NEXT for AUTISM has selected 21 new recipients of its work-based scholarship program to support work with neurodivergent adults
September 15, 2025 (New York, NY)–NEXT for AUTISM (NEXT), a leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming services for people with autism, has selected 21 college and post-graduate students to join the NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS work-based scholarship program in its third year.
This first-of-its-kind pilot program provides tuition assistance for qualified health and human services students, along with paid work experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) assisting neurodivergent adults. To date, the program has guided 48 students and contributed more than 12,000 hours of direct support in the field.
“The power of this program lies in its mutual impact. Autistic adults gain consistent, trained support, our community partners benefit from an infusion of new DSPs, and the students gain purpose, experience, and a better understanding of working with autistic adults that benefits them today and in their future health-related careers,” said Abigayle Jayroe, SVP of Strategic Initiatives.
The FELLOWS program brings together university and community partnerships. In 2025, the FELLOWS program expanded to a fourth region, adding New York City to existing partnerships in Westchester County, NY, Philadelphia, PA, and Chicago, IL. University partners are the University of Illinois Chicago, Mercy University (NY), Pace University, CUNY Hunter College, and Temple University (Philadelphia, PA). The program’s community partners are AHRC (NYC), A Plus Autism Solutions (Chicago, IL), The Arc Westchester (White Plains, NY), Urban Autism Solutions (Chicago, IL), and Melmark (Philadelphia, PA). For the first time, the program also includes students enrolled in graduate-level studies.
Andrew Abraham, a Fellow who recently graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago with a degree in Anthropology, Disability, and Human Development, shared, “The NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS program didn’t just give me financial support; it opened the door to a career I’m passionate about. Through my (DSP) placement at Easterseals, I gained hands-on experience, mentorship, and the confidence to know this is the work I want to dedicate my life to.”
The program’s growth is made possible through generous support from The Louis J. and June E. Kay Foundation, The Sunshine Foundation, and The Taft Foundation.
The 2026 NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS Scholarship cycle will commence in January 2026.
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NEXT for AUTISM is the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative initiatives.
NEXT remains steadfast in its quest to change the paradigm for how individuals with autism thrive throughout their adult lives. This is done by leveraging a broad range of autistic and neurotypical stakeholders and partnering with national organizations, regional agencies, and local entities to enhance services and maximize resources. Learn more at NEXTforAUTISM.org
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