Scholarships for Autistic Students

Scholarship Sponsored by Organization for Autism Research

Overview
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) offers $3,000 scholarships to students across the autism spectrum. These awards are open to individuals with an autism diagnosis (DSM‑IV or later) who are enrolled full‑time in postsecondary education, including four‑year colleges or universities, two‑year colleges, trade/technical/vocational schools, or cooperative life‑skills programs.

Impact to date
Since 2007, the OAR Scholarship Program has awarded $2,013,000 to 690 deserving students on the autism spectrum.

Which scholarship fits you?
You must select one of the following scholarship options when you apply. Below is a short description to help you choose the best fit.

- The Schwallie Family Scholarship: Supports students attending two‑ or four‑year colleges and universities. It is most often used by students pursuing a four‑year degree; students at two‑year colleges who intend to transfer into a four‑year program also typically apply here. Many applicants diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome apply to this scholarship.

- The Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship: Supports students enrolled in two‑year colleges, life‑skills or postsecondary programs, or vocational/technical/trade schools. This scholarship commonly serves students who attend programs focused on skill building, job readiness, and transition supports to meet daily challenges related to autism.

- The Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color: Supports students attending any type of undergraduate postsecondary program (two‑ or four‑year colleges, life‑skills/postsecondary programs, or vocational/technical/trade schools). Applicants must belong to an underrepresented racial or ethnic minority group.

Important note
Autistic students of color may be eligible for more than one of these scholarships, but you may only submit an application to one program. Choose the scholarship that best matches your current program and educational goals. If you’d like, I can help you decide which option fits your situation.