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.

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Lupinacci Participates In Second Round of Interviews For State Board of Regents

Lupinacci Participates In Second Round of Interviews For State Board of Regents

Hofstra Students Join Assemblymen Lupinacci and Ra For Lesson in Government

Hofstra Students Join Assemblymen Lupinacci and Ra For Lesson in Government

BUTEYKO ~Stops Asthma & Sleep Apnoea

BUTEYKO ~Stops Asthma & Sleep Apnoea

Adult Ballet ~ Has it been a long time since ballet class?

Adult Ballet ~ Has it been a long time since ballet class?

WINTERFEST II

WINTERFEST II

NEW OPPORTUNITIES AT HOFSTRA (NOAH) STUDENTS JOIN ASSEMBLYMAN LUPINACCI FOR LESSON IN GOVERNMENT

NEW OPPORTUNITIES AT HOFSTRA (NOAH) STUDENTS JOIN ASSEMBLYMAN LUPINACCI FOR LESSON IN GOVERNMENT

A Heart Saved–at 35 Years Old

A Heart Saved–at 35 Years Old

Lupinacci Speaks During Recent LICADD Advocacy Academy Event

Lupinacci Speaks During Recent LICADD Advocacy Academy Event

The Japanese Economy

The Japanese Economy

Anti-Smoking Campaign Targets At-Risk Youth

Anti-Smoking Campaign Targets At-Risk Youth

Naomi Brown Honored At NAACP Long Island Region 10th Annual Awards Luncheon

Naomi Brown Honored At NAACP Long Island Region 10th Annual Awards Luncheon

Lupinacci Applauds Dillon For Support Of Education

Lupinacci Applauds Dillon For Support Of Education

NFL Backs Youth Concussion Protocols

NFL Backs Youth Concussion Protocols

Lupinacci Joins Long Island Cares To Support Pet Food Drive For Local Animals In Need

Lupinacci Joins Long Island Cares To Support Pet Food Drive For Local Animals In Need

IT'S TIME TO BUY A HOME !!!

IT'S TIME TO BUY A HOME !!!

Keep Pets Safe This Valentine's

Keep Pets Safe This Valentine's

Tough questions for your target colleges.

Tough questions for your target colleges.

WINTERFEST

WINTERFEST

WINTERFEST

WINTERFEST

WINTERFEST

WINTERFEST

WINTERFEST

WINTERFEST

Winter In The Wildlife Garden

Winter In The Wildlife Garden

Lupinacci Addresses Concerns with SUNY Online Classes During Higher Education Budget Hearing

Lupinacci Addresses Concerns with SUNY Online Classes During Higher Education Budget Hearing

Winter Safety Tips to Enjoy the Outdoors

Winter Safety Tips to Enjoy the Outdoors

Lupinacci, MS Society to host “What Is Multiple Sclerosis” Discussion

Lupinacci, MS Society to host “What Is Multiple Sclerosis” Discussion

Paying Your Investment Advisor - Fees Or Commissions?

Paying Your Investment Advisor - Fees Or Commissions?

Some Good News About Snow!

Some Good News About Snow!

Lupinacci Joins Melville Fire Department To Welcome New Chief

Lupinacci Joins Melville Fire Department To Welcome New Chief

The College Journey: Advice from the Pros

The College Journey: Advice from the Pros

Lupinacci, Colleagues Interview Candidates For State Board of Regents

Lupinacci, Colleagues Interview Candidates For State Board of Regents

Women’s Wellness Event with Chocolate and Wine

Women’s Wellness Event with Chocolate and Wine

Production Values: New Calculations for GDP

Production Values: New Calculations for GDP

Prevent Relapse with Addiction Treatment

Prevent Relapse with Addiction Treatment

Lupinacci, Governor Help Long Islanders Prepare For Next Emergency

Lupinacci, Governor Help Long Islanders Prepare For Next Emergency

The Health Benefits Of Pets on Newborns

The Health Benefits Of Pets on Newborns

Caramel Coloring Contains a Likely Carcinogen

Caramel Coloring Contains a Likely Carcinogen

LUPINACCI READS TO K-2 GRADERS AT COUNTRYWOOD PRIMARY CENTER

LUPINACCI READS TO K-2 GRADERS AT COUNTRYWOOD PRIMARY CENTER

Snow Update

Snow Update

Find Support and Encouragement with WomenHeart