FAQs

You must attend one of the following institutions either in person or online: University of Illinois Chicago, Mercy University (New York State), SUNY Empire (New York State), and Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)

In addition to your scholarship, FELLOWS will also receive hourly pay. NEXT for AUTISM is responsible for scholarship funds, it is up to the worksite to determine your hourly wage. Pay starts at $16 per hour.

Working as a DSP is both challenging and deeply rewarding. DSPs provide essential daily support for neurodivergent adults, helping them live fulfilling and independent lives. Tasks can range from cooking meals and helping with hygiene tasks to going out in the community. The role of a DSP requires compassion, patience, and a desire to make a real difference. Watch this video to learn more. 

No! As long as you are fulfilling the requirements of the scholarship you are eligible for$5,000 in scholarship dollars annually. Applicants who complete scholarship requirements are eligible for a $1,000 award increase annually. 

If attending online school at an educational partner, you must live within 15 miles of the institution as community partners where FELLOWS are placed for work are local to our educational partners. 

Yes, funding is available for students that have at least 2 years to dedicate to the program. This includes students enrolled in 5-year programs or continuing their education through graduate school at approved educational providers. 

Yes!

Approved majors include Education, Health Profession - PT, OT, SLP, RN, Psychology, Recreational Therapy and Social Work. Other majors could be considered, either subject to approval by NEXT or if the applicant demonstrates it’s a similar major to one in this list.

Please submit your request to [email protected], we’d be happy to review it.

NEXT for AUTISM Fellows should be studying in the field of Health and Human Services. Priority will be given to students committed to serving individuals with autism in their careers post-graduation. There are a range of options that you can utilize your degree to serve the autism population including but not limited to: Assistant Behavior Analyst, Social Worker, Case Manager, Special Education Teacher, Psychologist, and Nurse.

Scholarship money will fund tuition, fees, and books. 

Students pursuing bachelor's degrees are eligible to receive a $5,000 scholarship. Successful completion of annual requirements will qualify recipients to renew their scholarships and increase their award by an additional $1,000. 

NEXT for AUTISM will make a check or ACH transfer payable to the educational partner’s registrar directly using the student ID provided in your application. Students will receive funding in two equal installments in August and January if meeting program requirements. 

Each approved educational institution has a corresponding approved worksite, seeking direct service professionals within 15 miles of your institution. NEXT recommends applicants have access to vehicles or public transportation to travel to their approved sites.

Approved Community Partners: A Plus Autism Solutions (Chicago, IL), The Arc Westchester (White Plains, NY), Family Centered Care (NY, NY), Variety the Children’s Charity (Delaware Valley location)

Yes, you will need to apply and interview to work at approved locations. Most locations will require a background check, a driver's license and some may also require a drug test.

NEXT will work with you to secure employment at a comparable location. If employment is not secured within the Fall semester, the scholarship will not be renewed. 

We suggest that NEXT for AUTISM Fellows work 12-20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters and 20-35 during the summer. We require Fellows to work a minimum of 800 hours per year in order to qualify for scholarship renewal.

NEXT for AUTISM will collect your paystubs on a monthly basis and calculate a running total of hours worked per year.

We encourage you to collaborate with the approved provider agency to set up a schedule that works best for you. As long as you achieve 800 hours of work annually, you will qualify for scholarship renewal.

We encourage you to collaborate with the approved provider agency to set up a schedule that works best for you. As long as you achieve 800 hours of work annually, you will qualify for scholarship renewal. In the case of studying abroad, this may require you to increase hours during other semesters to reach this target.

NEXT for AUTISM will host 4 virtual, 1-hour long sessions yearly, and will be required to complete a self-paced 2-hour eLearning. We expect Fellows to attend and participate with cameras on. Training covers topics that will allow you to improve your performance as a DSP, will troubleshoot ways to improve care, and will help you work on skills and resume builders that directly tie to your chosen profession. Your employer will also require training, which will be paid hours as part of your employment. 

• You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 annually on a scale of 4.0.
• You will be required to submit proof of work on a monthly basis to NEXT for AUTISM.
• Students who achieve these milestones are eligible to receive an additional $1,000 in award funding each year they continue as a Fellow.

NEXT for AUTISM Fellows scholarships cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and educational expenses AFTER other scholarship and state funding is applied. Educational institutions will return funding to NEXT that exceeds your annual charges. 

Add in shifts from community partners.