What is Spectrum Scholars, the new program funded by JPMorgan Chase & Co. for students with autism?

There are two elements to Spectrum Scholars:

1. A comprehensive support system and career exploration experiences for undergraduate students studying Computer & Information Science or Electrical & Computer Engineering.
2. Training and resources on supporting people with autism that will be offered broadly by UD to UD staff/faculty and community businesses, including JPMorgan Chase & Co.

How many undergraduate students will participate in this program to start?

Approximate numbers of students receiving direct supportive services include:

How do students qualify for the Spectrum Scholars program?

All students must apply through the regular UD undergraduate application process and indicate their interest in studying either Computer & Information Sciences or Electrical & Computer Engineering. Students interested in this program are also encouraged to contact the Program Director, Brian Freedman (brianf@udel.edu), to indicate their interest in participating in this program. All accepted students in these areas of study, regardless of disability status, will receive information after being accepted about the opportunity to apply to the Spectrum Scholars program. They will then have to submit a separate, additional application and participate in an interview for this program. A limited number of applicants will be accepted by UD into this program (see table above).

Do you need to have a diagnosis/classification of autism in order to participate

Yes. In order to participate, students must have a documented diagnosis of Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (including Pervasive Development Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified or Asperger Syndrome). This must be documented either by diagnosis by a physician/psychologist or classification through the student’s school system.

What types of supports and experiences can a student expect to receive?

Student participants can expect to receive the following:

• Comprehensive coaching in academics, social relationships/campus life, accessing resources, developing life skills, and exploring career interests (about 3-4 hours/week).
• Peer mentoring with other undergraduate students
• Progressive internships and other career exploration experiences potentially with JPMorgan Chase and other businesses

How are families involved in the program?

UD values the role that families play in supporting their student and recognize that many autistic students depend greatly on their family for support. We also value the development of self-advocacy and self-determination, and promote this among the students. As a result, program staff do not typically engage with families directly without the student being present. General information is provided to families, in addition to opportunities to connect with other families and share strategies and provide program feedback.

Do students have to pay for these services?

No, students accepted into this model demonstration program will not be charged for the additional services provided through the Spectrum Scholars program, which is funded in part by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Are students participating in the program eligible for financial aid?

Yes, as part of this model demonstration program, admitted students will be eligible for scholarships, as well as grant aid based on the family’s financial situation.  By the end of 2018, UD will develop and distribute additional information on the parameters we will use to award financial aid, and the requirements to retain the scholarship.

If a student is not identified as being a part of the group receiving services, are they still eligible to receive services?

The support services described above are only available to students accepted into this program. All students with disabilities at the University of Delaware are encouraged to connect with the Office of Disability Support Services (DSS) to determine the reasonable accommodations for which they are eligible. DSS has referral information for coaching resources outside of the university, many of which are fee-based. Students with autism or other disabilities not participating in the program should also benefit indirectly from the training that will be provided to university faculty/staff and community businesses.

Who is eligible to receive professional training?

Any staff/faculty who are interested in learning more about how to support and include students with autism and other disabilities. Community businesses in Delaware are also eligible to receive training.

What type of professional training will be available?

A range of training options will be available, including larger group trainings, web-based trainings, individual consultations, and other types of resources.

Who is operating this program?

The Spectrum Scholars Program is an initiative of the University of Delaware’s Center for Disabilities Studies, and supported by Grant funding from JPMorgan Chase & Co. 

For more information on Spectrum Scholars, please contact Brian Freedman at brianf@udel.edu or 302-831-4688.