Kenneth Mims, founder and CEO of the Neurodiversity Education Research Center, which operates Science Prep Academy, announced a recently awarded grant of $25,000 from the Arizona Community Foundation, specifically earmarked for the Neurodiversity STEM Transition to Work Program.

“The Neurodiversity STEM Transition to Work Program aims to provide neurodivergent individuals across Maricopa County ages 16–24 with opportunities to enter STEM-related careers,” Mims said in a press release. “The program will focus on enhancing education, providing social-emotional growth, preparing neurodivergent individuals to be competitive in the workforce and promoting self-advocacy and higher performance.”

The Neurodiversity STEM Transition to Work Program is a workforce development initiative to address high unemployment and underemployment rates among neurodivergent individuals by providing opportunities to enter in-demand and high-wage STEM-related careers — increasing the representation of neurodivergent individuals in the field, the release stated.

This grant will be allocated to the program to help individuals on the autism spectrum achieve economic stability and better career opportunities.

The Neurodiversity Education Research Center is an organization that focuses on supporting neurodivergent individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum, in transitioning to adulthood and the workforce. Through the flagship program, Science Prep Academy, located within Salvation Army Kroc Community Center in South Phoenix, NERC provides a positive learning environment, functional skills training, mental health support and career preparation for neurodivergent students.