Scholarships & Awards
Each year, The Arc New York presents scholarships and awards to individuals pursuing degrees in special education, physical or occupational therapy, or a field related to intellectual or other developmental disabilities, and those who go above and beyond to improve this field.
Volunteer of the Year Award
This award provides an opportunity for The Arc New York to honor and recognize a Chapter volunteer who has demonstrated continued dedication, exemplary service, and advocacy on behalf of people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities.
One (1) award is presented annually. The recipient will receive customized artwork, produced by the Paul Nigra Center of The Arc Lexington. One nomination per Chapter may be submitted for this award.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026
Marc N. Brandt Exceptional Leadership Award
This award offers Chapters the opportunity to recognize a mid- to upper-management staff member or emerging leader who has demonstrated exceptional leadership 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.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026
Thomas A. Maul Direct Support Professional Excellence 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 demonstrated an exemplary level of performance throughout their employment and shown a commitment to improving the quality of life for people with 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.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026
Self-Advocate of the Year 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.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026
Dr. John Kowalczyk Outstanding Citizenship 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 support others in ways that benefit people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their communities.
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.
Application Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2026
2026 Art Competition
Ready, set, get creative! The online portal to submit artwork to The Arc New York 2026 Art Competition is now open! We welcome all artists supported by a Chapter to show off their creativity and talent in this year’s competition.
Artists may submit one piece of artwork and select one of three categories for their entry to be judged in: Abstract & Contemporary, Landscape & Realism, or Alternative & Mixed Mediums.
Submissions Due: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
