Autism Scholarships

Undergraduate students on the autism spectrum from underrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds who are enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. postsecondary institution may apply. Eligible backgrounds include Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern/North African, and Multiracial applicants. Scholarships of $3,000 are available. Submit the online application with three short essays, proof of enrollment, and one letter of recommendation from a non-relative. Applicants must not already hold a bachelor's degree. The Organization for Autism Research administers this award with support from Synchrony.

High school seniors or current college students in the United States with a documented disability, enrolled or planning full- or part-time undergraduate study at a US two- or four-year college or technical school. One $1,000 award is given each year. Email proof of enrollment, disability documentation, and a minimum 500-word essay on personal trials and triumphs related to your disability to scholarships@healthproductsforyou.com by August 15 annually. Supporting letters are optional. Selection is based on the essay and materials. Health Products For You sponsors the award to support students whose disabilities have not stopped their ambitions.

The Joshua Henson Memorial Scholarship Fund provides $1,000 to a University of Pikeville undergraduate diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome to offset tuition and on-campus living expenses. Funds apply to open account balances and are not disbursed directly to the student. Applicants submit an essay describing what receiving the scholarship would mean to them and how it would enhance their UPIKE experience. The scholarship committee reviews applications annually. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at FinAid@upike.edu or scholarships@upike.edu for application access.

KFM Making a Difference, the nonprofit founded by autistic speaker and author Dr. Kerry Magro, awards this scholarship to students with an autism diagnosis. High school students with autism attending a post-secondary program in the upcoming academic year may apply, as may current college, graduate, and doctoral students with autism enrolled during that year. There are no geographic restrictions. The winning applicant receives $500 toward post-secondary education expenses; the organization has awarded more than 160 scholarships to autistic students over the past decade. Applicants email a cover letter with a short bio, proof of college acceptance or enrollment, and autism diagnosis details, plus a resume, one reference letter, photos, and an original 750-1,000 word essay about growing up on the autism spectrum. The spring 2026 deadline was April 28; the scholarship is offered annually.

Endowed annual scholarship at Bridgewater College for a student who self-identifies with autism spectrum disorder to the Academic Support and Disability Services Office. Funded by the Shenandoah Valley Autism Partnership to support participants in the BASE program for college-ready students on the autism spectrum. The award helps students in the BASE program focus on academic, social, and vocational goals. Contact disabilityservices@bridgewater.edu or visit bridgewater.edu/base for program and scholarship information.