WHAT WE DO

The Exceptional Academy is a joint effort between the Living and Learning Enrichment Center (a Northville nonprofit that helps teens and adults with autism and/or developmental disabilities), Cisco Networking Academy, Mitch Albom's SAY Detroit Play Center, along with consulting support from Patrick Romzek (retired Cisco executive and Program Designer).

The Exceptional Academy offers IT certification training (CCNA-Cisco Certified Network Associate) with a focus in cybersecurity to metro Detroit area adults with disabilities. It is THE most advanced work skill training program designed specifically for adults with disabilities in Michigan and all surrounding states. The program consists of about 40 weeks of classroom training starting every fall. After successfully attaining certification, we provide assistance with finding internships and jobs primarily at partnering organizations where available. 

Another goal of the Exceptional Academy is to raise awareness and educate area companies on the many advantages of working with adults with disabilities.

We are changing the lives of adults with disabilities by helping them go from janitors at fast-food restaurants making at or near minimum wage to Cybersecurity Consultants at national firms with a potential to eventually earn 6 figures (http://mymediaflip.com/publication/?m=32390&i=762613&p=18&ver=html5).

INTERESTING INFO

• EA was the first academy of its kind in the State of Michigan and only the 2nd of its kind in the entire country.
• 90% of adults with autism are unemployed (Autism Alliance)
• Companies that embrace neurodiversity can gain competitive advantage in many areas — productivity, innovation, culture and talent retention. (Ernst & Young)

   CLASS OF '22 STATS

• Students came from Oakland, Wayne, Livingston and Cheboygan Counties
• 12 students completed the class successfully (our most ever).
• 8 students earned their certifications (also our most ever).
• 2 students are currently in paid internships at EA partner Comerica Bank (one on the Network Security Operations team, the other on their Cyber Fraud Operations team).
• 1 student received an internship at EA partner Plante Moran who just let him know that they will be extending and offer for permanent full-time work. 
• 2 students have been hired full-time by EA partner Ford Motor Company as Network Analysts on their Global Extranet team.
• 3 students have gotten IT jobs at other companies (Barracuda Network, Prime Healthcare, and Xtended Voice Services). These opportunities were found by these students on their own.
• 1 student had a change of heart as far as direction and is happy successfully working as a full-time Job Coach here at Living and Learning working with people who need more support and he is loving it. 
• 1 student who did not complete the class got a full-time job through LLEC at a social media consulting company downtown.