Supporting Students and Volunteerism: Project Career Launch 

Students in the School District of Philadelphia with autism spectrum disorders are finding mentors in Community College of Philadelphia students through Project Career Launch. 

In partnership with the District and the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, this initiative enables students to think about career paths, learn how to navigate a college environment and more independently prepare for their future.

“The College provides access to college departments and bridges pathways so these students can explore their career interests,” said Sarah Maguire, executive director of Division of Access and Community Engagement (DACE).

Students from the District are tested to identify career possibilities based on their interests, and they are paired with students at the College with like career goals whenever possible. In addition to learning about the College’s academic programs, District students also receive information about financial aid, tips on succeeding in higher education, and scholarship opportunities at the College, such the Catto Scholarship, which enables qualified students to earn a degree for free.

Eden Galen, a 2017 College graduate, came back to CCP to take a few courses and prepare for her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Holy Family University after losing her job during the pandemic.

“PCL really stood out to me. I want to become a school counselor and work with the autistic population. I also have family members with autism,” said Eden.

Conversations can take place in groups and in one-on-one settings, with Drexel scheduling these dialogues. The College provides training for the mentors, and they meet with students one and a half hours a week for at least one semester.

“Everyone was wonderful to work with. A teacher from the District joined in group discussions. If I had any questions, they were always there,” she said.

Eden was prepared for her role with training about relationship building, relevant topics for discussion and how to respond to questions. Meeting with students virtually from October 2020 to June 2021, she took notes during initial conversations to best establish relationships and make interactions more beneficial for the students she was working with.

“Some of the students liked talking, and some didn’t. I was able to find common interests and how I could relate to them—then I saw them open up. I really liked that experience,” she said.

Meeting with students in a group of 10 and with smaller groups of two or three, Eden discussed career ambitions and college life, and students talked about what they were learning in the classroom.

Preparing to graduate from Holy Family in May 2022 and pursue a master’s degree, Eden was happy to help others while gaining valuable insight for her future career.

“Working with neurodiverse students has been great. It’s helped my communication and leadership skills, and I’ve used my experiences to help and advise others,” said Eden.