IDEAS in Mind
Internships Designed with Engineering Autistic Students in Mind
About
Internships Designed with Engineering Autistic Students (IDEAS) in Mind is a collaboration between the University of Arizona Sonoran Center for Excellence in Disabilities, College of Engineering ENGAGED, and local firms with the objective of recruiting engineering students on the Autism spectrum for summer internships.
Students and employers participating in the IDEAS in Mind program will receive support from the Sonoran Center. Students will receive vocational support services that leverages the tools and supports the Sonoran offers through Pre-Employment Transition Services. Employers will receive training and technical assistance on inclusive leadership and hiring practices. All participants will receive individualized coaching and check-ins for a successful internship experience.
We worked with Raytheon Technologies and Texas Instruments in our pilot program to establish inclusive summer internships for students with a focus in mechanical, systems, computer, and electrical engineering. We are currently seeking engineering firms and employers to join IDEAS.
Students
Students who participate in IDEAS will be set up for success through pre-interview coaching, internship preparation, mentoring, and ongoing staff support. Students take a Career Development course together to learn about professional competencies while previewing prospective employers in industry. Learning from engineers in the industry and practicing professional skillsets will make for a smoother transition into internships.
Participants will engage in program activities then complete surveys and interviews discussing their experiences. Benefits include assistance in obtaining an internship in engineering and a $50 gift card for completing surveys and sharing your experience with our research team. 
Eligibility:
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Must be an undergraduate student at the U of A
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Seeking an internship in engineering field
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Identify as autistic or neurodivergent
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Authorized to work in the U.S.
Students interested in IDEAS in Mind should apply using this application.
Employers
Diverse problems require diverse people. Contact us to learn how your organization can expand and retain a diverse talent pool and meet growing workforce demands while supporting ambitious engineering students on their paths to a future career.
INITIAL CONSULTATION PREPARATION
Contact
Funding for this project is made possible in part by the National Science Foundation.