What Comes Next for Individuals with Autism
NextStep at Endeavor Academy prepares individuals with autism for transition beyond secondary school by providing instruction in employment and independent living skills through a structured, residential program.
Mission: Employment
NextStep at Endeavor Academy intends to build the next generation workforce while engaging those with autism who are underserved, underestimated, and underrepresented.
What We Teach
NextStep at Endeavor Academy prepares individuals with autism for transition beyond secondary school by providing instruction in employment, independent living, and making community connections.
How to Apply
NextStep at Endeavor Academy is a structured, two-year residential program designed for adults with autism that helps build crucial independent living and career-readiness skills.
What We Do
NextStep at Endeavor Academy was launched in 2022 by Jackson County along with Endeavor Forward, Inc., a Florida-based not-for-profit which supports the development and operations of an autism transition, employment, and residential program as part of an inclusive community where the benefits of educating and employing individuals with autism are broadly understood, supported, and valued.
NextStep at Endeavor Academy prepares individuals with autism for transition beyond secondary school by providing instruction in employment and independent living skills through a structured, residential program. Participants maximize their capacity to live more independently through the Learn4Independence® curriculum and individualized services. Based on the First Place-Phoenix Transition Academy model, after graduation 84% of participants are expected to be living in their community of choice with more than 80% expected to be employed.
NextStep at Endeavor Academy’s inaugural two-year Transition Academy program began in August of 2022.
Short courses ranging from one day to three months, as well as individual coaching, are other programs available at NextStep.
Future phases include residential living opportunities and community-wide engagement.
Project Collaborators and Employment Partners
Our Location
NextStep at Endeavor Academy is part of the 1200-acre Endeavor Park mixed-use development at the site of the former Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, Florida.
The property is being transformed into a commerce and employment center, residential hub, and conference and learning center – creating opportunities for all. It will also serve as home to a museum of Jackson County history and a convention center.
We’re Hiring New Staff
NextStep at Endeavor Academy is actively seeking talented, qualified, caring, and dedicated staff.
Please check back frequently as opportunities are posted here.
Testimonials
"NextStep at Endeavor Academy has my strong support for the essential work they do for individuals with autism. My son is currently enrolled in their program, and the transformation we have witnessed in him is nothing short of life changing. Before NextStep, we worried about his future. Like many parents of children with autism, our greatest fear has been: What happens to our child if we are no longer here? NextStep has alleviated that fear. Through their structured curriculum, job coaching, and life skills training, our son has gained the confidence and ability to handle daily responsibilities on his own."
- Father of a current Transition Academy Participant
"As the parent of a young adult with disabilities, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact that NextStep has on its students and their families. The dedicated staff, well-designed curriculum, and forward-thinking approach to independent living make NextStep a model program that deserves recognition and support. From the moment we stepped onto the campus, we were impressed—not only by the facilities but by the kindness and dedication of the teachers and staff. The program’s comprehensive approach to teaching life skills has given my daughter knowledge and confidence that she carries with her in everyday life."
- Mother of a current Short Course participant
"The transformation I have witnessed in my son during the two-year program and since graduation has been truly remarkable. My family and I have been extremely impressed by the substantial progress and newfound confidence that NextStep has fostered in my son. Unlike other organizations, NextStep was instrumental in securing employment for my son and providing intensive job coaching, which they continue to provide even after graduation. Seeing my son gain confidence, feel valued, maintain a good job, communicate more effectively, socialize more, and smile more often has been beyond our expectations."
- Mother of a 2024 Transition Academy graduate
2660 Endeavor Blvd.
Marianna, Florida 32448
TDasher@NextStepatEndeavor.org
REGISTRATION#: CH67692
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