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.”
Real-World Learning, Real-Life Skills
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students kicked off the school year with an exciting Community-Based Instruction trip to Super Target and Pollo Tropical. At Super Target, students used their classroom supply lists to identify needed items, locate them throughout the store, and...
A Special Thank You
Thank you to all the parents, teachers, friends, and family members who came out to support our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program during the recent Thermomix presentation. The Thermomix is an all-in-one smart kitchen appliance that combines guided cooking with easy-to-use...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. 5th Annual Alumni Reunion
What an incredible afternoon of reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating friendships! The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumni from the graduating classes of 2013 through 2026 came together for our 5th Annual Reunion at Strikers. Alumni enjoyed an afternoon filled with laughter,...
Kicking Off the 2026-2027 School Year with B.R.I.D.G.E.S.
The HDS Foundation is excited to begin another incredible year of opportunities through our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant Program! We recently had the pleasure of visiting our Miami-Dade and Broward County schools during our Meet & Greet events and connecting with the...
Mentorship That Makes a Difference
This semester, the HDS Foundation is proud to continue its partnership with University of North Florida THRIVE Program, connecting students with dedicated mentors who are committed to supporting their success both in and out of the classroom. After completing...
A First Account, A Big Step Toward Independence
Our newest B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students recently visited Bank of America, with their parents to open their first bank accounts, and it was a proud moment for everyone involved! This is just the beginning. Students will soon return to the bank with their classmates to make...
Opening Doors to New Opportunities
We are incredibly proud of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. alumni who graduated this year! Their hard work, determination, and growth have led them to exciting opportunities as they complete internships with the City of Hialeah Project Search and Boeing. Congratulations on this...
Support Autism Programs Across Florida!
Join the HDS Foundation Board Members in supporting individuals with Autism by purchasing an Autism Specialty License Plate. Every plate helps fund programs and opportunities that make a difference in the lives of teens, young adults, and families throughout Florida....
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Alumni Spotlight: Zachariah
We are proud to recognize Zachariah, a 2025 graduate of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program in Miami-Dade County! Through hard work, dedication, and valuable workplace experience gained through Project Search at Boeing, Zachariah successfully completed a paid internship and...
Student Spotlight: Camilo Shares His Experience
Meet Camilo, one of our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students! Camilo shares how the program has helped him build confidence, develop important life skills, and prepare for greater independence. Stories like his remind us of the power of creating opportunities for individuals with...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Alumni Spotlight: Katelyn Reaches New Heights
We are proud to spotlight Katelyn, a 2024 graduate of the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program, who continues to pursue her goals and explore new opportunities! Katelyn is currently attending Nova Southeastern University, where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business,...
HDS Alumni Spotlight: Nicolas’ Journey of Growth and Achievement
Since graduating in 2024, Nicolas has been making impressive strides at Broward College, where he is pursuing an Associate of Science degree in Network Systems Technology and Network Security/Cybersecurity while building a promising future in the technology field. He...
Making a Difference Together: Med Pro Healthcare Staffing Supports HDS Foundation
A heartfelt thank you to Gaby Schwein-Johnson and the incredible team at Med Pro Health Care Staffing! Gaby, a former B.R.I.D.G.E.S. teacher, introduced the HDS Foundation's mission to her new workplace, and we are so grateful for her advocacy and support. We are...
Building Skills, Confidence, and Independence
Molly, an upcoming senior in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Program, shared how the program has helped her grow in confidence, independence, and everyday life skills. Through real-world experiences and support in the classroom, she has gained the tools she needs to prepare for...
Proud to Support Camp Wings of Friendship
The Friendship Journey-Camp Wings of Friendship is in full swing, and we loved every smile as campers received their camp boxes and showed off their swag! These moments capture the joy, excitement, and sense of belonging that make this camp so special. The HDS...
Celebrating 28 Years of Service, Innovation, and Impact
This year, HDS Companies celebrates 28 years of serving the affordable housing and community development industry. It is a milestone that reflects not just time, but the relationships, trust, and shared purpose that have shaped our journey. Since 1998, HDS Companies...
Paris Bound: Molly Earns Her Spot on the Special Olympics USA Team
Molly has qualified for the Special Olympics USA Team and will be traveling to Paris this summer! Since age 4, soccer has been a big part of Molly’s life. In 2025, she began playing with Special Olympics and found more than just a sport, she found her happy place....
A Year to Remember: Celebrating Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had a wonderful graduation party to celebrate everyone's accomplishments throughout this past year. Students participated in graduation themed activities including puzzles and word searches and had the opportunity to make end of year...
Graduation Day: Celebrating the Journey and the Success of Our Students
We are so proud to celebrate the graduates from our Miami-Dade and Broward County B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs! Their dedication, perseverance, and hard work have brought them to this incredible milestone. As they take the next steps in their postsecondary journeys, we...
Why This Work Matters: Celebrating the Growth and Success of Our Students
Some people are fortunate to find a career they are truly passionate about. From my beginnings as a public-school teacher to my role as Program Manager of the HDS Foundation, I have had the privilege of working with the most incredible and inspiring students with...
Turning Challenges into Purpose: Carter Bonas Inspires B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
We were honored to welcome Carter Bonas to the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class! At just 15, Carter is already inspiring others through his journey of resilience, turning challenges into purpose through golf, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. ⛳ As the founder of Carter’s...
Congratulations B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students!
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...