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Thanks to the grant received from The HG Foundation and a groundbreaking partnership with Aspiritech, Specialisterne USA launches its successful Academy program into the US market to support unemployed neurodivergent adults to train for and secure jobs in Tech.
This initiative represents a major milestone in expanding access to high-quality, neurodiversity-centered technology training and employment opportunities for autistic adults.
Launching in May 2025, the innovative Specialisterne Academy is a fully online, 8-week program designed to prepare autistic adult learners for careers in IT, with guidance from skilled instructors.
The program combines self-directed e-learning with real-time instruction and practical hands-on exercises, all with a focus on cultivating both technical and professional skills. Participants will earn industry-recognized credentials through the IBM SkillsBuild curriculum, which covers essential topics such as Agile methodologies, IT fundamentals, hardware components, and network protocols.
The Academy is free for participants and offers small class sizes, supportive coaches, and a pathway to employment opportunities with Specialisterne’s business partners.
“With our academies, we have already helped thousands of neurodivergent individuals start or advance their professional careers. We are very pleased to replicate this successful model in the United States, and to do so with the support of various partners who fund and participate in its implementation and will later offer job opportunities to the students,” said Francesc Sistach, Specialisterne USA/Global CEO.
This U.S. expansion is made possible by a partnership with The Hg Foundation, a charity committed to improving tech education and employment for underrepresented groups. The Hg Foundation’s support will help replicate the Academy’s proven success in Denmark, Spain, Brazil, and Italy, where 75% of graduates secure employment within three months.
Aspiritech’s involvement with the Academy is especially significant. Its neurodivergent Academy guides will oversee instruction for the pilot cohort, ensuring lived experience and authentic, supportive leadership are at the heart of the program.
“We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Specialisterne nearly 20 years after our founding based on their pioneering model,” Aspiritech CEO Tara May said. “We share their mission and ethos, and this is truly a full-circle moment.”
Both Specialisterne and Aspiritech are deeply committed to advancing autistic employment and building inclusive workplaces. This partnership is not a short-term project, but a long-term commitment to shifting employers’ mindsets and opening doors for neurodivergent talent.
Together, Specialisterne and Aspiritech continue their work of setting a new standard for neurodiversity inclusion in employment and beyond.
Specialisterne is an international leader transforming the employment landscape to increase meaningful opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. Founded in 2004, its global reach includes operations in 26 countries, where we continuously adapt, evaluate and customise our services. Specialisterne has assisted more than 500 public and private sector employers to develop and benefit from a more inclusive workforce. We have helped over 10,000 individuals enhance their capabilities, achieve and advance into full-time, skill-aligned employment.
Find out more at https://us.specialisterne.com
Founded in 2008 and inspired by Specialisterne’s groundbreaking model in Denmark, the Chicago-based tech services nonprofit has become an innovator in creating meaningful employment for autistic adults.
In addition to this new partnership, Aspiritech continues to expand its own Aspiritech Academy, providing autistic participants with training in quality assurance, soft skills, and professional development to prepare them for careers in tech. It will pilot a new Cybersecurity curriculum leading to CompTIA Security+ certification this fall.
“We hired them for the mission. We’ve kept them because they are excellent.”
Aspiritech, NFP
