The HDS College Mentors Program strives to identify the peripheral needs of students living with Autism Spectrum Disorder or related disabilities, who are seeking a College Degree and are living at a University or College Campus. Although the Program does not focus on academic course requirements mandated by the schools, it does focus on the guidance and supports needed by the students to achieve success in each of their academic fields. The program helps students meet these needs by addressing the social and emotional challenges that interfere with academic learning and creating viable daily activities that mitigate those circumstances and help these individuals build strong interpersonal skills. It further explores the contributions these students can make to become the catalyst of change needed in our society to adapt to differences in learning styles, career structures, and social relationships.
Peer collaboration is one of the most valuable tools available to ease the learning process and navigate social demands. The opportunities for growth via conduits that team up students with ASD with typical students who are of the same age group (who share similar experiences and challenges), and who have different skill sets and ideas is hugely beneficial to this population. All involved benefit significantly from these experiences and grow exponentially in their problem-solving abilities.
The College Mentors Program is both facilitated by the Foundation or can be structured in the form of a grant if the organization has a formal program in place.
As Albert Einstein said, “Today’s problems cannot be solved at the same level of thinking that created them” and “in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
City of Stars: Celebrating a Night to Remember at Prom
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an unforgettable time celebrating Prom with this year’s 'City of Stars' theme Students enjoyed a magical evening filled with great food, dancing, and socializing with friends. It was a night full of joy, connection, and lasting memories...
A Perfect End-of-Year Celebration
After a fantastic year of hard work and achievement, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students celebrated with a fun-filled trip to Bird Bowl! Students enjoyed bowling, sharing pizza, and challenging one another in arcade games. The day was full of laughter, excitement, and...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Celebrate Growth & Friendship
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had their End of Year party at Japan Inn to celebrate a wonderful year of learning and friendship. Students had the opportunity to choose an item from the lunch menu practicing skills such as decision making, ordering themselves, and...
Cheers to an Incredible Year: B.R.I.D.G.E.S. End-of-Year Celebration
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class celebrated a memorable End-of-Year luncheon at Chili's Bar & Grill, filled with great food, laughter, and time to reflect on an incredible year of growth, friendship, and achievement. A special highlight was a surprise slideshow featuring...
Discovering Pathways: Students Explore Career Opportunities at Arc Broward
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a wonderful opportunity to visit Arc Broward and explore their incredible Arc Educates post‑graduate programs! Students had the opportunity to take part in an inspiring and informative tour of the facility. During their visit, they...
Surfing with Souza
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students “rolled” into an exciting and interactive Q&A experience with their principal, Mr. Souza. To prepare, students created thoughtful questions across different categories—like “get to know you,” school life, leadership, and advice for...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors Take on Grad Bash!
Our Miami -Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors had an amazing time attending Grad Bash! Thanks to the support of the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant, students were given the opportunity to participate in this unforgettable experience alongside their peers. It was a night full of...
Special Delivery: A Heartfelt Learning Experience
Last week, our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a meaningful hands-on learning experience! They learned all about what it takes to send a letter—including how to write a mailing address, return address, and add a stamp. Students addressed their own envelopes and wrote...
Celebrating the Heart of Our Programs: Honoring Our Dedicated Educators
We are excited to spotlight our amazing teachers and education support professionals in our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and University of North Florida THRIVE Programs. Each day, they bring dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to empowering students to grow, succeed, and...
Scoops, Smiles, and Success
After a year of hard work at Jeremiah's Ice in Weston and helping the shop open this school year, the owners surprised the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students with an ice cream party to say, "thank you"! Before the visit, students explored the menu, calculated their totals, and...
Behind the Badge: A Day at BSO Weston
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had an unforgettable visit to the Broward Sheriff's Office in Weston! Students enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of the facility, including an up-close look at the jail cells. Students had the opportunity to meet and speak with several police...
Celebrating Earth Day Through Mindfulness, Movement, and Nature
To celebrate Earth Day, students enjoyed a meaningful and engaging outing to a local park, where they participated in a mindfulness-based yoga session led by a local yoga instructor and occupational therapist, The Mindful OT and Mindful Holistic Wellness. During the...
Bowling for a Cause—Thank You for Making It Special!
We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who took part in our Bowling for a Cause event! The day was filled with fun, laughter, inclusion, and great memories shared across the lanes. Seeing our HDS community come together-students, families, teachers, staff, friends, and...
Exploring Nature: A Hands-On Learning Experience
Our Miami-Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed an enriching field trip to Markham Park in Broward County, where they visited the Weston Community Garden. The students were warmly welcomed by the Community Garden Board Members Gina Reichenbach and Vianey Covarrubias,...
A Day at Flamingo Gardens!
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fantastic day exploring Flamingo Gardens! They learned interesting facts about wildlife and nature, visited animal habitats, walked through beautiful gardens, and enjoyed a tram ride around the park. Students made great classroom...
Broward Sheriff’s Office Autism Family Day
This exciting community event brought together families, educators, and local organizations for a day dedicated to connection, support, and celebration of individuals with Autism. The HDS Foundation, alongside several other nonprofit organizations, hosted resource...
Painting, Creativity, and Inspiration
Special thanks to Patricia Beltran, a talented local artist and proud parent of one of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students, who generously volunteered her time to lead a painting class for our students! Students gathered their supplies—paint, brushes, canvases, and aprons—and...
Mindfulness in Motion!
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students enjoyed a peaceful afternoon at Weston Regional Park, participating in a guided yoga and mindfulness session surrounded by the trees. Through stretching, focused breathing, and grounding techniques, students practiced being present,...
Movie Day Fun & Real-World Skills in Action!
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a fantastic Friday outing at AMC Theater! Before the movie, students explored the menu, chose their own snacks, and practiced budgeting with a $20 limit—calculating totals to make sure they stayed on track. At the theater, they...
Best Buddies South Florida Walk
Our Miami‑Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students proudly participated in the Best Buddies Walk at Loan Depot Park! Walking alongside peers, families, and volunteers, they celebrated inclusion, friendship, and belonging while giving back to the community. We are so proud of...
Dan Marino Foundation Autism Acceptance Family Sunday
Yesterday, we had the pleasure of participating in the Dan Marino Foundation Autism Acceptance Family Sunday—a truly meaningful day dedicated to connection, inclusion, and support for our Autism community. The HDS Foundation, alongside many other nonprofits and...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students go to Jersey Mike’s!
This week, our students put real world skills into action with a lunchtime trip to Jersey Mikes! Before heading out, students planned their meals within a given budget, practiced decision making, and reviewed expectations for dining in the community. They enjoyed...
Autism Acceptance Month Celebration at Miami‑Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S.
This week, the Miami‑Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teachers hosted a morning filled with inclusion, learning, and fun as the entire student body came together to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month. The event highlighted the strength of community and the importance of acceptance...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Building Connections in the Community!
Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an incredible experience at the David Posnak Jewish Community Center, where they learned about the GAP Program and spent time at Square Bowl—both designed to promote independence, inclusion, and real‑world skill building. The GAP...
2nd Annual Parent Night: Connect, Learn & Support
HDS Foundation hosted a successful 2nd Annual Parent Night at Outback, featuring guest speaker Nathalie Stanish, Manager at UM/NSU CARD- Center for Autism and Related Disorders. Parents from our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. classes received important information on post‑secondary...