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Center for Access autism camp empowers students to succeed in college

By Chris Caldwell 

UofM Assistant Professor of Teaching Dr. LaSheba Hilliard engages with students during Southwest’s Access to Pathways Autism Camp June 2, 2022.
UofM Assistant Professor of Teaching Dr. LaSheba
Hilliard engages with students during Southwest’s
Access to Pathways Autism Camp June 2, 2022.

Southwest’s Center for Access  Access to Pathway’s Autism Camp offers an empowering student experience for high school seniors on the Autism Spectrum Disorder who are interested in attending Southwest. The camp was established in 2021, thanks to a $50,000 Student Engagement Retention and Success grant awarded by the Tennessee Board of Regents. Now in its second year, seven students signed up to participate in the 2022 summer camp geared toward preparing and equipping students with the tools and resources they need to navigate college in fall. 

“I’m proud of the success of the camp and excited about the future of APAC in producing productive citizens with autism,” said Center for Access Director Courtney Gipson. “Southwest is an inclusive institution that continually works to remove barriers for students with disabilities.”

The three-day camp, held June 2-4 at the Macon Cove Campus, provided the students with social skills development and an introduction to careers and college life.     

Center for Access Director Courtney Gipson assists a student during an APAC workshop.
Center for Access Director Courtney Gipson assists
a student during an APAC workshop.

“This camp is a valuable community resource for individuals with ASD to improve their awareness about college,” Gipson said. “As with all our students, we are here to help guide them to be successful in their academic pursuits and to make the most of their post-secondary education.” 

The camp included a tour of the Macon Cove Campus, team building activities at BRIDGES, sessions with enrollment and advising staff and a college instructor, a presentation by the Memphis Office of Youth Services and an interview skills workshop.

“I’m excited to see our program growing and thrilled to meet these students who are eager to come to Southwest,” said Center for Access Coordinator Amanda Prewitt. “Students with disabilities are often forgotten but programs such as APAC show that we value this population and believe in their potential for success.”

For more information about the Center for Access, email ca@southwest.tn.edu.