Every great climb begins with a first step upward and forward.
The First Ascent Program is designed to help older teens and young adults on the neurodiverse spectrum chart their own route—discovering and naming their unique strengths, abilities, and interests as they prepare for the climb toward a meaningful work or life pathway.
Just as no climber tackles a mountain alone, you’ll move through this program with a parent or trusted mentor as your belay partner—someone who keeps you anchored, steady, and supported while you explore new ground. Alongside them, you’ll also be part of a welcoming base camp community of other young adult climbers. Together, you’ll share encouragement, swap tips, and prepare for each next step of the journey.
Your path will take you through three key stages:
- Align – Choosing Your Route: Just like climbers study maps and terrain before they set off, you’ll explore your strengths, interests, and preferences. This stage helps you see where you naturally thrive so you can pick the right routes to pursue.
- Prepare – Packing Your Gear: No climber heads up a mountain without the right equipment. In this stage, your “gear” is the set of tools, strategies, and resources you’ll practice using—skills that will help you stay organized, advocate for yourself, and move forward with confidence.
- Ascent – Making Your Push to the Summit: When climbers are ready, they leave base camp and commit to the climb. In this stage, you’ll take on your own summit—whether that’s starting a degree program, landing your first job, or stepping onto another pathway that feels right for you. This is where planning turns into action.
By the time you finish the Align Stage, you’ll have a personalized route plan: clear goals, the right environment for success, and the confidence to keep climbing. You may even discover new summits you hadn’t imagined before.
We can’t wait to see the heights you’ll reach.