Baylee Barradas Scholarship Fund

Baylee Barradas Scholarship Fund

Funder: First Place AZ

Geographic Scope: Phoenix, Arizona

Background: This scholarship fund was established to honor Baylee Barradas, one of the first Transition Academy students who exemplified strength, courage, and a fervent desire to live more independently. The fund celebrates her life and spirit by offering financial assistance to students pursuing independent living and employment goals.

Purpose: Scholarships are available to eligible applicants to cover a portion of the private-pay cost of the Transition Academy program. Scholarships awarded are applied as a credit to the cost of the program.

Focus Areas:

Eligibility Requirements

• Complete initial Transition Academy program application
• Complete Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) program interview
• Meet Transition Academy admission requirements
• Receive Transition Academy program acceptance letter
• Verify financial need (required for all eligible applicants)
• Must be accepted into the Transition Academy before scholarship consideration

Award Criteria

Panelists from First Place AZ and SARRC review applications using a scoring system:
• Highest possible score: 16 points (4 points per question)
• Rating Scale:
- 4 points: Evidence of strong understanding and strong motivation to achieve personal goals - 3 points: Evidence of motivation for personal achievement - 2 points: Evidence of minimal interest and motivation - 1 point: No evidence supporting want or need
• Reviewers also consider motivation demonstrated in SARRC interview
• Awards determined by consensus discussion among panelists

Annual Reporting Requirements

Scholarship recipients must provide annual statements including:
• Student statement: Favorite activities, new skills learned, personal goals
• Parent/Guardian statement: Learning experiences, impact on student and family, next steps for employment and independence
• Staff statement: Information from spring semester report

Contact Information: