SCHOLARS Program
Interested in Joining Us?
Complete the interest form to stay in contact with us, or join us for an upcoming information session!
Upcoming Information Sessions:
Wednesday, September 10 | 5 PM | North Lounge (Campion Student Center)
Tuesday, October 7 | 5 PM | North Lounge (Campion Student Center)
Important Deadlines for Applicants
To join our team and accept an offer of employment, all applicants must attend an information session.
- Offer Acceptance Deadline: November 1, 2025
To secure your position, you must accept your employment offer no later than this date. - Clearance Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025
All required clearances must be submitted by December 1 to maintain your spot in training and remain eligible for the SCHOLARS Program.
Failure to meet these deadlines may result in forfeiting your position.
The SCHOLARS Experience
With 1 in 31 individuals currently being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the need for trained autism professionals is higher than it’s ever been before. The Kinney Center’s SCHOLARS Program provides eligible undergraduate students actively enrolled at any local college or university with the opportunity to get valuable hands-on experience working in the diverse and dynamic field of autism.
Sydney Rutkowski and Lily Bowditch talk about their experiences as SCHOLARS. Watch the video here:
Who are the Kinney SCHOLARS?
Students Committed to Helping Others Learn about Autism Research and Support
As a SCHOLAR, you’ll provide 1:1 support to the 900 individuals with autism who participate in our youth, transitional and adult programs. You’ll be challenged to approach the autism field in a creative, spirited, and meaningful way — and to work as part of a close-knit team to produce the best possible outcomes for those with ASD. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to advance your career path, even if your future goals do not involve the autism field. All majors are welcome!
Being a Kinney Center SCHOLAR means living my passion every day, giving and receiving gifts constantly, celebrating every moment, and being a part of something far beyond my own capabilities as one person."
![molly burke]()
Liz Knezetic '17
Program Benefits
- Receive hands-on training and gain valuable career experience
- Earn hourly wages and fulfill work-study hours, if eligible
- Gain mentors and network with industry professionals
- Take advantage of leadership opportunities
- Work flexible hours around your school schedule
- Meet new people and become part of a fun and diverse team
Kinney SCHOLARS represent a wide range of majors, including:
- Art History
- Autism Behavior Studies
- Biology
- Business Analytics
- Communications
- Economics
- History
- Interdisciplinary Health Services
- Physician Assistant
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sociology
- Special Education
External SCHOLARS hail from Greater Philadelphia colleges that include:
- Villanova University
- Drexel University
- Holy Family University
- Temple University
- Bryn Mawr College
- Cabrini University