Mercyhurst extends AIM’s mission through innovative IGNITE program

Continuing its outreach to neurodivergent high school students, the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) announces the launch of IGNITE, a summer college preparedness camp for rising sophomores and juniors on the spectrum.

The new program extends the higher education experience to a younger segment of the high school population, capitalizing on AIM’s 15-year success with CREATE, a summer program for high school seniors and recent graduates considering college.

During CREATE’s three-week camp, participants live and dine on campus, take courses and workshops, and experience vocational opportunities with Erie businesses. The program has been instrumental in helping students decide whether they are ready for college and, if so, gives them the tools to enroll with a sense of preparedness.

INGITE will do much of the same, but on a smaller scale during the week of June 22-28. Students will learn aspects of college life, experience living in a residence hall, eat in the university dining hall, and build key social skills that are instrumental in the post-secondary transition, explained program organizer Ryan Palm, executive director of the Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity, which houses AIM.

"Mercyhurst has long been committed to supporting neurodivergent students, and IGNITE allows us to extend that mission to an even younger audience," Palm said. "By building on the success of CREATE, we’re helping these students develop the confidence and skills they need to explore their potential and take the first steps toward a college education."

Thanks to a generous contribution from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, Palm said AIM will offer the camp at no cost to the first 20 participants. You may access the application here, and any questions can be emailed to aim@mercyhurst.edu.

In a related development, another new AIM initiative—a dual enrollment program for high school students on the autism spectrum—launched spring semester with 12 students. Pairing two of Mercyhurst’s most popular and productive programs—the Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) and Bachelor of Science degree in Cyber Security—the new effort enables eligible high school students in western Pennsylvania to enroll in the university’s online “Introduction to Cyber Security” course taught by Dr. Chris Mansour, chair of the Department of Computing & Information Science and co-founder of Mercyhurst’s Cyber Security program.

Alongside rigorous academics, AIM staff provide virtual support and enrichment activities to create a holistic learning experience. The pilot program is supported through a partnership with the Pennsylvania Cybersecurity Center.

FILE PHOTO: High school students from the 2024 CREATE camp catch a glimpse of Presque Isle State Park.