Post-Secondary Scholarship – For individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Note: All submissions must me made via the Google form. If you have trouble filling out the Google form, please contact Erik Heinonen at [email protected].
Autism McLean is proud to offer up to five $1,000 scholarships to help support individuals with autism spectrum related disorders with their post-secondary education and training. Individuals must be enrolled in a program working towards a degree or certification. Examples include but are not limited to universities, community colleges, cosmetology programs, and trade schools. (Students wishing to receive funding for classes not related to a degree may request money from Autism McLean’s recreation grants.)
Scholarships are awarded based on financial need as well as merit.
Proof of enrollment in a program will be required.
All applicants must be members of Autism McLean and live within a 60 mile radius of Towand, IL.. (Financial assistance for an Autism McLean membership is available for those in need.)
Applicants will need to fill out the official application in the Google form and also submit a personal statement. This statement may be in written form, video form, or any other form that allows the applicant to express his or her desire for the scholarship. Personal statements may be uploaded to the Google form. (If you have trouble uploading your personal statement, contact Erik Heinonen at [email protected].)
Applications will be open through May 31, awards announced by July 1.
Access the Google form here: https://forms.gle/zFSrcy3XpK5AHhd39
(If the link does not work, copy and paste it into your browser)
About Dr. Hartseil
Dr. Hartseil has been a cornerstone in the Special Education and autism community for many years. He served as the Director of Special Education in the Mackinaw Valley Cooperative which included Unit 5 and El Paso-Gridley schools for 29 years before retiring in 2012. During his time as Director he was a pioneer in giving families a voice in the educational system by creating the group Parents as Partners that helped identify changes that were needed in special education and the classroom. Chuck was also progressive in identifying the growing numbers of students on the autism spectrum and took a proactive approach in establishing a state trained autism team who provided on-going training to parent and teacher teams.
Both within the school district and the community, Chuck has always let his concern for the child guide his decision making. Children young and old benefitted through the many projects he was involved with, including being an Autism McLean board member for over 15 years, board member for the Transformers Junior High School Mentoring Program for over 12 years, member of McLean County Community Compact for 20 years, member of McLean County/DeWitt County Transition Planning Committee for 23 years, and teaching Legal and Policy Issues affecting Special Education Admin at Illinois State University for 6 years.
We are honored to offer this scholarship in Chuck’s name and blessed to have him as a part of our autism community.