The Hg Foundation, a grant-giving charity focused on improving tech education and skills, is pleased to launch a new $1.1 million partnership with Specialisterne to support unemployed neurodivergent adults to train for and secure jobs in Tech by expanding Specialisterne’s successful Academy programme into the US market.

In the US, 80% of autistic adults are either unemployed or underemployed and 100,000 youth on the autism spectrum turn 18 each year. Among this population, 30% live in a household with income below the federal poverty level and 25% receive no support services after high school. Specialisterne is an international non-profit looking to change this landscape by supporting neurodivergent individuals to find meaningful employment. Founded in 2004, it now operates in 26 countries and has supported over 10,000 individuals into full-time, skill-aligned employment.

With The Hg Foundation’s grant of $1.1 million over the next 3 years, Specialisterne will be launching its Academy model in the USA for the first time. The Hg Foundation is fully seed-funding the set up and launch of the Academy in the US as well as support from an independent evaluator to share feedback on pilot delivery and outcomes.

Specialisterne Academies currently run in Denmark, Spain, Brazil and Italy, which have had a strong impact on getting neurodivergent adults into employment: 75% of graduates secure employment within 3 months. The US Academy will offer 8-week full-time courses which provide technical training for in-demand job pathways as well as occupational skills and recruitment process support. Importantly, Specialisterne also provides training to employers to make workplaces more neuroinclusive.

Between now and 2027, The Hg Foundation’s grant will enable the Academy to train 140 learners, and the key marker of success will be the number of individuals securing employment and an uplift in their income after the programme.

Francesc Sistach, CEO of Specialisterne Global and Specialisterne USA, said:

“We are deeply grateful to The Hg Foundation for enabling Specialisterne to bring our Academy program to the U.S.  Over 20 years of operations around the globe, Specialisterne has developed innovative models for neurodiversity employment, which we evaluate and adapt to each unique market.  We are eager to partner with The Hg Foundation as we launch our Academy to serve unemployed and underemployed neurodivergent Americans.”

Robert Citrino, Trustee of The Hg Foundation and an Investor at Hg in New York, said: "Specialisterne has an incredible track record of supplying neurodivergent adults with the training they need to obtain jobs that match their potential. The Hg Foundation is excited to help support their expansion into the US, so they may provide more of our community the tools required to achieve more fulfilling careers across the STEM ecosystem."

About The Hg Foundation:

The Hg Foundation’s vision is that the tech workforce of the future harnesses the talents of all, regardless of background.  It does this by supporting education and employment-based programmes across the UK, USA and Europe where it can demonstrate measurable, long-term and scalable impact and make a difference to those that need it most.  To date it has committed $29m to programmes that will reach over 50,000 young people and adults from under-represented backgrounds. The Foundation’s work is solely funded by Hg – a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses. The Hg Foundation is registered Charity no. 1189216.

Find out more at https://www.thehgfoundation.com/

About Specialisterne:

Specialisterne is an international leader transforming the employment landscape to increase meaningful opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. Founded in 2004, its global reach includes operations in 26 countries, where we continuously adapt, evaluate and customise our services.  Specialisterne has assisted more than 500 public and private sector employers to develop and benefit from a more inclusive workforce.  We have helped over 10,000 individuals enhance their capabilities, achieve and advance into full-time, skill-aligned employment.

Find out more at https://us.specialisterne.com