Post-Graduate Scholarship
Savannah and Goose Foundation Post-Graduate Scholarship Program
Addressing the Critical Shortage of Pediatric Therapists
At the Savannah and Goose Foundation, we recognize the urgent need for qualified pediatric therapists, particularly in supporting children with autism. Recent studies and industry reports highlight a growing shortage of professionals in crucial fields such as speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, and applied behavior analysis.
The Current Landscape
- Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs): The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19% growth in SLP employment from 2022 to 2032, far outpacing the average for all occupations.
- Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs): As of July 2024, there were 69,645 BCBAs, with 65,366 unfilled job postings in 2023 alone—a 13.5% increase year-over-year.
- Occupational Therapists: While specific data is limited, the trend of increased demand applies to pediatric occupational therapists as well.
This shortage is particularly acute in school settings, where 78.5% of working SLPs reported more job openings than job seekers.


Our Solution: The Post-Graduate Scholarship Program
To address this critical need, the Savannah and Goose Foundation is proud to announce our Post-Graduate Scholarship Program for Fall 2026. We aim to support undergraduate students in pursuing graduate education in fields vital to supporting children with autism.
Program Highlights
- Fields of Study: Our scholarships support students pursuing graduate degrees in:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Occupational Therapy
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Pediatric Social Work
- Pediatric Clinical Psychology
- Scholarship Amount: $5,000 total, distributed over four semesters.
- Internship Requirement: Recipients must commit to an internship at an outpatient pediatric office within our service area.
- Comprehensive Support: Our program goes beyond financial assistance:
- Mentorship opportunities with experienced professionals
- Networking within the autism support community
- Guaranteed internship placement in our service area
- Career Placement: Upon graduation, we assist scholars in connecting with local outpatient offices and schools in need of therapists, fostering the growth of a skilled and compassionate workforce.
- Commitment to Underserved Areas: We prioritize placing graduates in areas with the most critical shortages, particularly rural and underserved communities within our service region.

Why It Matters
The impact of this shortage on children with autism and their families is significant:
- Delayed access to crucial early intervention services
- Increased stress on existing therapists, potentially affecting quality of care
- Longer wait times for assessments and ongoing therapy
- Potential for regression in skills due to inconsistent therapy schedules
By investing in the next generation of pediatric therapists, we aim to:
- Improve access to vital services for children with autism
- Reduce wait times for assessments and therapy
- Enhance the quality of care through a well-supported workforce
- Foster innovation in therapy techniques and approaches

Eligibility and Application
To be eligible for our post-graduate scholarships, applicants must:
- Live and attend school within Maryland or Pennsylvania
- Be accepted into or currently enrolled in an accredited graduate program in one of the specified fields
- Maintain a GPA of at least 3.5
- Provide two letters of reference from professors or employers
- Demonstrate a commitment to working with children with autism
- Show academic excellence and leadership potential
- Be willing to complete an internship at an outpatient pediatric office within our service area
- Commit to working in underserved communities upon graduation
Applications for Fall 2026 are now open. Interested students can find more information and apply through our website at Savannah and goose foundation
Join Us in Making a Difference
The Savannah and Goose Foundation is committed to creating a brighter future for children with autism and their families. By supporting the education and development of skilled professionals, we aim to provide comprehensive support across various aspects of the autism journey.
Our $5,000 scholarship, combined with the invaluable experience gained through the required internship, offers a unique opportunity for aspiring pediatric therapists to make a real difference in our community.
Together, we can build a stronger, more supportive network for individuals with autism. Join us in our mission to bridge the gap in pediatric therapy services and make a lasting impact on countless lives.

Join Our Mission
The Savannah and Goose Foundation: Empowering the next generation of pediatric therapists to support children with autism in our local communities.