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Project

Internships Designed for Engineering Autistic Students (IDEAS) in Mind

Center:

AZ-Sonoran UCEDD

Fiscal Year:

2025

Contact Information:

Jacy Farkas
[email protected]
520-626-2207

Project Description:

IDEAS in Mind is a collaboration between the University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities, College of Engineering ENGAGED, and local firms with the objective of recruiting engineering students on the Autism spectrum for summer internships. Students and employers participating in the IDEAS in Mind program will receive support from the Sonoran Center. Students will receive vocational support services that leverages the tools and supports the Sonoran offers through Pre-Employment Transition Services. Employers will receive training and technical assistance on inclusive leadership and hiring practices. All participants will receive individualized coaching and check-ins for a successful internship experience. We worked with Raytheon Technologies and Texas Instruments in our pilot program to establish inclusive summer internships for students with a focus in mechanical, systems, computer, and electrical engineering.

Keyword(s):

Engineering, Internships, Business, Autism

Core Function(s):

Training Trainees, Performing Research or Evaluation, Demonstration Services

Area of Emphasis

Education & Early Intervention, Employment-Related Activities

Target Audience:

Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees)

Unserved or Under-served Populations:

Specific Groups

Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:

State