History of the AIM Program

For decades, Mercyhurst has recognized the diverse educational needs of its student population, developing programs to support those with learning differences. Since its creation in the late 1980s, Mercyhurst’s Learning Differences program has ensured that Mercyhurst is a welcoming, uplifting academic environment for all students. In 2008, to better meet the needs of students on the autism spectrum, the AIM program was established as a component of the Learning Differences program. AIM stands for Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst, and this program was created with the recognition that students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders require individualized academic and social support so they can thrive in a college setting.

The AIM program had a humble start, accepting just four students in its first two years. But it grew rapidly, thanks in part to a federal grant of $100,000. At this time, Mercyhurst also began to offer a program held in the summer to help prepare high school students with autism for college life; this program is still held annually and is now called the CREATE program. Since its inception in 2008, the AIM program has grown in size and renown. Students benefit from opportunities like social gatherings, group outings, and career training. Furthermore, the program provides comprehensive academic and social support in the form of individualized learning assessments, skill development plans, access to advanced academic counseling, and the option of specialized housing. Today, the program is now housed within Student Life rather than the Learning Differences program.

The exponential growth of the AIM program since its creation fourteen years ago is a testament to its quality and its graduates’ success. Currently, approximately seventy students are enrolled in the AIM program to pursue bachelor’s degrees. Both the AIM and CREATE programs have received national recognition, and Mercyhurst University has been ranked as one of the top schools for students with learning differences. Just last year, Mercyhurst announced a partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers to establish a Cyber-Autism Pilot program that will prepare students on the autism spectrum for careers in cybersecurity. This milestone is proof that Mercyhurst is fully committed to the success of all its students. Accordingly, the AIM program looks forward to continued success as it helps students to learn, grow, and thrive at Mercyhurst.