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LAUNCH Academy

LAUNCH Academy
University of South Florida
LAUNCH Academy
13301 Bruce B Downs Blvd
MHC 2113A
Tampa, FL 33612
Program Contact Christine Hugh
Program Contact Email lasinfo@usf.edu
Phone 813-974-2840
Website Program website
Facebook link to program Facebook page

LAUNCH Academy at the University of South Florida (Formerly The Learning Academy) is a customized transition program that assists in preparing young adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (and co-occurring disorders such as intellectual disabilities) for employment and/or college. In operation since 2009, LAUNCH Academy was the first program of its kind in the state.

Students join us on campus for two semesters where they are in class four mornings a week, work with a USF student mentor, join different electives, and participate in an Applied Learning Experience (ALE) in the Spring.

Program information submitted: January 11, 2024

General
Public or private: Public
Type of school: 4-year college or university
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? No
Number of students: 15
Affiliates
School district or agency partner: Florida Vocational Rehabilitation
Requirements
Program serves students who have left high school? Yes, all of our students have left high school
Regular high school diploma required? No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted
Deadline to apply to this program: February 1
Criteria for admission
  • Student must be 18 or older
Accepts out-of-state students? Yes
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:
  • Intellectual disability
  • Autism
  • OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Learning Disability, ADHD, etc.
Planned program length 1 year
Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates
Acceptance rate for the most recent fall term: 100.00%
Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one: 0.00%
Notes on acceptance and attendance: Program is one school year.
Cost
Average student tuition and fees for the current school year: $9900.00
Average out-of-state tuition, current year: $9900.00
Program fees: $0.00
Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? No
Students pay for the program in the following ways:
  • Private pay (student and family)
  • Tuition Waivers
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Funds
  • Adult intellectual/developmental disability state agency funds
  • Step Up for Students, FL 529 and Pre Paid Plans,
Scholarships available: N/A
Academic
Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): Students do not take typical college courses
Students take courses that are only for students in this program: Yes
Information on special classes: Students join our Skills Lab in the Spring that offers online course work unique to their career area of interest. This is offered as part of the tuition. Most students are not prepared to take take college courses and we prepare them to apply enter into college while they are with us. Completed online coursework can lead to an industry recognized certification if applicable.
Percentage of academic time spent in inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): 0%
Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester? No
Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: Certificate of Completion
Is the credential approved by the college/university? Awarded by program, not officially recognized by the IHE
Other than the credential listed above, can students earn any other credentials that are available to all students? Depends on the student's interest and vary by year. Credential can be field specific such as Automation Certification, IT Support, Piercing credentials, Animation, Child car, etc.
Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: 4%
Other career development activities are:
  • Internships
  • Volunteer work
Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: 6%
Additional information about career development and work experience: These experiences are very individualized. We prioritize getting them onsite experience within their field of interest. The type of experience will depend on what the student is interested in.Some students will not qualify for paid work because they are not qualifed for that type of job yet.
Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? Yes
Housing
Housing is provided to students: No
Extracurricular
Students participate in student organizations on campus: No
Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus): 50-74%
Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities
  • Registered student organizations
  • Student government
  • Club sports
  • Campus events