Aspiritech Academy
Virtual, Cost-Free Career Training for Neurodivergent Adults
Aspiritech Academy offers cost-free career training programs for autistic and neurodivergent adults preparing for work in technology and digital fields.
Built by a nonprofit social enterprise focused on inclusive employment, Aspiritech Academy provides practical, hands-on training aligned with real workplace needs. Our programs are led by neurodivergent subject matter experts and equip cohorts with the knowledge and skills to launch new careers in tech and beyond. Our current programs are entirely virtual, so you can access everything you need from home. No in-person attendance is required.
Whether you are exploring potential career paths or looking to upskill your existing interests, Aspiritech Academy is here to support your next step.
HOW TO ENROLL:
Our IT team is completing final security enhancements on the new Aspiritech Academy portal, set to launch in September.
Applications for enrollment will reopen as soon as the portal goes live. Thank you for your patience. We look forward to welcoming new applicants soon.
What Is Aspiritech Academy?
Aspiritech Academy is a career training initiative created by Aspiritech, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to expand employment opportunities for autistic and neurodivergent adults. Founded in 2022, we have significantly expanded with the generous support of Mitsubishi Electric Foundation, HAAPE, additional partners and our donor community.
We believe access to training should never depend on an individual’s ability to pay, and that effective training must be intentionally designed with neurodivergent learners in mind from the very beginning.
The Aspiritech Academy difference:
- Cost-free career training
- Built by the largest, leading neurodiversity employer in the U.S.
- A supportive, flexible work environment designed to help neurodivergent individuals thrive
- Remote learning in a supportive, online environment
- Professional development and career readiness support
- Weekly team meetings, social discussion sessions and guest speakers from industry experts
Our Career Training Programs
Aspiritech Academy intentionally expands its training offerings to align with evolving workforce needs. We currently offer remote learning programs in two high-demand areas and are developing additional programs to meet emerging demand.
Current Pathways:
Quality Assurance (QA) Program
A 6-week course leading to International Software Testing Qualification Board (ISTQB) certification, Aspiritech’s QA Program teaches software testing processes, documentation, and defect management. Graduates are prepared to identify and resolve issues in software before release.
This pathway is a good fit for any neurodivergent learners interested in becoming a QA engineer, software tester or quality control specialist.
Cybersecurity Program
Aspiritech Academy’s Cybersecurity Program provides foundational training in cybersecurity concepts, practices and tools. Participants explore core ideas in digital security and risk management while building skills aligned with a growing and evolving field.
This pathway helps learners prepare for roles as security analysts, SOC technicians or IT security specialists. Successful program graduates earn a CompTIA Security+ certificate. It is open to learners across the United States.
Aspiritech Academy’s Cybersecurity Apprenticeship will return in Spring 2027.
IT Foundations: Beginners
Aspiritech Academy’s IT Foundations: Beginners Program provides foundational training in computing, networking, cybersecurity and emerging technologies. Participants build core technical skills through hands-on practice while gaining an entry point into a growing and evolving field.
This pathway helps learners prepare for roles as tech support specialists, help desk technicians or computer repair technicians. Successful program graduates earn a CompTIA Tech+ certification. It is a six-week, fully virtual program open to neurodivergent adult learners.
IT Foundations: Intermediate
Aspiritech Academy’s IT Foundations: Intermediate Program is a virtual, 12-week, career-focused training course that prepares neurodivergent adults for specialist-level roles and continues their certification journey through the nationally recognized CompTIA certifications.
Participants continue growing their tech career with CompTIA A+, the industry standard certification for entry-level roles.
NeuroXplorers Creative Academy
The NeuroXplorers Creative Academy is a virtual, 12-week career training program that empowers neurodivergent adults to use their creative strengths in entry-level copywriting, design and creative strategy roles.
Successful completion of this pathway includes HubSpot Digital Marketing Certification and NeuroXplorers’ Divergent Design™ Certification.
Upcoming Pathways:
We are actively developing additional virtual training programs aligned with emerging career pathways, including:
- Accessibility Testing
- Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) Certification
- Entrepreneurship
Frequently Asked Questions About Aspiritech Academy
Aspiritech Academy is designed for autistic and neurodivergent adults who are interested in building skills and exploring careers in technology and additional fields.
Aspiritech Academy programs are offered at no cost to participants.
The cost to deliver the program ranges from $5,800 to $7,000 per participant, which Aspiritech covers through grant funding, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) dollars and other funding sources.
Some programs may have prerequisites, but many are designed for beginners with a general interest in the subject matter. Each program will clearly explain what is required.
No training program can guarantee employment. However, Aspiritech Academy programs are designed to meet industry standards and focus on real-world, in-demand skills. Participants receive structured training, professional support and exposure to clear pathways toward meaningful employment.
Aspiritech’s mission is centered on preparing and supporting neurodivergent adults for successful employment outcomes.
Aspiritech and the Aspiritech Academy team understand that diagnosis is a complex issue, and that there can be uncontrollable barriers and personal choices that prevent neurodivergent adults from receiving a formal diagnosis.
We validate and support self-diagnosis and informal diagnosis for the neurodiversity community.
However, you will notice that we do ask for formal diagnosis documentation during the Aspiritech Academy application process. That is because, in some cases, our partners or grant funders do require formal documentation for participation in our programs. If that happens, we will ask that you submit formal documentation if you can. If that is not possible, we will work closely with you to figure out an alternative, such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP), or find other funding stream options.
This approach keeps Aspiritech Academy viable and sustainable for as many neurodivergent jobseekers as possible. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about applying.
As of August 2026, Aspiritech Academy is open to neurodivergent adults in Florida, Illinois, Ohio, California, Massachusetts and North Carolina. We plan to add Indiana in the near future.
Our Registered Cybersecurity Pre-Apprenticeship Program is currently limited to neurodivergent Illinois residents only.
You can only apply to one program at a time during the enrollment process. However, you are able to share with the Academy team other programs you may be interested in.
Participants are encouraged to have their own computer or laptop to take part in Aspiritech Academy. However, we will do our best to ensure everyone can participate.
Please note in your application if not having a laptop or WiFi is a barrier to your participation.
Yes, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate.
No, but you must have a GED or high school diploma to apply.
Still Considering Your Options?
Not sure yet if Aspiritech Academy is the right fit for your career goals?
Send us an email or fill out our contact form. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you might have and talk through your options.
We’re Ready to Help!
Graduate Testimonial
"I liked learning about the field of quality assurance work. I didn't know about all this beforehand, so I'm glad I took it. I learned I have good attention to detail that would be a valuable asset at QA work. It was so good I almost would want to share them with my friends!"
—Aspiritech Academy graduate
Why Choose the Aspiritech Team ?
- 15+ years in software testing
- ISTQB-certified testing professionals
- Third-party assessed and proven security of entrusted customer information
- A full-time team of 100+ testing engineers
- Industry-specific expertise across multiple domains by QA testers who are deeply passionate about user experience