Long Island’s social enterprise sock company, co-founded by a young man with Down syndrome, marks eight years of supporting students on the autism spectrum.

John’s Crazy Socks, the Long Island-based social enterprise and world’s largest sock store, has opened applications for its Eighth Annual “Autism Can Do” Scholarship. Co-sponsored by the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, the scholarship awards up to $2,000 to individuals on the autism spectrum pursuing higher education or vocational training. Applications are due by June 30, 2026.

Now in its eighth year, the scholarship has supported students across the United States in pursuing careers in graphic design, film, music, engineering, and more. Since the program launched in 2019, first-place winners have attended schools and programs in Arkansas, Massachusetts, California, New York, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania—a testament to the national reach of a scholarship born right here on Long Island.

How to Apply

The scholarship is open to U.S. residents on the autism spectrum who have graduated high school or will graduate this year. Applicants submit three things—no artistic training required:

•A short application form

•A brief personal statement

•An original sock design

This Year’s Prizes

•First Place: $2,000 scholarship — plus the winning sock design will be produced and sold by John’s Crazy Socks, with 10% of sales donated to autism-related charities

•Second Place: $1,000 scholarship

“Many of my colleagues at John’s Crazy Socks are on the autism spectrum, and I see every day how talented and hardworking they are,” said John Cronin, Co-Founder and Chief Happiness Officer of John’s Crazy Socks. “This scholarship is our way of celebrating what people with autism can do and helping someone take the next step toward their dream.”

“We know what people with autism can achieve and we want to help others reach their fullest potential,” said Nick Savarese, Executive Director of the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “We are proud to co-sponsor this scholarship for the eighth year running.”

The Autism Can Do Scholarship is part of John’s Crazy Socks’ Giving Back Program, which has donated over $800,000 to charity partners including the Special Olympics, the National Down Syndrome Society, and the Autism Society of America. More than half of the company’s employees have a differing ability, and many are on the autism spectrum.

“This scholarship exists because of our customers,” said Mark X. Cronin, Co-Founder and CEO of John’s Crazy Socks. “Every pair of socks they buy makes programs like this possible. Together, we are creating opportunities and spreading happiness.”

Applications for the 2026 Autism Can Do Scholarship are available at johnscrazysocks.com/pages/autism-can-do-scholarship. The deadline is June 30, 2026. Winners will be announced in July 2026.

About John’s Crazy Socks

John’s Crazy Socks was inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, and his love of colorful and fun socks—what he calls his “crazy socks.” He and his father, Mark X. Cronin, started the company as a social enterprise with a mission of Spreading Happiness™. With more than 4,000 styles of socks, John’s Crazy Socks is now the world’s largest sock store. More than half their employees have a differing ability, and their Giving Back program has donated over $800,000 to charity partners. For more information, visit JohnsCrazySocks.com or call 631-760-5625.

About the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism

The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism has a mission to help people and families affected by autism live life to the fullest. The Foundation works to create a world where people with autism lead productive lives where they are included, respected, and actively engaged in their communities. Learn more at flutiefoundation.org.

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