New Opportunities for Youth in Phoenix with Autism

On a sunny September 25, 2017, people gathered at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, to see the ribbon cutting for the Science Prep Academy. This innovative project will provide individualized college-prep learning opportunity for youth with autism, who are in grades 6-12. The outcome will be students that are better prepared to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This first-of-its-kind Academy is the brain child of its principal Ken Mims, who has a BS in physics from Hampton University and an M.Ed. in science education from Georgia State University.

This is a particularly important issue for Arizona, where one in 64 youth have been diagnosed with autism, which is a mental condition which occurs in early childhood, and is characterized by difficulty in communicating, socializing, and in using language or understanding abstract concepts. Increasingly early diagnosis and treatment is enabling them to hold more jobs and live more independently than in the past. They can also demonstrate an aptitude in technical fields.

"But there is a huge disconnect between what students with Autism at Arizona schools are getting out of their therapy, academic, and social curriculums, says Mims, “And what they need to be successful at getting and retaining a career." 

Mims will use applied behavior analysis (ABA), a robot project-based learning experience, transition planning and goal-setting, mentorship, field trips, internships, exposure to college courses and other state-of-the-art methods during the youth’s accessible and tuition-free experience to fill that gap.

Phoenix Councilwoman Kate Gallego and State Senator Catherine Miranda came to support the effort. Denise Meridith, CEO of Denise Meridith Consultants, a public and community affairs company, gave the keynote speech, where she used her overcoming the challenges of being a Black woman in a non-traditional field to inspire youth with autism and their supporters to hurtle the similar hurdles they face. 

Sponsors for the school include organizations, like ASU and Intel. Other interested parties, who attended, included the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Coder Camps, UPI, and the Arizona Community Foundation.

As Yvonne Pipkin, the Chair of the Board for the Academy said Mims is “living his dream with his eyes wide open.” The Science Prep Academy should open all of our eyes to the potential of all of our youth. Readers, who have children who would be eligible, or who would like to become sponsors or partners, can learn more at https://www.scienceprepacademy.com.