2024 / 2025 Scholarship Opportunities
Blanche Fierstein will be remembered as an uncompromising leader in the field of special education whose singular vision and ability to inspire others shaped special education curricula and created unprecedented opportunities for people with developmental disabilites.
Blanche was an educator, mother and tireless advocate. Her own daughter with special needs inspired her to become a special education teacher. Quickly rising through the NYC Department of Education, Blanche was appointed as Principal of the Queens Occupational Training Center. There she was at the forefront, creating practical curricula and quality standards in vocational training. Her groundbreaking work and tireless resolve helped shape vocational training across New York State.
Award: $5,000
Applications are due: April 1, 2025
To qualify, the candidate must be:
- Enrolled in college/university in Nassau County pursuing an advanced degree in special education OR
- An employee of AHRC Nassau who has been employed for a minimum of one (1) year and is pursuing an advanced degree in special education OR
- An AHRC Nassau Lifetime Member pursuing an advanced degree in special education (applicant does not need to be attending school in Nassau County)
Download Blanche Fierstein Application
Please mail all required documents to:
AHRC Nassau/Blanche Fierstein Scholarship Award Committee
189 Wheatley Road, #3
Brookville, NY 11545
Questions regarding this application may be emailed to:
fiersteinaward@ahrc.org
Each year, The Arc New York presents scholarships to students pursuing degrees in special education, physical or occupational therapy, or a field related to intellectual or other developmental disabilities.
2024
Dr. John Kowalczyk Outstanding Citizenship Award
For The Arc New York Chapter employees
NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, July 19, 2024
About the Award
This award is designed to highlight and celebrate individuals supported by their local Arc New York Chapter by recognizing their achievements and contributions made to their local Chapter, community and/or peers. Nominees and recipients are individuals who not only use services provided by their local Chapter of The Arc New York, but also help to provide support to others in a manner that benefits other people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their community.
One (1) award in the amount of $500, along with a commemorative personalized glass award is presented annually. One nomination may be submitted per County within a Chapter.
NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, July 19, 2024
About the Award
This award recognizes and celebrates the achievements and contributions made by The Arc New York’s self-advocates. Nominees and recipients are individuals who not only use services of The Arc New York but also help to shape those services in a manner that benefits other people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
One (1) award in the amount of $500, along with a commemorative personalized glass award is presented annually. One nomination may be submitted per County within a Chapter.
Volunteer of the Year Award
NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, July 19, 2024
About the Award
This provides the opportunity for The Arc New York to honor and recognize a Chapter volunteer member who has shown continued dedication, exemplary service, and advocacy on behalf of individuals who have intellectual or other developmental disabilities.
One (1) award is presented annually. The recipient will receive a diamond and gold lapel pin and commemorative glass award. One nomination per Chapter may be submitted for this award.
Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence Award
For Direct Support Professionals
NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, August 2, 2024
About the Award
This award recognizes Chapter staff who consistently demonstrate excellence, creativity and commitment in providing supports to people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities. Candidates will have displayed an exemplary level of performance over the course of their employment and will have shown commitment to improving the quality of life for people who have intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
The award, in the amount of $2,500, is presented annually to four (4) Direct Support Professionals employed by a Chapter of The Arc New York. One nomination may be submitted per County within a Chapter.
Marc N. Brandt Exceptional Leadership Award
For Direct Support Professionals
NOMINATION DEADLINE: Friday, August 2, 2024
About the Award
This award offers Chapters the opportunity to recognize a mid to upper management staff member or emerging leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership ability and commitment and has had a positive effect on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
One (1) award in the amount of $1,000.00 is presented annually.
The awards will be presented during the luncheon at The Arc New York 75th Anniversary Event, to be held on October 25, 2024, in Saratoga, NY. Award presentation times and additional details will be provided at a later date.