, or if you need help with the online applications, please contact us at info@sef-stl.org or call (314) 394-7036.
Student Aid Funds for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.)
SEF accepts requests for Student Aid Funds for Emergencies (S.A.F.E.) at any time.
The Foundation provides immediate funding for student emergencies to help individual students succeed in and beyond the classroom.
Adaptive & Assistive Equipment
Applications will be accepted for the 2026-2027 school year, but will be "on hold" pending funding.
Through a grant from the Tilles Foundation, SEF is able to support SSD students by purchasing adaptive equipment that allows positive social interactions, fosters independence, and builds confidence. The grant provides funds for not only augmentative communication devices, but also adaptive equipment and technology.
Teachers should fill out the initial application. Once the application is received, SEF will contact the parent(s) to complete the Parent application. Both forms are required to complete the application process.
Autism Independence Project
SEF accepts Autism Independence Project applications at any time.
The iSocial Remote Group Therapy for Social Competence's mission is to radically improve the lives of people with autism so they can enjoy independent lives with meaningful employment and good friends. It is designed as a group telehealth therapy for children and adults to acquire essential life skills.
Kid-to-Camp
SEF is now accepting applications for winter break.
Camp programs help to maintain social skills and educational momentum for students with disabilities over any extended academic break. Please see the Kid-to-Camp Policy for eligibility and request limits.
Classroom Innovation Grants
SEF is accepting applications for the 2027-2028 school year. The deadline to apply is February, 26, 2027.
Our Classroom Innovation Grants support innovative projects that enrich the learning experience in and beyond the classroom.
Fred Saigh Leadership Academy
SEF is now accepting applications for the 2027-2028 school year. The deadline to apply is March, 26, 2027.
The Fred Saigh Leadership Academy broadens student horizons beyond the classroom through new and unique community-related opportunities. The student will complete the application and upload an SSD teacher's letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must be included for consideration into the program.
SEF Scholarships
SEF is now accepting applications for the 2027-2028 school year. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2027.
The student will complete the application and upload an SSD teacher's letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation must be included to be considered for one of the following scholarships:
The John Cary Scholarship will be awarded to seniors bound for post-secondary education who reflect the characteristics most admired by John Cary – resiliency, courage, and determination. Students, with the assistance of their parent(s), should complete the initial application and submit it online. Once the application is received, SEF will contact the teacher to complete the Teacher Application Form. Both forms are required to complete the application process.
The Jane Vickrey Leadership Scholarship will be awarded to one graduate of the Fred Saigh Leadership Academy and reflects the characteristics of those who knew and admired Jane: kind, compassionate, courteous, hands-on with no agenda but to do good work.
The Christopher Davis Scholarship, generously provided by the Ronald Davis family, awards $2,500 to a deserving student from the Ritenour School District. Established in 2005 and in memory of Christopher Davis, who tragically lost his life in a car accident in 1993, this scholarship honors his legacy by supporting students in their educational pursuits. Davis, a proud Ritenour alumnus, has dedicated several years to funding this scholarship, ensuring that students in his former district have opportunities to achieve their academic goals.
