Help Students with Autism Succeed
An increasing number of students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are enrolling in institutions of higher education. At UNF, the THRIVE program provides support and helps students with ASDs gain important life skills as they work toward graduation and securing gainful employment beyond the college setting.
What is THRIVE?
The Transition to Healthiness, Resourcefulness, Independence, Vocation and Education (THRIVE) program provides support to students with ASDs. THRIVE helps students develop social, independent living and career development skills in a safe environment. These skills are crucial to our students’ ability to have a successful and fulfilling college experience.Why Support THRIVE?
The difficulty of transitioning to independent university life can be overwhelming for individuals with ASDs. With your help, THRIVE can help these students in their transition to day-to-day college life, as well as develop skills they will use not only in the college setting but also throughout their lives.
Autism affects individuals in different ways, which is why THRIVE is not a one-size-fits-all program. Our ever-developing supports are designed to meet the individual needs of each student. Planning and organization, stress management and self-advocacy are just a few of the skills that THRIVE can help students develop. Through the program, students build lifelong friendships and also learn skills that aid in employment acquisition.
Since 2012, THRIVE has helped over 240 students complete their degree programs and pursue employment in the career of their choice.
How Does Your Donation Make a Difference?
Your donation is instrumental in allowing us to develop and provide various supports for our students as needed, such as peer mentors, our living-learning community, social events, and our executive functioning class.
Our mentors are trained to aid students with their individual needs while also providing social support. THRIVE students may even become mentors themselves, an opportunity that only the THRIVE program provides.
Your donation also helps THRIVE develop and maintain connections with community partners, giving students the opportunity to interact with future employers. This also helps THRIVE educate employers on how to work with individuals with ASDs. Your support is needed and gifts of all sizes make a huge impact.
Photos taken prior to the pandemic.