The Matthew Paul Finnigan Memorial Scholarship Fund
Deadline for 2021 Application: April 23, 2021
Background: The Matthew Paul Finnigan Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Matthew Finnigan, who was a high-functioning adult with autism whose life was taken before he could achieve his goal of helping others on the Autism Spectrum. Matthew was attending college in Monterey and had visions of going into graduate school to use his strength in Math, Chemistry and Statistics and a growing interest in Psychiatry and Psychology to support research to help adolescents on the Autism Spectrum.
Envisioning his life five years into the future, Matthew wrote: "I have been selected to assist our current supervisor in the task of collecting and analyzing statistics pertaining to Aspergers Diagnosis and Treatment. I have been studying High School students and the effect their disorder has on them, and now I am using the data collected to see if I can find any trends relating biological and environmental factors and personal development that might indicate a reduction in the symptoms of Aspergers." Reflecting on being prepared for death and recognizing that which is truly important in life, Matthew wrote that "you have a legacy that will live on as long as their stories about you keep being told" and reminded his reader to "always look on the bright side of life."
This fund was established at the Community Foundation for Monterey County to help other students with a similar diagnosis and interests with gifts from the Finnigan family and friends, and some matching funds from Chevron, as a permanent endowed fund. The Autism Society of California is a proud partner to this endeavor.
2021 Scholarship Program: Three scholarships will be awarded - one for $2000, one for $1000, and one for $750 for the 2021/2022 school year to a graduating High School senior or College student who graduated from a California High School with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
The Autism Society of California prefers applications to be submitted online, however, paper applications will be reviewed. The last day to accept applications will be midnight PST April 23, 2021. Paper applications must be postmarked or faxed by this date. It is extremely important that applicants include a letter of recommendation as requested in the application.
The Autism Society of California is pleased to invite applications from individuals with an autism diagnosis (DSM-IV or later criteria) pursuing full-time or part-time studies in the fields of Psychiatry, Psychology, Statistics, Chemistry, and/or Math, focusing on improving the quality of life for individuals with autism, or a career which will help adolescents on the Autism Spectrum.
A qualified applicant can be a graduating senior or someone who has graduated from a high school in California and has been accepted to a post-secondary, undergraduate or graduate institution or vocational-technical training program in any of the following:
Eligibility: Any individual with an established autism diagnosis and who will be attending an accredited institution of higher education in the United States for the Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 terms is eligible to apply. Eligible individuals need to be enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis or be working toward certification or accreditation in a particular field.
Proof of Diagnosis: Due to the sensitive nature of medical information and the number of applications expected, the application process assumes the applicant has an autism diagnosis. Once the Scholarship Review Committee identifies finalists, it may require each finalist to submit copies of the medical documentation that established the diagnosis. Before applying, each applicant should ensure that they have proof of diagnosis. Based on recent changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for autism spectrum diagnoses, finalists will be asked to verify that they meet criteria for either a DSM-IV or DSM-V diagnosis.
Application: The Autism Society of California prefers applications to be submitted online, however, paper applications will be reviewed. The last day to accept applications will be midnight PST April 23, 2021. Paper applications must be postmarked or faxed by this date. It is extremely important that applicants include a letter of recommendation as requested in the application.
Review: The Scholarship Review Committee is composed of members of the Autism Society of California's Board of Directors; Timothy Finnigan or other members of Finnigan Family; and other representatives that have expertise in the field of Autism, Learning Disabilities, and/or Twice Exceptional Children. Each complete application is reviewed. Incomplete submissions may be disqualified.
Reviewers base their evaluation and recommendations on the personal story as conveyed by the essay’s original content: challenges that have been overcome, future aspirations, history of active participation in and/or volunteer service to the autism community, the importance of the chosen field of study, and how the scholarship will help achieve academic, career, and personal goals.
Selection: The winner will be announced on May 12th, Matthew’s birthday.
What you will need to complete the application, by April 23, 2021:
Questions?
Autism Society of California, 3268 Governor Drive, #222, San Diego, CA 92122-2902
(800) 869-7069/ Fax (951) 346-9149
CAAutismInfo@Gmail.Com
This Scholarship Program is made possible with the support of the Community Foundation of Monterey County. For more information on this program, please click here.
Envisioning his life five years into the future, Matthew wrote: "I have been selected to assist our current supervisor in the task of collecting and analyzing statistics pertaining to Aspergers Diagnosis and Treatment. I have been studying High School students and the effect their disorder has on them, and now I am using the data collected to see if I can find any trends relating biological and environmental factors and personal development that might indicate a reduction in the symptoms of Aspergers." Reflecting on being prepared for death and recognizing that which is truly important in life, Matthew wrote that "you have a legacy that will live on as long as their stories about you keep being told" and reminded his reader to "always look on the bright side of life."
This fund was established at the Community Foundation for Monterey County to help other students with a similar diagnosis and interests with gifts from the Finnigan family and friends, and some matching funds from Chevron, as a permanent endowed fund. The Autism Society of California is a proud partner to this endeavor.
2021 Scholarship Program: Three scholarships will be awarded - one for $2000, one for $1000, and one for $750 for the 2021/2022 school year to a graduating High School senior or College student who graduated from a California High School with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.
The Autism Society of California prefers applications to be submitted online, however, paper applications will be reviewed. The last day to accept applications will be midnight PST April 23, 2021. Paper applications must be postmarked or faxed by this date. It is extremely important that applicants include a letter of recommendation as requested in the application.
The Autism Society of California is pleased to invite applications from individuals with an autism diagnosis (DSM-IV or later criteria) pursuing full-time or part-time studies in the fields of Psychiatry, Psychology, Statistics, Chemistry, and/or Math, focusing on improving the quality of life for individuals with autism, or a career which will help adolescents on the Autism Spectrum.
A qualified applicant can be a graduating senior or someone who has graduated from a high school in California and has been accepted to a post-secondary, undergraduate or graduate institution or vocational-technical training program in any of the following:
- Four-year undergraduate college or university
- Two-year undergraduate college
- Trade, technical or vocational school
Eligibility: Any individual with an established autism diagnosis and who will be attending an accredited institution of higher education in the United States for the Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 terms is eligible to apply. Eligible individuals need to be enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis or be working toward certification or accreditation in a particular field.
Proof of Diagnosis: Due to the sensitive nature of medical information and the number of applications expected, the application process assumes the applicant has an autism diagnosis. Once the Scholarship Review Committee identifies finalists, it may require each finalist to submit copies of the medical documentation that established the diagnosis. Before applying, each applicant should ensure that they have proof of diagnosis. Based on recent changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) criteria for autism spectrum diagnoses, finalists will be asked to verify that they meet criteria for either a DSM-IV or DSM-V diagnosis.
Application: The Autism Society of California prefers applications to be submitted online, however, paper applications will be reviewed. The last day to accept applications will be midnight PST April 23, 2021. Paper applications must be postmarked or faxed by this date. It is extremely important that applicants include a letter of recommendation as requested in the application.
Review: The Scholarship Review Committee is composed of members of the Autism Society of California's Board of Directors; Timothy Finnigan or other members of Finnigan Family; and other representatives that have expertise in the field of Autism, Learning Disabilities, and/or Twice Exceptional Children. Each complete application is reviewed. Incomplete submissions may be disqualified.
Reviewers base their evaluation and recommendations on the personal story as conveyed by the essay’s original content: challenges that have been overcome, future aspirations, history of active participation in and/or volunteer service to the autism community, the importance of the chosen field of study, and how the scholarship will help achieve academic, career, and personal goals.
Selection: The winner will be announced on May 12th, Matthew’s birthday.
What you will need to complete the application, by April 23, 2021:
- • Basic personal and contact information
- • An acceptance letter (or proof of continued enrollment for current students) to upload as an attachment. If you only have a hard-copy letter, please use a scanner to create an electronic copy. The application deadline is April 23, 2021, which should provide most students with enough time to decide which school or program they will attend. ASC advises applicants to wait to upload an acceptance letter until they have made a final decision which school they will be attending.
- • The date of initial medical diagnosis (it does not have to be an exact date). Please note that you do not need to supply proof of diagnosis in order to complete the application. Only those individuals who are selected as finalists may be required to produce documentation.
- • Responses to three essay questions that you write (or dictate, if necessary). Please refer to the application for details on each question.
- • A letter of recommendation on your behalf. This must be supplied by someone other than a family member, who is able to explain why you are deserving of this scholarship. The letter can come from a teacher, coach, pastor, mentor, etc.
Questions?
Autism Society of California, 3268 Governor Drive, #222, San Diego, CA 92122-2902
(800) 869-7069/ Fax (951) 346-9149
CAAutismInfo@Gmail.Com
This Scholarship Program is made possible with the support of the Community Foundation of Monterey County. For more information on this program, please click here.
Alternative Paper Application: Please Cut and Paste into A Word Processing Document if You Prefer to Submit On Paper
Scholarship Application
Certifications:
I have a diagnosis of autism, Asperger Syndrome, or PDD-NOS according to DSM-IV or DSM-V.
I have graduated or will graduate from a High School located in California.
I have been accepted and will attend an accredited institution of higher education, or vocational/technical program, leading to a certification or a degree for the Fall of 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters on a full-time or part-time basis.
Name:
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Name of High School Attended:
City/State:
Graduation Date:
Year of ASD Diagnosis:
Degree/Certification Being Sought:
Institution of Higher Learning Currently Attending or Accepted to:
Area of Study:
Name of School
City/State:
Essay Questions (Max 2500 characters per essay response; text beyond 2500 characters will not be considered):
1. How have you dealt with the challenges of autism?
2. What do you plan to do/study in college and how will those plans help you accomplish your future goals? How will your work provide a positive contribution to the autism community?
3. Tell us about yourself - how have you been involved in or provided service to the autism community locally, regionally, or nationally? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.? Or is there anything you would like the scholarship review committee to know about you?
Certifications:
____I certify that the statements herein are true to the best of my knowledge and grant my permission for the information contained herein to be shared with the scholarship selection committee, as well as with the members of the Board of Directors of Autism Society of California and Autism Society of America.
____If selected, I hereby grant the Autism Society of California and the Monterey Community Foundation permission to announce my selection in communications (website, newsletter, press releases, etc.) and to share portions of my application responses publicly.
If you are chosen as a winner, would you be willing to send a picture of yourself for the press release? (This is not a requirement to win).________________________
Signature:__________________________________________________
Certifications:
I have a diagnosis of autism, Asperger Syndrome, or PDD-NOS according to DSM-IV or DSM-V.
I have graduated or will graduate from a High School located in California.
I have been accepted and will attend an accredited institution of higher education, or vocational/technical program, leading to a certification or a degree for the Fall of 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters on a full-time or part-time basis.
Name:
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Name of High School Attended:
City/State:
Graduation Date:
Year of ASD Diagnosis:
Degree/Certification Being Sought:
Institution of Higher Learning Currently Attending or Accepted to:
Area of Study:
Name of School
City/State:
Essay Questions (Max 2500 characters per essay response; text beyond 2500 characters will not be considered):
1. How have you dealt with the challenges of autism?
2. What do you plan to do/study in college and how will those plans help you accomplish your future goals? How will your work provide a positive contribution to the autism community?
3. Tell us about yourself - how have you been involved in or provided service to the autism community locally, regionally, or nationally? What are your hobbies, interests, etc.? Or is there anything you would like the scholarship review committee to know about you?
Certifications:
____I certify that the statements herein are true to the best of my knowledge and grant my permission for the information contained herein to be shared with the scholarship selection committee, as well as with the members of the Board of Directors of Autism Society of California and Autism Society of America.
____If selected, I hereby grant the Autism Society of California and the Monterey Community Foundation permission to announce my selection in communications (website, newsletter, press releases, etc.) and to share portions of my application responses publicly.
If you are chosen as a winner, would you be willing to send a picture of yourself for the press release? (This is not a requirement to win).________________________
Signature:__________________________________________________