KFM Making A Difference For Autism Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Kerry Magro Scholarship Program

Making A Difference for Autism — Scholarship Details

Overview
Apply online for the “Making A Difference for Autism” scholarship. This program, founded by Kerry Magro, has awarded 150 scholarships over the last 11 years. If you’d like to support future recipients and join our community, please consider donating or connecting with the program.

Who is eligible
- Any high school student on the autism spectrum who will be enrolled in a post‑secondary program for the 2026–2027 academic year can apply.
- Current college students on the autism spectrum who will be enrolled in any post‑secondary program during the 2026–2027 academic year are also eligible.
- Graduate and doctoral students are welcome to apply if they will be enrolled in the 2026–2027 academic year.
- The scholarship is open to applicants in the United States and internationally — there are no geographic restrictions.
- Applicants who applied previously (selected or not) may submit a new application as long as they will be attending a post‑secondary program in 2026–2027. Reapplications must be completely new and include an original essay.

Award
- One recipient will receive a $500 scholarship to assist with post‑secondary education expenses.

Application deadline
- Complete applications must be submitted online no later than Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 12:00 AM (midnight) EST.
- If you do not receive a confirmation email within 72 hours after applying, please contact us through the KFM Making A Difference Facebook page so we can help.

Required application materials
Part 1 — Cover letter (required)
Include the following in your cover letter:
- Short biography (250 words maximum)
- The post‑secondary program you have been accepted into or are currently attending
- Your autism diagnosis (examples: Asperger’s, PDD‑NOS, ASD) and the age at diagnosis
- Full legal name
- Postal address
- Phone number
- Email address

Part 2 — Resume
- Submit a current resume outlining education, work, volunteer activities, and relevant experiences.

Part 3 — Letter of reference
- A formal recommendation addressed to: Dear KFM Making A Difference Scholarship Committee
- The letter must include a contact email and/or phone number for possible follow‑up.

Part 4 — Essay package
Your essay submission must include:
- At least three high‑resolution photos (these can be personal, childhood, family, or action photos)
- A title of no more than 70 characters (spaces included)
- A brief byline (2–4 sentences) introducing yourself
- An essay in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) of 750–1,000 words describing your experience growing up on the autism spectrum

Essays should aim to educate, inspire, and motivate the autism community. Originality, authenticity, and creativity are strongly encouraged.

Suggested reading
Applicants are encouraged (but not required) to read scholarship founder Kerry Magro’s personal essays for inspiration:
- A Letter I Would Have Written For My Parents When I Was Nonverbal — http://kerrymagro.com/letter-nonverbal/
- To Any Special Needs Parent Who Is Having One Of Those Days — http://kerrymagro.com/to-any-special-needs-parent-whos-having-one-of-those-days/

Questions
- If you need assistance or do not receive confirmation after applying, message the KFM Making A Difference Facebook page.