NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS Expands Partnerships in Its Third Year

NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS, an employment-based scholarship program for students enrolled in a health and human services-related field of study, with an interest in supporting neurodivergent individuals as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), opens application for its third year.

January 15, 2025 (New York, NY)--NEXT for AUTISM (NEXT), the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative initiatives, announces its third year of funding for its NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS employment-based scholarship program.

The NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS program provides financial scholarships to qualified students while simultaneously ensuring new DSPs enter the workplace to support autistic adults. Scholarship recipients will also benefit from a peer network of other FELLOWS recipients at their school, ongoing support from the NEXT for AUTISM team, and the opportunity to gain paid, hands-on experience as a DSP. This format will improve upon their experience and performance as they embark on their important work as DSPs supporting neurodiverse adults.

The need for qualified DSPs is high, given a waitlist for services and support that exceeds 482,000 adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. With more than 5.4 million autistic adults in the U.S., there are more autistic adults who need services than there are qualified DSPs to support them. As the need for DSPs and neurodivergent professionals continues to increase, it’s anticipated that there will be seven million vacant DSP job openings by 2029. Now is the time to help pave the way for a positive future—for work as a DSP and to ensure meaningful support and mentorship for an autistic adult.

“As the NEXT for AUTISM program enters its third year, we are excited to announce new educational partnerships and the inclusion of graduate students in our applicant pool, broadening the pool for applicants and future support professionals entering the workforce,” said Abigayle Jayroe, NEXT’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Operations.

Education partners:

• University of Chicago (IL)
• Mercy University (Dobbs Ferry, NY)
• Temple University (Philadelphia, PA)
• SUNY Empire (NY)
• CUNY Hunter (NY)
• Pace University (NY)

Community partners:

• A Plus Autism Solutions (Chicago, IL)
• Variety: The Children’s Charity (Philadelphia, PA)
• SPIN (Philadelphia, PA)
• Melmark (Philadelphia, PA)
• Future Centered Care (New York)
• AHRC NYC (New York)
• The Arc Westchester (New York)

This year’s partner expansion will help us meet the critical demand for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in key areas, including New York City, ensuring that more students are placed in these essential roles.

WHO SHOULD APPLY (see application for complete details and requirements)

• Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at a partner school
• Majoring in Health or Human Services, or a related field
• Graduating in 2027 or later, with at least two years to participate
• Ready to work 800 hours annually as a DSP
• An interest in supporting autistic adults

APPLY TODAY

• January 15, 2025: Application Opens
• March 9, 2025: Applications Closes (11PM EST)
• May 2025: Awards announced

CLICK HERE for APPLICATION

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About NEXT for AUTISM

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.