Next Step at Endeavor Academy Press Release
This notice is maintained for historical reference. For the latest information, updates, and program details for NextStep at Endeavor Academy, please visit the official website at https://nextstepatendeavor.org/.
Media Contact:
Michelle McGinty, DRA Collective
Tel: (310) 704-7834
[email protected]
Jackson County and Endeavor Forward, Inc.
Launches Plans for NextStep at Endeavor Academy
New Autism Transition Program Seeks Employment Partners, Talent to Staff Program
Marianna, Florida (August 3, 2021) — NextStep at Endeavor Academy is being launched by Jackson County along with Endeavor Forward, Inc., a Florida-based not-for-profit which supports the development and operations of the autism transition, vocational and residential program. NextStep at Endeavor Academy is part of the 1200-acre Endeavor Park mixed-use development and site of the former Dozier School for Boys in Marianna.
The property is being transformed into a commerce and employment center, residential hub and conference and learning center. It will also serve as home to a museum of Jackson County history and convention center.
Former high school/vocation school will be remodeled to serve as Endeavor Academy.
Plans for the new autism transition program classroom space and vocational training center have been completed and competitive bids for the renovation are being sought. The autism program will benefit from being an integral part of the entire development.
“Finalizing plans and removing the fence that once enveloped the site, mark important new history for the former Dozier School, first established in the 1900s as the Industrial School for Boys. We’re proud to be ushering in a new era that includes opportunities for all,” said David H. Melvin, president of Melvin Engineering.
Bids are being secured for the building renovation and jobs are being posted by Jackson County for key leadership and staff positions at NextStep at Endeavor Academy.
“As we draw closer to this dream becoming a reality, we are hopeful for what the program and property will mean to those with autism, their families and our county,” said Jim Peacock, Jackson County Commissioner.
The need for autism training is significant. The incidence of autism today is 1 in 54 compared with 1 in 2,500 20 years ago. Approximately 60,000 kids in the United States transition to adulthood each year.
The program will prepare individuals with autism for transition beyond secondary school by providing training in vocational and independent living skills. Skills taught will also include financial, safety, nutrition, community, health, etiquette, relationships, transportation and problem solving.
Current project collaborators include Jackson County, City of Marianna, Chipola College, CareerSource Chipola and First Place AZ. Employment partners include: Catalyst Fabric Solutions, City of Marianna, Family Dollar Corporation, Jackson County and Lowe’s.
In June of 2020, Jackson County received a $5.8 million Florida Job Growth Infrastructure Grant to revitalize the site into an employment center. Jackson County is allocating $750,000 for the NextStep at Endeavor Academy.
Jackson County hired First Place AZ, a supportive housing property and consultant for adults with autism, Down Syndrome and other neurodiversities to provide guidance in launching the program. First Place AZ conducted discovery sessions in the fall of 2020 with Jackson County-area autism, economic development, transportation, business, education, faith, government and health leaders to plan the program.
NextStep at Endeavor Academy will teach adults with autism independent living and career-readiness skills in a classroom setting and through community experiences.
“We are on our way to fulfilling our big vision and building a supportive autism-friendly community in Jackson County,” said Clint Pate, Jackson County Commissioner.
Plans for launching the new NextStep at Endeavor Academy are projected for the first half of 2022. Future phases include residential living opportunities and community-wide engagement.
Learn more here about Jackson County autism program job postings. Interested program applicants, families and employers should email [email protected] or (850) 482-9633.
About NextStep at Endeavor Academy
NextStep at Endeavor Academy is being launched by Jackson County along with Endeavor Forward, Inc., a Florida-based not-for-profit which supports the development and operations of an autism transition, vocational and residential program as part of an inclusive community where the benefits of educating and employing individuals with autism are broadly understood, supported and valued. NextStep at Endeavor Academy will prepare individuals with autism for transition beyond secondary school by providing training in vocational and independent living skills. Plans for launching NextStep at Endeavor Academy are projected for the first half of 2022. Future phases include residential living opportunities and community-wide engagement. Visit https://jacksoncountyfl.gov/autism-training/