Bierman Autism Centers

Bierman Rising Clinician Scholarship

Case Study: Ethan's Journey

$2K Cash awards, multiple winners per round

The Bierman Rising Clinician Scholarship supports future clinicians who are passionate about Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), evidence-based care, and meaningful outcomes for children and families.

About this scholarship

This scholarship invites applicants to respond to a real-world clinical case study: Ethan’s Journey. Ethan is a 5-year-old learner with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 2) receiving early intervention ABA services. The case includes assessment information, skill strengths and needs, behavior considerations, and sample treatment goals. 

This scholarship is designed to highlight:

  • Clinical curiosity and compassion
  • Thoughtful, ethical reasoning
  • Clear communication, especially when explaining ABA to others
  • A learner-first mindset

The case study you will use: Ethan’s Journey

Ethan’s profile includes:

  • VB-MAPP results and barriers
  • Current language and learning summary
  • Skill strengths and deficits
  • Behavioral excesses and hypothesized functions
  • Current program goals (communication, transitions, behavior reduction, early peer play) 

Essay prompt

Prompt: Why I Chose ABA

Working with learners like Ethan often requires creativity, persistence, and compassion. Reflect on what aspects of this case resonate most with your decision to pursue a career in ABA. 

In your response, include:

  • What parts of Ethan’s strengths and challenges connect to your personal “why”
  • Which behavioral principles or teaching strategies you would be most motivated to apply or refine, and why
  • How supporting learners like Ethan aligns with your vision for your future role as a clinician (RBT, BCaBA, BCBA, or related path)

Suggested length: 1,000-1,500 words

File format: PDF or DOCX

Award details

  • Scholarship amount: $2K
  • Number of recipients: 3
  • Use of funds: Tuition, certification costs, supervision hours, exam fees, textbooks, or other approved education expenses

Eligibility

Applicants must:

  • Be students who have completed at least 8 graduate credits in an ABA master’s program
  • Be in good academic standing (if applicable)
  • Submit an original essay response to the case study prompt

Timeline

  • Applications open: January 26, 2026
  • Applications close: February 27, 2026
  • Finalists notified: March 30, 2026

How to apply

  1. Review the case study: Ethan’s Journey
  2. Write your essay response (1,000 to 1,500 words)
  3. Complete the application form and upload your essay and transcript(s)
  4. Submit before the deadline

How applications are reviewed

All essays are de-identified and scored against a published rubric totaling 60 points. Reviewers consider your current stage of learning—there are no “right” answers.

 

Scored categories:

  • Personal Motivation & Connection to ABA (15 pts): a sincere, reflective reason for choosing ABA and a clear sense of future goals.

  • Conceptual Grounding in ABA & Ethics (15 pts): accurate use of core ABA ideas (e.g., reinforcement, antecedents/consequences, function of behavior) and acknowledgment of evidence-based, ethical practice.

  • Case Study — Presentation & Interpretation (30 pts): clear description, appropriate application of ABA concepts, learner-centered reasoning, and practical takeaways.

Across all categories, reviewers also value: plain-language clarity, thoughtful organization, originality, and alignment with learner-centered, ethical care.

 

View the complete judging rubric

FAQs

Who can apply?

Applicants must have completed at least 8 graduate credits in an ABA master’s program. This scholarship is for external applicants only; current Bierman employees are not eligible.

 

Is it nationwide?

Yes, all 50 U.S. states. 


Do I need to be a BCBA already?

No. This scholarship is designed for rising clinicians at multiple stages.

 

Can I use AI tools to help edit my writing?

Light editing support is okay. The ideas and writing should be yours.

 

Will I receive feedback on my essay?

We may not be able to provide individual feedback due to volume.

 

How are winners selected?

This is a skill-based scholarship. The judging rubric will guide selection (e.g., originality, feasibility, potential impact, alignment with ethical care). View the judging rubric and Terms & Conditions.

 

What are the awards?

Each edition offers two $2,000 cash awards, plus mentorship touchpoints with Bierman clinical leaders (including 1:1 time with our CCO), community recognition, and shadow-day opportunities (or virtual options). The number of winners and any additional perks will be confirmed at launch.

 

Does it cost anything to apply?

No. No purchase necessary. There are no fees to apply.

 

Are scholarship funds paid to me or my school?

Disbursement details will be clarified at launch. Winners are responsible for applicable taxes.

 

Can Bierman employees apply?

The Bierman Rising Clinician Scholarship is external-only. (If an internal track is added later, it will be announced separately.)

 

How often does this run?

There will be three scholarships per year. Dates for each scholarship will be released at the info session, and future windows will be posted here.

 

How will you use my information?

We’ll use your details to send application-open alerts and relevant scholarship updates (like info-session invites). Full privacy language is in the Terms & Conditions, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

 

Who do I contact with questions?

Email scholarshipinfo@biermanautism.com. We’ll respond during business hours.

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Compliance

The Bierman Rising Clinician Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship funded by corporate dollars. We follow non-discrimination principles. Full Terms & Conditions and the judging rubric will be published at launch. Geographic eligibility: All 50 US States. External applicants only; current Bierman employees are not eligible. No purchase necessary. Winners are responsible for applicable taxes. Void where prohibited.

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