September 20, 2024

For 5 years, Transition Pathways has had the pleasure of partnering with the Lindy Center to connect 30 Drexel students to our Project Career Launch peer mentor program. Thanks to the recruitment efforts of the Lindy Center, peer mentors have supported over 90 program participants, completing over 20,000 hours of community engagement!

Project Career Launch is a program that takes place on Drexel’s campus and prepares young adults with autism for work. One of the program's key components has been connecting young adults to Drexel University students who serve as peer mentors. Mentors are selected from the Drexel Community Scholars Program through the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement. Given that Project Career Launch students are in their final year of high school, Drexel students provide valuable insights on how to navigate the next phase of their lives, whether that’s seeking employment or looking into colleges. Not only does the mentoring experience have a positive impact on program participants, but it also forever changes the way the peer mentors connect with their communities.

“Project Career Launch mentorship is a good opportunity because it’s right on Drexel’s campus, so for students who might be hesitant about venturing into the community for various reasons, this mentoring program is ideal. Thus, PCL is a doorway into the Philadelphia community for Drexel students away from the 'campus bubble.’ The hope is that Drexel Community Scholars get to understand the reality of neurodivergent students and learn to see them as a whole person that has a lot to offer,” shared Associate Director of Student Engagement at the Lindy Center, Rebecca LeFevre.

Prior to starting, all mentors receive training on best practices and strategies for engaging with autistic young adults. Peer mentors then work 1:1 with their mentees on career exploration, job searching, improving interpersonal communication, interview practice, independent living skills, and navigating the campus and the community. When asked what is one of their favorite memories with their mentor, Osheen, a Project Career Launch participant shared, “when we asked each other questions... it made me feel comfortable talking to someone who could relate to me.”

Since the launch of the peer mentor program, Transition Pathways has connected Drexel students from a wide range of departments, from the College of Nursing Health Professions to the College of Computing and Informatics, with program participants. The experience often encourages them to think differently about neurodiversity. “I learned so much about neurodiversity whilst working with PCL. The students are all so unique and amazing in their own ways, and they always brought a smile to my face. I especially enjoyed taking part in classroom support because I was able to learn about new organizations, terminology, accommodations for the students that I never would have learned elsewhere,” shared a peer mentor.

During the peer mentoring experience, Drexel students gain a deep understanding of neurodiversity, and the value autistic people bring to their communities. Many peer mentors have shared how this experience forever changed the course of their careers and reaffirmed their commitment to civic engagement. “It made me want to continue working with people who are neurodiverse and am now able to interact better with everyone.”

Transition Pathways is committed to continuing to create inclusive communities and workplaces.

To become a peer mentor, please reach out to the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement.

Transition Pathways provides experiential learning to students with autism and/or intellectual disabilities with a goal of sustainable, competitive employment in the community.

To learn more about our work and support us, click HERE.

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