The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is excited to announce the second year of the Autistic Scholars Fellowship, a scholarship which provides 4 to 6 autistic students with a $5,000 tuition scholarship to promote autistic leadership and create systemic change on their college campuses. Fellows will be required to establish or participate in a leadership role within an ASAN campus chapter or a disability rights student organization, work to promote Autistic culture and community, and take steps to improve disability accessibility and inclusion on their college campuses. Fellows are also expected to check in with ASAN on a monthly basis to receive support in achieving their advocacy projects. Applicants must be Autistic, be willing to publicly identify as such, and should have a strong interest in disability rights advocacy and activism.
Scholarship applications can be found here. Completed applications for the January 2017 scholarship period are due on Sunday, October 30th. Applicants will be asked to describe the current problems for autistic and other disabled students on their college campuses and to explain how their planned activities under the fellowship will enable them to address these problems. ASAN staff will review completed applications and interview a select group of students starting in mid-November. We expect to inform fellowship recipients of their selection by mid-January.
ASAN will look for the following indicators when screening applicants for the scholarship:
-Strong interest in civil rights advocacy and activism for autistic people and other people with disabilities. If students are not yet involved in disability rights, involvement in or support for other causes can demonstrate potential for leading disability rights efforts.
– A demonstrated understanding of the values of the neurodiversity movement.
-A commitment to building Autistic culture and community on their college campus or in their local community, alongside a commitment to working with all autistic people in an inclusive and welcoming fashion.
ASAN is able to offer this program thanks to the support of a generous donor.
Questions about the fellowship program and the application process should be directed to Reid Caplan, Leadership Programs Coordinator for ASAN, at rcaplan@autisticadvocacy.org.