Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) has taken a significant step forward in supporting neurodiversity with the establishment of a groundbreaking Center for Career Development and Neurodiversity. Funded by a generous $625,000 grant, this initiative aims to address the critical need for specialized career programs for autistic individuals, fostering their successful integration into the workforce. With the backing of Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, VWU is poised to become a leading institution in providing comprehensive support and resources for the autistic community in Coastal Virginia and beyond.
Recognizing a significant gap in opportunities for autistic high school graduates, Virginia Wesleyan University, in close collaboration with community partners, is proactively developing targeted interventions. Many talented individuals on the autism spectrum face considerable hurdles in accessing higher education and securing meaningful employment. This new center is designed to bridge this gap by offering a holistic suite of services tailored to the unique needs of autistic individuals seeking career pathways.
The core mission of the Center for Career Development and Neurodiversity at VWU is to provide comprehensive support that empowers autistic individuals to achieve fulfilling careers. The program will offer a range of essential services, including thorough diagnostic assessments to understand individual strengths and needs. Participants will benefit from tailored academic and social support systems, clinical assistance to address specific challenges, and crucial work opportunities to gain practical experience. Furthermore, the center will provide dedicated job placement assistance, guiding individuals through the employment process and connecting them with inclusive employers.
Students collaborating in a tutoring session, highlighting academic support for neurodiverse learners.
Dr. David R. Black, Chancellor of VWU Global Campus and the driving force behind the grant proposal, emphasizes the university’s longstanding commitment to neurodiversity. “Virginia Wesleyan has a rich history of supporting autistic students with academic talent, enabling them to thrive both academically and within the wider community,” Dr. Black stated. “This vital funding significantly expands VWU’s capacity to serve a greater number of these students on our campus. Crucially, it also allows us to extend these specialized services to students engaged in the University’s online degree programs and professional development initiatives. A key outcome for all participants in the Center’s programs will be enhanced preparedness for successful and sustained employment.”
While acknowledging the ambitious scope of the project, Virginia Wesleyan University recognizes this center as the foundation for a more extensive and impactful endeavor in the future. In its initial phase, the Center for Career Development and Neurodiversity anticipates serving approximately 100 students across various educational platforms, including dual enrollment programs, campus-based learning, online degree programs, and workforce development initiatives, during the 2024-25 academic year. Ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, all federal funds allocated to this project will be directly invested in employing qualified professionals dedicated to providing expert training and personalized assistance to autistic individuals participating in the program. This commitment underscores VWU’s dedication to transparency and accountability in its mission to support neurodiversity.
Virginia Wesleyan University expresses sincere gratitude to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine for their unwavering support of this transformative project. The university also acknowledges the invaluable contributions of alumnae Meghan Ashburn ‘08 and Jules Edwards, co-authors of “I Will Die On This Hill: Autistic Adults, Autism Parents, and the Children Who Deserve a Better World,” whose insights and expertise significantly enriched the grant proposal. Through these collaborative efforts, Virginia Wesleyan University is committed to making a profound and lasting difference in the lives of autistic individuals, empowering them to achieve their full career potential and contribute meaningfully to the community.
