Welcome to Autism SpeaksU

Autism SpeaksU is an initiative of Autism Speaks focused on engaging the young philanthropists of the world and ultimately connecting college students with the autism community.  The team at Autism SpeaksU guides students on college campuses across America through the process of coordinating programming and fundraising events on their campus to benefit Autism Speaks.  Autism SpeaksU is also focused on engaging college students in the many other Autism Speaks initiatives taking place across the United States.  With your support, we can unite college communities across the nation into a single, powerful voice for the autism community.  Together, we can build awareness about autism and raise critical funds in the fight against this complex disorder.   

Over the past year, Autism SpeaksU has raised nearly $150,000 nationwide to support the initiatives of Autism Speaks. Since the inception of the Penn State event in 2006, students across the United States have raised nearly $600,000 to benefit Autism Speaks.

In addition to events at Penn State University, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and University of Maryland-College Park, Autism SpeaksU is proud to launch programming at Indiana University and University of Michigan during the 2009-2010 year. 

Autism SpeaksU is always looking to find new campuses to join the fight against autism.

Where next? Contact us to find out how U can get involved. 

Or join the Autism SpeaksU Social Network

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A Nation of Universities. One Fight Song!


Recent News:

*For all media coverage please click on the media tab at the top right of the page.

PSU - 4/4/2009
UCONN - 4/4/2009
UMD - 4/18/2009
UMASS - 5/3/2009
IU

Auction Winners Dine with Penn State Football Assistant Coach Larry Johnson Sr

STATE COLLEGE, PA –  Penn State Football’s Defensive Line Coach, Larry Johnson Sr. dined with Autism SpeaksU auction winners at Carnegie House in State College, PA on June 12th. The opportunity to eat dinner with Coach Johnson was featured as part of an auction associated with the annual “We Are…Curing Autism Now 5K Race/3K Walk” at Penn State.    Johnson has coached Penn State’s defensive line since 2000 and has also coached defensive ends and special teams during his tenure at Penn State. In addition to the opportunity to dine with Coach Johnson, auction items included the opportunity to eat dinner with Penn State’s Defensive Coordinator, Tom Bradley and Recruiting Coordinator, Mike McQueary. 

Indiana University Joins Forces With Autism SpeaksU

 

Bloomington, IN –

Students at Indiana University and Autism Speaks today announced the launch of “Hoosiers For Autism SpeaksU.” Indiana University students join students at Penn State University, University of Maryland, and University of Massachusetts as part of the nationwide Autism SpeaksU program. “Hoosiers For Autism SpeaksU” is now a university-sanctioned student organization. Student leadership is currently soliciting members and participated in the Student Activities Fair on campus in hopes of engaging members. The organization is focused on raising awareness on campus about autism, developing innovative fundraising events, and coordinating advocacy efforts for students about autism and related issues. “Hoosiers For Autism SpeaksU” has scheduled its first official meeting on campus for September 14, 2009. 



4th Annual “We Are…Curing Autism Now” Event at Penn State Raises More Than $100,000

STATE COLLEGE, PA - On April 4, 2009 Beta Sigma Beta Fraternity, Pi Beta Phi Sorority, and Sigma Delta Tau Sorority hosted the 4th annual “We Are…Curing Autism Now 5K Race/3K Walk” Penn State. This year’s event welcomed over 1200 participants, and raised over $100,000 for Autism Speaks. Since 2006, the event has brought in more than $550,000. In the weeks preceding the event, the organizing committee captured the community’s attention about this worthy cause. Through a media partnership with Magnum Broadcasting, hundreds of radio commercials aired advertisements for the event to the local community. Steve Jones, the radio voice of Penn State athletics and Drew Shannon of 105.9JoeFM served as the Masters of Ceremony for the event. Also in attendance as Celebrity Grand Marshal was Steve Smear, captain of the 1968 Penn State football team. Smear has an autistic son and continues to support the Autism SpeaksU efforts at Penn State. 



      

"Tau Kappa Epsilon Autism SpeaksU 5K Race/3K Walk” Event at UConn a Success

STORRS, CT – On April 4, 2009 Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity led its 4th annual 5K Race/3K Walk to benefit Autism Speaks. The event welcomed members of the campus and the surrounding community and raised more than $3,000.

 

“Fear the Turtle, Find a Cure” Event Brings Out the Stars in Support of Autism SpeaksU at University of Maryland

COLLEGE PARK, MD – Bright and early on the morning of April 18th, 2009 over 400 University of Maryland students and members of the community took to the field outside the Comcast Center arena to pound the pavement in the 1st annual “Fear the Turtle, Find a Cure Autism SpeaksU 5K Race/3K Walk” benefiting Autism Speaks.  Maryland's men’s basketball coach Gary Williams served as Grand Marshal of this inaugural event, which was emceed by the Voice of the Terrapins, Johnny Holliday.  The runners and walkers raised over $23,000 for Autism Speaks.

      

“U Were, U Are, U Speak Autism SpeaksU” UMass Event Raises More Than $23,000

AMHERST, MA  – On May 3, 2009 over 250 University of Massachusetts students and members of the community took to a lakeside field on campus to walk and race as part of the 1st annual “U Were, U Are, U Speak Autism SpeaksU 5K Race/3K Walk” benefiting Autism Speaks.  The event was coordinated by Sigma Delta Tau Sorority and Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity.  The runners and walkers raised over $23,000 for Autism Speaks making the event the largest student-run philanthropic event on campus.  Lazer 99.3FM provided entertainment as participants gathered prior to the event and the University of Massachusetts cheerleaders led the walk.