NEW ORLEANS, LA (October 22, 2020) – Calling all coders! Families Helping Families NOLA (FHF NOLA), a full-service resource center for individuals with disabilities and their families, is now accepting applications for Coding for Youth with Autism – Pathway Out of Poverty, a new vocational program that teaches the science of computer programming and other computer skills to individuals with autism. The six-week program is a collaboration between FHF NOLA, LSU Health – Human Development Center and Operation Spark and is designed to train and place transitioning individuals with autism in meaningful and well-paying, in-demand workforce occupations.
FHF NOLA launched the pilot program in January 2019. The training taps into the potential of individuals with autism, who often have neurological strengths in the fields of logic, data organization, and visual learning. Out of the fifteen students who participated in the pilot, it is anticipated that five of the students will receive their initial industry standard certification.
“Individuals with autism face high rates of unemployment, so there’s a critical need for training to not only help them find a job, but to increase earning potential,” says Executive Director Aisha Johnson. “Students who participate in this program will learn to use their skills to help secure a job in the fast-growing tech industry, as well as decrease social isolation, which is an issue for individuals with autism.”
Coding for Youth with Autism – Pathway Out of Poverty applicants must be between the ages of 16 – 22 with a diagnosis on the autism spectrum and have an interest in computer science. With the support of a parent or caretaker, applicants must complete the FHF NOLA computer readiness assessment program which utilizes an assessment tool developed in conjunction with LSU Health-Human Development Center that is unique to students with autism. Upon successful completion of the assessment, students will be eligible to attend Operation Spark’s Introduction to Computer Coding course. Once students complete this training, they will be evaluated and referred to enroll in Level 1 and Level 2 training.
“The beauty of this program is that it recognizes my son’s strengths, building his confidence and giving him purpose,” added Annette Keeler, FHF NOLA parent whose son participated in the pilot. “It’s exciting to think he could get a tech job and, even more important, I love seeing his enthusiasm for the classes.”
The successful pilot program was made possible by The Brown Foundation, GPOA Foundation, Institute of Mental Hygiene, American Legion’s Child Welfare Foundation, Next Gen Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, and the Entergy Charitable Foundation.
A primary goal of Families Helping Families Centers is to offer the program in more communities. In September of 2019, Baptist Community Ministries awarded FHF NOLA a planning grant, which is being used toward the development of a strategic plan to expand the program. More recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana granted $50,000 to FHF NOLA to grow the program in New Orleans and Centers across Louisiana. The program was also one of ten programs awarded with a $10,000 grant from the Hancock Whitney Community Reinvestment Program, out of ninety potential applicants.
To submit an application, please contact Rickii Ainey at rainey@fhfnola.org or visit the FHF NOLA website for more information. Follow @FHFofSELA on Facebook and Twitter.
About Families Helping Families NOLA
Families Helping Families NOLA (FHF NOLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit resource center providing disability programs and advocacy in Orleans, Plaquemines, and St. Bernard Parishes. FHF NOLA envisions a region where people with disabilities live and are fully included in school, work, and recreational activities. Our mission is to educate and empower individuals with disabilities, their families, professionals, and communities by providing resources, training, and family-to-family support.