A NEXT for AUTISM Grantee Spotlight
2022 NEXT for AUTISM Grantee: Autism Mentorship Program
Organization Type: Community-based
Grant Categorie(s): Social
WHO THEY ARE
The Autism Mentorship Program (AMP) in Minnesota supports the transition from school to adulthood by pairing autistic youth, ages 14-22, with autistic adults in meaningful, one-to-one mentoring relationships. Designed and staffed by autistics and allies, AMP provides a supportive environment for both mentors and mentees to openly be themselves.
The vision for AMP is two-fold:
- To offer autistic teens emotional support, a sense of identity and belonging, and help develop their strengths and advocate for their needs.
- To invite autistic adults to serve as role models and leaders in their community, share their unique insights and experiences, and empower autistic youth to gain confidence and thrive.
“Funding from NEXT helped us expand from providing autistic adult mentors to autistic students in a single high school to providing mentors for adolescents from around the entire seven-county Twin Cities metro area. It supported our transition from an in-person school-based mentoring service to a virtual one that can serve more participants from a wider geographical area. Now, youth from all over the Twin Cities 7 county metropolitan area can participate. Families are thrilled that the program is available to them outside of the one suburban high school it existed in previously, broadening the reach for a larger group of youth. In looking forward, AMP plans to increase outreach to even more underserved populations, focusing on the intersectionality of the autism spectrum.”
Emily Goldberg, Founder
With NEXT for AUTISM grant funding, AMP was able to provide free access to programming to 26 students. This access allows reach to all communities, especially underserved ones such as families from immigrant communities who often suffer even more isolation and less access to autism resources.
THE RESULTS
- Mentored 26 people
- 16% of participants BIPOC
- 20% of participants live below poverty line
BE PART OF WHAT'S NEXT FOR AUTISM
- Support funding for NEXT for AUTISM's grants program, including organizations like Autism Mentorship Program. Make a gift today
- Learn more about NEXT's grants program, and share our work and grant opportunities in the community.
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