Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Program (LEND)
APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR 2027-2028 ACADEMIC YEAR:
Returning students: December 15th
Incoming students: February 15th
Applications now open! Apply here.
Program Background
LEND is an interdisciplinary leadership training program aimed at improving the health care of infants, children, and youth with complex neurodevelopmental disabilities including autism. The LEND provides funding for full-time doctoral and master’s students and other community-based trainees (including persons with disabilities, family members, and practicing professionals) to participate in weekly seminars, clinical practica, research, and advocacy projects over the course of a year.
Students will receive:
- full-time graduate assistantship
- tuition waiver and
- stipend (approximately $34,000 over 9 months)
For more information, visit the LEND Program.
Program Requirements
Student Eligibility:
- Be a matriculated MSW student in Hartford, Stamford, or Online entering your first or second year in the Fall (Advanced standing students are eligible to apply). Open to all concentrations.
- Maintain an overall 3.0 GPA
- Meet UConn and practicum agency requirements
- Have experience working with people with disabilities (through either work, internship, or volunteer experiences)
- Have an interest in continuing to work with this population post-graduation
Students agree to:
- Participate in the one-year program, fall and spring semesters
- Devote 20 hours a week to the training program, which meets in person on Fridays in Farmington, CT
Dr. Wilson will interview top candidates.
More Information
Contact Dr. Cristina Wilson at Cristina.Wilson@uconn.edu.
