AT&T awarded Lone Star College Foundation a $40,000 community investment to purchase 50 new laptops and backpacks for students in Lone Star College-Tomball's lifePATH® program, which offers neurodivergent students an opportunity to develop independence, explore careers and earn their associate degree.

"There's a huge financial strain on many families with special needs young adults because they face extra expenses that may include transportation and additional medical or therapy appointments," said Anne Ginnett, Ph.D., who has served as the LSC-Tomball lifePATH® director since the program's inception. "AT&T's community investment allowed us to address a specific need of the students based on what we see in the classroom."

Owning their own computers makes it easier for students to complete homework and research outside the classroom. In addition to soft skills such as professionalism, communication and critical thinking, the lifePATH® program emphasizes technology, including a business computer applications course, to further prepare students for the workforce.

Students are also using AT&T Connected Learning's free online training resources to sharpen their digital skills.

"We’re committed to helping ensure that every community is able to thrive in the digital age," said Charles Stein, AT&T director, External Affairs. "AT&T is proud to collaborate with programs like lifePATH® to help connect more students with these essential resources."

"LSC Foundation is grateful for community partners like AT&T Foundation, who help make the Lone Star College System's life-changing work possible," said Nicole Robinson Gauthier, CFRE, LSCS associate vice chancellor, Foundation Advancement.

Less than 25% of people on the autism spectrum are employed. The lifePATH® program is designed to create opportunities for neurodivergent students to have fulfilling, successful careers that lead to financial independence.

LSC-Tomball launched the program over a decade ago. In 2019, state Rep. Tom Oliverson passed House Bill 3165, allowing Lone Star College System to establish an occupational and life skills associate degree (OLSA)—the only degree of its kind in Texas.

"This is a hope factory. We manufacture hope not just for these students, but for their families and everybody that comes into contact with them," Oliverson said. "We're not training kids for grocery sacking jobs. We’re talking about real marketable skills that can't be taken away, no matter what."

Students are placed in internships at over 50 community businesses based on their interests and skill sets. One student, for example, was interested in the outdoors and interned with the city of Tomball's parks and recreation department. From there, he went on to work in land surveying and in forestry for Texas state parks.

Lee Ann Nutt, Ed.D., LSC-Tomball president, whose 19-year-old daughter has special needs, is particularly proud of the program and the peace of mind it can bring parents.

"As a mom of a daughter with special needs, I know that the question that goes through any parent's mind is, 'What's going to happen to her when I’m gone?'" Nutt said. "Through the lifePATH® program, we are able to answer that question for a few parents."

Mario Barker and Carly Schuhsler both attempted a traditional college experience before joining the lifePATH® program, but they found that this environment didn’t always meet their needs.

"Before lifePATH®, I had a lot of anxiety problems. I was in a class with 50 or 60 people, so I was always on edge, and it was overwhelming for me," Barker said. "The program has helped me have a better understanding of relationships through communication."

Schuhsler struggled in school growing up but is thriving today in the lifePATH® program, participating in five different honors societies and the school’s Special Olympics club.

"My experience here has been amazing. I've had friends, I've had relationships, and I've been able to do well in school," she said. "Getting good grades is important to me, and the computer I was using for classes kept glitching. I was stressing out like crazy because I couldn't turn in my assignments, so this is a huge relief."