Scholarships for Autistic Students
Scholarship Sponsored by Organization for Autism Research
The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) offers $3,000 scholarships to students across the autism spectrum. We welcome applications from individuals with an autism diagnosis (per DSM‑IV or later criteria) who are enrolled full‑time in postsecondary education, including any of the following: four‑year colleges or universities, two‑year colleges, trade schools, technical schools, vocational schools, or cooperative life‑skills programs.
Since 2007, the OAR Scholarship Program has granted a total of $2,013,000 to 690 deserving students on the autism spectrum.
Eligibility and application choice
- Applicants must have an autism diagnosis (DSM‑IV or later) and be pursuing full‑time postsecondary study in one of the program types listed above.
- Each applicant must select one of the scholarship options described below when applying.
Scholarship options
1) The Schwallie Family Scholarship
- Intended for students attending two‑ or four‑year colleges or universities.
- Most recipients are enrolled in four‑year degree programs; students at two‑year institutions who plan to transfer to complete a four‑year degree commonly apply here.
- This award frequently attracts applicants with a diagnosis of Asperger Syndrome.
2) The Lisa Higgins Hussman Scholarship
- Designed for students in two‑year colleges, life‑skills or postsecondary transition programs, and vocational, technical, or trade schools.
- Typical Hussman applicants are talented students who face ongoing challenges related to autism and are engaged in programs that focus on skill building, job readiness, and other transition supports.
3) Synchrony Scholarship for Autistic Students of Color
- Available to students enrolled in any undergraduate postsecondary setting — two‑ or four‑year colleges, life‑skills or postsecondary programs, or vocational/technical/trade schools.
- Applicants must be members of underrepresented racial or ethnic minority groups.
Note: Autistic students of color who qualify may be eligible for any of the three scholarships, but each applicant may submit only one application to a single scholarship program.