News and Knowledge

OAR is delighted to announce the first winners of Synchrony Tech Career Scholarships. Unlike the existing OAR scholarships, which support autistic students pursuing college studies, these scholarships support autistic adults interested in obtaining technology-related certifications and pursuing a career in the tech sector with awards up to $5,000.  

Congratulations to these scholarship winners: 

• Casey Gonzalez (Nampa, Idaho) will participate in a Cyber Operations Certificate program at Boise State University. 
• Kaitlyn Roberts (Austin, Texas) will enroll in the UX Design MasterTrack Program and Certificate in Digital Transformation through the College of Design at the University of Minnesota & Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth. 

Reflecting on the significance of the new scholarships, Mike Maloney, OAR executive director, said, “OAR has a long history of supporting autistic students’ post-secondary education. The Synchrony Tech Career Scholarships enable us to extend much-needed financial assistance to those who are working and looking to kickstart a career in tech or advance within the tech industry.“ 

In addition to receiving scholarship funds, the winners have the opportunity to work with a mentor from Synchrony. Both recipients expressed interest in this opportunity and have already begun meeting with their mentors. Mentors provide their mentees with professional guidance and encouragement throughout the mentee’s certification program or up to a year, whichever is shorter. 

In order to be eligible for this scholarship, an applicant must have a confirmed autism diagnosis and submit short personal essays, an application form, and a recommendation letter. OAR is currently accepting applications for a second round of applications. Interested applicants can learn more about the scholarship and apply online.