Spectrum Compass

Stepping beyond high school is a pivotal moment for any young adult. For autistic students, it's a journey filled with unique potential, yet demands specialized guidance to navigate new academic, professional, and social landscapes. The Spectrum Compass program is your personalized roadmap to success, empowering autistic high school juniors and seniors to confidently pursue any post-secondary path, be it a university degree, a skilled trade, or a thriving career.

The need for this specialized support in Michigan is clear. With over 25,000 K-12 students identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the 2022/2023 school year, our state has a significant and growing population of autistic youth. Yet, students with disabilities in Michigan still face a 25 percentage point gap in high school graduation rates, and nationally, a staggering 35% of autistic youth are not engaged in either employment or education within a few years of high school. In Michigan, the unemployment rate for autistic adults can be as high as 16.5%, underscoring a profound gap between potential and opportunity.

At Strategic Community Solutions, we understand that true transition success goes beyond traditional readiness. It's about developing robust executive functions, mastering self-advocacy, and building the social and professional skills crucial for truly thriving independently. Our neurodiversity-affirming program is meticulously designed to equip students not just to adapt, but to genuinely excel and find belonging in their chosen futures, empowering them to become productive and successful citizens in our communities.

The Spectrum Compass Program embraces the full spectrum of post-high school opportunities, providing comprehensive preparation for:

• 4-Year Universities & Colleges
• Community Colleges & Vocational Programs
• Trade Schools & Apprenticeships
• Direct Employment

Our inclusive framework ensures every student receives relevant, actionable strategies tailored to their individual goals.

Our program unfolds over two distinct, yet interconnected, phases:

• Junior Year Foundation: This phase broadens horizons, helping students explore diverse post-high school options while building universal skills in time management, organization, and basic self-advocacy. It lays a crucial groundwork for informed choices and foundational readiness.
• Senior Year Immersion: This intensive phase provides targeted preparation for their chosen path. Students refine advanced executive functioning, master nuanced social-professional communication, and gain vital independent living skills. Crucially, it includes focused career planning, job search strategies, and robust well-being techniques for resilience in their new environment.

Our commitment to personalized, experiential learning sets us apart:

• Student-Led Skill Application Projects: We will empower students to collaboratively design and execute projects, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical mastery and tangible achievement.
• "Day in the Life" Shadowing Program: Students will gain invaluable, realistic insights by observing current college students or adults thriving in various trades and careers, demystifying their future environments.
• Hyper-Interest Focused Social Connection: We will leverage unique passions to foster genuine social connections, actively helping students engage with specific campus clubs or professional associations aligned with their interests.
• Formal Liaison with Diverse Post-Secondary & Professional Departments: We will build direct relationships and facilitate introductions to key contacts within colleges (Disability Services, Student Life) and the professional world (Vocational Rehabilitation, Workforce Development Boards), creating a pre-existing support network.

Spectrum Compass is more than just a program; it's an investment in a confident, capable, and connected future for autistic students. We equip them with the practical tools and personalized support to navigate their chosen path with clarity, resilience, and a profound sense of belonging, transforming their potential into undeniable success in Southeastern Michigan and wherever their ambitions may lead them.

Currently seeking funding.