New Mentoring Programs

By: Darius Murray

The Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at Florida Atlantic University (FAU CARD), is proud to announce two NEW additions to our iRISE2 Mentoring Program. Under the guidance of an experienced female computer engineer, FAU CARD staff and trained iRISE2 mentors, this innovative program is helping to close the gender gap in technology while providing its club members with the opportunity to explore an interest in the STEM field. FAU CARD is proud to be an official host of Girls Who Code, providing a inclusive computer science club for creative and intellectually curious teen girls between the ages of 14 – 19 years old with and strong interest in art and computers and a diagnosis of autism. With the use of best-practice tools this club provides a unique approach to building social skills and independence while influencing traits of confidence and self-esteem, during key developmental stages of social and emotional growth. This Spring coding is the common interest and it is influencing friendships and helping to enhance skills and interest.

Our second new program initiative within our iRISE2 Mentoring Program is a School-Based Group Mentoring Program at Renaissance Learning Academy (RLA) in West Palm Beach. RLA is a non-profit Palm Beach County charter high school serving students ages 14-21 with autism spectrum disorder. This program focuses on the development and strengthening of communication skills utilizing the PEERS school-based curriculum. The club is held on Wednesdays bi-monthly from 1-2pm and runs until the end of the school year. This unique group-mentoring format provides students the ability to practice and apply their social skills with adults as well as peers. These programs are currently offered free to individuals registered with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, if you would like to learn more or become a mentor please contact Darius Murray, iRISE2 Mentoring Program Coordinator at: 561-213-6936 or dmurra23@huayuanqiche.com.