Fewer than half of young people with learning disabilities obtain regular, paid employment within two years of high school graduation. And yet programs to help them successfully transition into employment are scarce. BroadFutures is filling the gap, preparing youth with learning disabilities and ADHD (ages 18 – 26) for the workforce. Using drama, graffiti arts, yoga, and more, a two-week training program creatively engages youth to strengthen their resumes, interview skills, communications, and overall professionalism. Through partnerships with more than 50 diverse employers, participants then work at least 20 hours per week at paid internships designed to match their interests and aspirations. Meanwhile, BroadFutures provides ongoing mentoring and supervision, working together with interns and employers to address successes and challenges. Over 90% of graduates are gainfully employed or continuing with higher education: a broad (and bright) future indeed.
Headquarters: DC-Ward 2
Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Statewide; VA-Statewide; Internationally
Age Groups Served: Young adult (18-24)
Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities
- Number of interns served directly:
180 - Percent of our interns who continue to full/part-time employment or higher education:
90% - Percent of interns who have completed our program:
99% - Percent of our employer partners who say that our interns are well-trained and prepared for work:
100% - Number of mentoring & coaching hours provided:
5,450
Awards & Recognition
Gap Year Association 2020 Annual Award for Accessibility in Gap Year Education
Press
- Ensuring Workforce Diversity Includes Neurodiversity
Mon Oct 26 2020, Beacon College: A World of Difference
BroadFutures was featured on "A World of Difference," a Beacon College-produced program geared towards families with children with LD/ADHD.
- COVID-19: Is it Time for an ADHD Gap Year to Work on Life and Work Readiness?
Wed Sep 9 2020, Attention Talk Radio
ADHD coach Jeff Copper interviews Carolyn Jeppsen, Co-Founder of BroadFutures. They talk about the advantages of taking a gap year.
- Teleworking during the pandemic could open new doors for the labor force-if you're privileged enough
Fri Apr 10 2020, Prism
BroadFutures CEO, Carolyn Jeppsen, talks about the challenges of working from home for people with learning and attention disabilities.
- More Companies Looking for Ways to Hire and Support "Neurodiverse" Workers
Fri Apr 13 2018, Understood
BroadFutures is mentioned as a nonprofit that is bridging the gap for young workers with learning and attention differences.
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