Scottsdale Community College recently began hosting the Scottsdale Unified School District’s SCORE Program, which stands for Scottsdale Community Opportunities for Real-World Education. The program’s purpose is to provide hands-on work and educational experiences for neurodiverse individuals, up to age 22.

SCC is hosting a Transition Fair to spotlight local services and resources to help neurodiverse students transition from high school to adulthood. The event features many local agencies and organizations in one place so that families, caregivers and students can learn about the options that exist for special education students to further their education, train for and enter into the workforce, as well as options for housing, public transportation, and health services.

The fair runs 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 7, at SCC’s Indigenous Cultural Center (Room ICC-222). For more information, contact SUSD’s Special Education Department at 480-484-5075 or susd.org/SpecialEd.

The SCORE program connects with students, their families, community agencies, and Vocational Rehabilitation to create a custom plan that bridges high school students with future career opportunities. As these students have completed their high school requirements, having this initiative located on a college campus provides a natural next step in the student’s journey to employment and adulthood.

“The SCORE program perfectly aligns with SCC’s mission to expand higher education accessibility to underserved populations,” said Dr. Eric Leshinskie, president of Scottsdale Community College. “The students are gaining real-world experience and skills working in occupational fields that will provide meaningful careers.”

At SCC, the SUSD students are receiving vocational training and other skills, like communication and teamwork, at Artie’s Cafe, the College’s student cafeteria, and the Artichoke Grill, the on-campus student-operated restaurant that’s part of SCC’s renowned Culinary Program. SCORE students also participate in internships and work experiences at other local businesses, providing well-rounded occupational development.

“The SCORE program is unlike any other, and we are so grateful for the partnership that’s been forged with SCC to host it and our students,” says Dr. Scott Menzel, Scottsdale Unified’s superintendent. “It embodies the very essence of inclusion, where every individual is valued for their unique abilities and contributions, helping foster a community where diversity thrives.”