Schwallie Family Scholarship Program

The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is now accepting applications for the fall 2009 Schwallie Family Scholarship Competition to support qualified individuals with autism or Asperger Syndrome in the United States pursuing post-secondary education. OAR will present a total of 5 awards of $3,000 each across three categories: 1) Four-year undergraduate college or university; 2) Two-year undergraduate college, and; 3) Trade, technical or vocational school. These will be one-time awards for any recipient.

Note to Applicants:

• The Fall 2008 application deadline has passed. The application period for Fall 2009 will open January 2, 2009.
• The 2008 Scholarship winners have been announced! To read the Press Release, click here.

Download the Application Here

Eligibility: Any individual with an established autism or Asperger Syndrome diagnosis and who will be attending an accredited institution of higher education for the Fall 2009/Spring 2010 semesters is eligible to apply. Eligible individuals need to be enrolled on at least a part-time basis (6 credits) or be working toward certification or accreditation in a particular field (e.g., studying to be a paralegal). Past recipients of a Schwallie Family Scholarship or immediate family members of any person serving on OAR’s Board of Directors or Scientific Council are not eligible to apply.

Application: Individuals interested in applying for the Schwallie Family Scholarship must submit three (3) copies of the completed application packet which includes:

1. A completed Application Form downloadable from the OAR website (see above)
2. Documentation of status as a person on the autism spectrum;
3. Documentation of acceptance or attendance at a qualifying institution;
4. One written Letter of Recommendation from someone other than a family member, who is familiar with the individual’s potential to complete the required coursework; and
5. An autobiographical essay, not to exceed 1,000 words, including your reasons for applying for the Schwallie Family Scholarship.  Please note that the essay is expected to be solely the work of the applicant and not that of family members or other involved parties.  

Application Mailing Address:  Applicants should send all required materials to:

Organization for Autism Research
Attn: Schwallie Family Scholarship
2000 N. 14th Street, Suite 710
Arlington, VA  22201

Hard copy applications sent by U.S. mail or other delivery services must have a postmark date of April 24, 2009, or before.

Review: All completed applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of least three people that will include a representative from the Schwallie family, OAR, and an individual on the autism spectrum. Factors including originality of content, financial need, previous challenges overcome, and any stated future aspirations may be considered by the review committee in making its decision.  OAR will announce the scholarship awards on July 17 2009, and award the funds for the following academic year by August 14, 2009.