Marino Campus

Marino Campus

In 2007, the Foundation turned its focus to transition and employment for teens with autism and other developmental disabilities. As the Foundation delved into providing these services and programs, the gravity of the problem was exposed. Over the past ten years the unemployment rate for individuals with developmental disabilities has remained at 87% (Dept. of Labor). While the Foundation successfully helped bridge teens and young adults from school to employment with summer internships and after school programming, it became evident that many needed more academic and career preparation in order to be successful in the workforce. In 2013, Marino Campus, a national industry certification program for teens and young adults with autism and other disabilities in downtown Fort Lauderdale, was launched. Class instruction combined with real-world work experiences prepare students to obtain industry-leading certifications in Hospitality and Computer Technology. To greater serve the South Florida area, a second Campus was opened in 2016 at Florida International University.