Spectrum Innovates Pathway Program: Summer 2 Passion Project and Residency

Program Description

The Spectrum Innovates Pathway Program (SIPP) was created to "address the autistic community's employment crisis and the forecast[ed] shortage of technicians in the aeronautics industry over the next twenty years." SIPP is a "prototypal transition pathway program for those on the autism spectrum who share a common passion for aeronautics." The primary goals of this program are to prepare students for success in higher education and to enter the workforce in advanced technician roles. This program is a partnership between NPF Nexus and Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology. The program runs for 12 months. There is a 6-week orientation, two academic semesters, and a 6-week residency experience.

Collection Description

This collection is composed of documents that highlight a 6-week summer 2 semester residency program that aims to engage the autistic community in advanced technician education for aeronautics industry careers. The program focuses on social-emotional and life skills, acclimating to an independent life in college, and workforce readiness. Learning areas include managing time and resources, organizing and communicating ideas, developing and testing prototypes, and incorporating feedback. Students also have an opportunity to pursue a passion project in an area of interest. 

Collection Contents

Documents are composed of a summer 2 semester summary, activity plans, curriculum, assessments, standards, and competencies. Fall and spring semester documents are also included.

A document that summarizes the summer 2 semester, provides SEL and workforce readiness goals, and a framework/timeline is provided.

Activity plans provide the general structure of the summer 2, fall, and spring semesters. The summer 2 semester activity plan provides a course structure and summary. The fall and spring semesters contain both learner and instructor goals, the lesson, reflections, educational materials, and other curriculum materials used each week. Topics explored include organizational strategies, neurodiversity, social awareness skills, relationship skills, emotional regulation, relationships, job searches, disability disclosures, healthy living, and more.

The innovation hub document provides information on different pathways for students, who can either receive certification in an advanced technology topic or focus on SEL. Certifications include Mechanical Design and Additive Manufacturing.

Documents on SEL and workforce competencies are also provided

Additional program, semester, Innovation Hub, and SEL resources are available to view separately.

For orientation purposes the 19SIPP Summer 2 Passion Project and Residency.pdf is included as a separate attachment and offers a sample of the type of material included in this collection. 

Below is a list of the folders and files contained within the .zip attachment. The size of each folder and number of files is included in parenthesis. Files are listed with their file name and size in parenthesis. 

19SIPP Summer 2 Passion Project and Residency (1 folder, 7 files, 1.2 MB)

• SIPP Summer 2 Passion Project and Residency (19SIPP Summer 2 Passion Project and Residency.pdf 99 KB)
• 20Summer 2 Plans (3 files, 655 KB)
  • Summer 2 Plans (20Summer 2 Plans.pdf 66 KB)
  • Fall Weekly Activity Plans SEL (Fall Weekly Activity Plans SEL.pdf 352 KB)
  • Spring Weekly Activity Plans SEL (Spring Weekly Activity Plans SEL.pdf 219 KB)
• Innovation Hub Fall & Spring Semester (Innovation Hub Fall & Spring Semester.pdf 155 KB)
• SEL Standards and Competencies (SEL Standards and Competencies.pdf 126 KB)
• SIPP Competencies Work in Progress (SIPP Competencies Work in Progress.pdf 151 KB)