Building the next generation of leaders.
Does the opportunity to join an innovative groundbreaking project and research team in the heart of downtown Phoenix sound like a good fit for you? Then you might have what it takes to be a First Place fellow.
In partnership with Arizona State University’s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions and Teach For America, the First Place Doctoral Fellowship in the field of autism focuses on an applied approach to research, assessment and intervention, family support, service coordination, community integration, community development and public policy. Our fellowships aim to develop leaders in the fields of education, training, research and services for adults age 18 and older with autism and other neuro-diversities, with the vision of ensuring that housing and community options are as bountiful for this population as they are for everyone else.
Fellows receive training from First Place Global Leadership Institute staff to work with First Place residents, providing support in functional life skills, wellness coaching, career exploration, community navigation, self-advocacy and social integration. They also participate in applied research geared to advancing the fields of neurodiversity and social work, public policy and more.
Goals of the First Place Doctoral Fellowship Program include the development of disciplinary/interdisciplinary expertise and leadership/consultation skills, as well as participation in research in the fellow’s area of study.
While pursuing one of ASU’s doctoral programs in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions, fellows reside at First Place, participating in a variety of program activities with adults with autism, including direct support, evaluation, consultation and intervention.
Fellows who are also TFA alumni provide training and mentoring opportunities to TFA corps members supporting children with autism in special and general education classrooms via classroom visits, consultations and the TFA Summer Institute. TFA corps members return to the classroom to help today’s teachers better understand and appreciate the importance and impact of their work. TFA participants can also have a greater impact on life-course outcomes.
The First Place fellowship in the field of autism is a two-year award that includes a part-time ASU staff position with benefits. Fellows assist in research related to adults with autism, as well the development and implementation of programs and activities for First Place Apartments residents and First Place Transition Academy participants.
Fellows report to an ASU doctoral advisor and to the director of the First Place Global Leadership Institute.
Both the First Place Doctoral Fellowship application and ASU Graduate application must be completed in order to be considered for the program.