GameStop and Autism Speaks launch NXT Gen Coders program
GameStop raising funds to increase employment opportunities within autism community through its third annual in-store autism awareness campaign
April 27, 2018
It is estimated that by 2020, there will be more than one million open jobs in the computer coding industry. Computer programming and coding are logical, predictable and visual – three attributes that make them appealing to many individuals with autism. And yet, the vast majority of adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed.
The new NXT Gen Coders Program powered by GameStop, and administered by Autism Speaks, is committed to increasing employment opportunities for the autism community in the fields of computer coding and programming.
During GameStop’s 2018 campaign, a portion of funds raised will help fund the NXT Gen Coders Program, and enable Autism Speaks to provide grants to organizations offering coding education and training services. Autism Speaks will invite organizations across the country to submit proposals via an engaging and in-depth process that results in awarding a select group of program recipients. Autism Speaks will work closely with recipient organizations to identify program participants who demonstrate clear financial need.
