NextStep at Endeavor Academy

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

NextStep at Endeavor Academy is being launched by Jackson County along with Endeavor Forward, Inc., a Florida-based not-for-profit which supports the development and operations of an autism transition, employment, and residential program as part of an inclusive community where the benefits of educating and employing individuals with autism are broadly understood, supported, and valued. NextStep at Endeavor Academy will prepare individuals with autism for transition beyond secondary school by providing training in employment and independent living skills through a structured, residential program. Participants maximize their capacity to live more independently through the Learn4Independence® curriculum and individualized services. Based on the First Place-Phoenix Transition Academy model, after graduation 84% of participants are expected to be living in their community of choice with more than 80% expected to be employed. NextStep at Endeavor Academy’s 12-week pilot program, NextStep to Employment, began in January of 2022. Future phases include residential living opportunities and community-wide engagement.