David A Black Autism Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Law Offices of David A. Black
About the Scholarship
The Law Offices of David A. Black offers an educational scholarship for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The firm has provided scholarship assistance on an annual or biennial basis since 2016. The program aims to reduce financial barriers to post-secondary education and to expand employment opportunities for recipients. The firm and its founder sponsor this award to encourage continued education beyond secondary school.
History of the Award: Established in 2016, the scholarship has been awarded on an annual or biennial basis by the Law Offices of David A. Black to support students with ASD pursuing further education.
- Established in 2016 and offered annually or biennially
- Administered by the Law Offices of David A. Black
- Targets students diagnosed with ASD
ASD and Education
Autism spectrum disorder affects communication and social interaction and presents with varying symptoms and severity across individuals. Research shows that a substantial proportion of people diagnosed with ASD do not pursue higher education and face higher unemployment rates after secondary school. Financial support and targeted incentives can help address these gaps and encourage continued study. The scholarship is intended to remove financial obstacles and promote training that improves workplace opportunities.
Description: The scholarship may be applied toward tuition for college, junior college, or vocational and trade schools, supporting a range of post-secondary pathways.
- ASD affects education and employment outcomes
- Many individuals with ASD do not pursue higher education
- Scholarship supports college and vocational training
Eligibility
Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who intend to pursue post-secondary education. Applicants may be current high school students or have already completed high school; current enrollment is not required. The firm may request verification of diagnosis at its discretion. Award funds must be used within one year of the award announcement.
Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have an ASD diagnosis consistent with DSM‑V, and plan to attend college, junior college, or a vocational/trade school; applicants may apply while still in high school or after graduation.
- U.S. citizenship required
- ASD diagnosis per DSM‑V required
- Open to current students and high school graduates
- Funds must be used within one year of award
Award
The scholarship awards a single monetary prize to one recipient. The award is intended specifically to cover tuition costs at the institution chosen by the winner. Payment will be made directly to the recipient’s school to ensure funds are applied toward educational expenses. The award supports pursuit of post-secondary credentials that improve employment prospects.
Award Value: The winner receives $1,000, paid as tuition to the educational institution selected by the recipient.
- $1,000 award amount
- Paid directly to the recipient’s school
- Designated for tuition expenses
- One recipient per award cycle
Application
Applicants must complete and submit the scholarship application by the stated December due date. The winner will be announced in January 2027, and the selection will be made by David A. Black in his sole discretion. Applications that contain AI-generated content will be disqualified. The application requires concise personal statements and may require verification of diagnosis.
Application Timeline: Applications are due in December; the winner will be announced in January 2027.
Application Requirements: Complete the application form and include a statement (maximum 175 words) outlining educational plans and goals. Optionally, applicants may submit a second statement (up to 750 words) describing how ASD has affected their education. The firm may request evidence of diagnosis, and all essays must pass an AI-detection review—AI-generated content will void the application.
- Submit full application by the December deadline
- Winner announced January 2027
- Primary statement: up to 175 words; optional statement: up to 750 words
- Proof of diagnosis may be required; AI-written content disqualifies the entry