I have autism and am beginning to explore scholarships for college. Are there specific scholarships for students like me, and how can I apply for them?
Sure, there indeed are scholarships specifically designed to support students with autism navigate the financial expenses of higher education. Some of these include:
1. The "KFM Making a Difference" Scholarship: It is given annually by Kerry Magro, an adult with autism and a national speaker, who started this national scholarship program for students on the autism spectrum.
2. The Dan Archwamety Scholarship: The Autism Society of Nebraska offers this scholarship for Nebraska residents with autism.
3. The Autism Delaware Scholarships: They offer multiple scholarships for students with autism who enroll in post-secondary education in Delaware.
4. The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) Scholarship: This organization provides scholarships for students with an autism diagnosis (DSM-IV or later criteria) pursuing full-time, post-secondary, undergraduate education or vocational-technical training.
When applying, make sure to check each scholarship's individual requirements and deadlines. These might include paperwork demonstrating a formal diagnosis of autism, letters of recommendation, personal statements or essays, and sometimes proof of acceptance into a post-secondary institution.
Also, don't limit yourself to scholarships designed only for students with autism. Depending on your academic and extracurricular achievements, interests, and skills, you may qualify for a wide variety of other scholarships. Local organizations, businesses, religious groups, and even some schools offer scholarships in a variety of categories. Browse through the online scholarship database provided by Appily for more opportunities.
Make sure to begin your search early, keep your materials organized, and apply to as many as you can. The world of scholarships is highly competitive, so every application increases your chances. Best of luck to you!
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