Spectrum Support Endowed Fund
Join fellow SSP Families in making a lasting impact and support the future of the Spectrum Support Programs
The RIT Spectrum Support Program (SSP)is a nationally recognized program and its mission is to positively impact the college experience for RIT students, particularly those with autism spectrum disorders. The SSP team works tirelessly to help students build the connections to RIT that will assist them in achieving academic, social, and career success through one-on-one coaching, cross-campus collaborations a customized trips and events. In 2018, SSP Developed the Neurodiverse Hiring Initiative (NHI) to help strengthen the graduation and employment outcomes of neurodiverse students by connecting them with employers who are actively seeking diverse talent. Both the model for SSP and NHI are unique to RIT and have had a tremendous success rates.
Spectrum Support Endowed Fund
The Spectrum Support Endowed Fund was established in spring 2020 by the grateful parents of an SSP student and has continued to grow over the years thanks to the generosity of several other families. The purpose of this fund is to provide resources for neurodivergent students in need of developing the essential skills for college integration, retention, graduation, and future employment. The fund primarily supports the staffing and programmatic priorities within the Neurodiverse Hiring Initiative and secondarily the broader Spectrum Support Program. Essentially, this endowment ensures the program continues in perpetuity and more importantly, continues to assist future generations of students (both undergraduate and graduate) with career readiness skills and employment opportunities.
To kick off a new effort to grow the Spectrum Support Program’s Endowed Fund and its ongoing success and impact, Griff and Cynthia Welton, current SSP parents, have generously pledged $100,000 and hope their commitment inspires others to consider gifts to support the wonderful work of NHI and SSP.
If you are interested in making a gift/pledge to the SSP Endowed Fund OR would like to offer a match or challenge to others, please contact:
