Fellows Scholarship

You must attend one of the following institutions either in person or online: University of Illinois Chicago, Mercy University (New York State), Richard Daley City College (Chicago, IL), SUNY (Westchester Community College), and Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)

No! As long as you are fulfilling the requirements of the scholarship you are eligible for $3,000 - $5,000 in tuition assistance. Applicants who complete scholarship requirements are eligible for a $1,000 award increase annually.

If attending online school, you must live within 15 miles of the institution.

Yes, funding is available for all undergraduate students.

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 and fees.

Students pursuing associate's degrees are eligible to receive a $3,000 scholarship in the first year, while those 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 registrar directly using the student ID provided in your application. Students will receive funding 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 in order to travel to their approved sites.

Approved Community Partners: A Plus Autism Solutions (Chicago, IL), The Arc Westchester (White Plains, NY), Urban Autism Solutions (Chicago, IL), 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.

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 is responsible for getting you your scholarship check, it is up to the worksite to determine your hourly wage.

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. 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.

• 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 and educational expenses AFTER other scholarship and state funding is applied. Educational institutions will return funding to NEXT that exceeds your annual charges.