Frequently Asked Questions

Appointments are required for all site visits. Schedule your trip to Kinney by emailing kinneyautism@sju.edu or calling 610-660-2170.

In order to register for the Kinney Center’s autism programming you must first create an account within our online system. 48 hours after requesting an account, you will receive an email with instructions on how to verify your account. Due to this lag time, we encourage families to create accounts prior to our registration cycles. 

The Kinney Center is committed to providing accessible programming. The Kinney Center does NOT provide transportation to any programs. The family/client enrolled is responsible for arranging transportation to and from Kinney Center events and programs.

After creating an account in our online system you will have the option to fill out our financial aid form online. If approved, you will receive 50% off the cost of Kinney Center programming.

Please note that in order to complete this form you will need one of the following:

• Unemployment notice
• Proof of free/reduced lunch status
• Copy of tax return (for both spouses if married)

Join our mailing list by filling out this brief form. If you already have an account in our system, you will automatically be included in email updates related to programs and events.

A full overview of job/volunteer opportunities for current and prospective students is available here.

High school and prospective students can volunteer as peer mentors through the Kinney Center’s High School Volunteer Program.

Saint Joseph's Incoming Freshman are invited to kick-start their college career and tenure at Kinney through the Apprentice Program.

Saint Joseph's Undergraduate students from any class year and major can apply to join the Kinney SCHOLARS program. This paid position provides one-on-one support to the individuals with autism who attend Kinney Center programming.

Saint Joseph's Graduate students can apply for one of the nine Graduate Assistantships offered through the Kinney Center.

If you are a professional seeking a full-time position at the Kinney Center, please check the Saint Joseph’s University Human Resources website for updates. All full-time positions are posted on the Human Resources career site.

When available, the Kinney Center does employ students who qualify for work-study. Students inquiring about these positions can email kinneyautism@sju.edu. Work-study positions cover a variety of different roles related to office management, marketing and technology.

Yes, students can fulfill work-study positions at other campus offices and work as a SCHOLAR at the Kinney Center. Kinney staff recommends that students be fully able to manage both roles’ responsibilities before committing to both jobs.

Yes, students currently serving as SCHOLARS who wish to fulfill their work-study hours at the Kinney Center can dedicate their work hours as a SCHOLAR to their work-study position.

SCHOLARS are required to commit to a minimum of 2.5 programs per semester; an average of 10-12 hours per week. Due to the popularity of our summer camp program, we strongly encourage SCHOLARS to commit to working camp. Not only is camp a fulfilling and valuable training experience, but SCHOLARS enable us to extend program opportunities to more families affected by autism. Students who cannot commit to working the summer program are still welcomed to apply, as long as they can commit to working an additional program each semester, bringing the commitment to 3 programs per semester, an average of 12-15 hour per week. Accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis.

All SCHOLARS committing to Camp Kinney are required to attend a mandatory two-week training during the summer in order to begin working at the Kinney Center. Typically, this training occurs in mid-June.

Students interested in starting at Kinney in the fall or spring semesters will be required to attend an accelerated training program, one week before the start of the semester.

The Kinney Center provides a practicum program for Saint Joseph's undergraduate students through the autism behavioral studies major or minor. Students in the Saint Joseph's autism certificate program, Saint Joseph's master's degree program or other local university programming can apply for a competitive internship process to gain BCBA or BCaBA supervised fieldwork. Limited spaces are available for eligible candidates.

For individuals looking for more information on the post-baccalaureate certificate program in autism studies, all questions can be directed to the Saint Joseph's Adult Learner program.

Acceptance to Kinney’s ASPIRE program will be communicated after the applicant receives an admissions decision from Saint Joseph’s University or has provided proof of acceptance to another university.

Yes, there is a separate application for the ASPIRE program available online. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To be accepted to Kinney’s ASPIRE program, you must also apply, and be accepted to Saint Joseph’s University.

Acceptance to Kinney’s ASPIRE program will be communicated after the applicant receives an admissions decision from the University.

The best way to reach Kinney SCHOLARS seeking employment outside the University is by submitting your listing to our job board.

If your organization is seeking to promote events, programs, or services related to autism, the Kinney Center can place brochures and fliers in our facilities. Please send these items to the address below:

Kinney Center
Saint Joseph's University
5600 City Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19131

If you are interested in promoting via our social media channels please email your request to kinneyautism@sju.edu.

Kinney SCHOLARS are the best trained undergraduates on the market, so we understand and encourage organizations to recruit them prior to graduation and beyond. Companies can submit a listing to our job board or arrange to hold an information session with our students. If you are interested in connecting about this, please email Executive Director, Theresa McFalls.

Donations can be made online here, or mailed to the Kinney Center at the following address: 

Kinney Center 
Saint Joseph's University 
Attn: Theresa McFalls 
5600 City Avenue 
Philadelphia, PA 19131 

*When possible, please send a note with your updated contact information and explanation of your gift. 

For donations requiring more support, donors may email Theresa McFalls directly.