LifeWorks and KCTCS Launch the LifeWorks Bridge Academy to Support Neurodiverse Students Across Kentucky

Published on Sep 9, 2025

LifeWorks for Autism, in partnership with the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS), has officially launched the LifeWorks Bridge Academy, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to provide specialized support for autistic and neurodiverse students as they transition into higher education and adulthood. The program is now available at Big Sandy Community & Technical College, Elizabethtown Community & Technical College, Hazard Community & Technical College, Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College, Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College, and Jefferson Community & Technical College.

The LifeWorks Bridge Academy combines KCTCS’s emphasis on academic and career development with LifeWorks’ expertise in personalized supports and daily living skills. Students enrolled in the program receive individualized success plans, structured study hall sessions, regular progress meetings, one-on-one coaching, enrichment opportunities, and access to campus and community resources. The program also provides training in areas such as financial literacy, career readiness, social interaction, health and wellness, and independent living skills. Family education is offered as part of the program to ensure parents remain engaged and informed throughout the process.

Autism diagnoses continue to rise across the United States, and families often struggle to find resources that meet their children’s unique needs. The LifeWorks Bridge Academy directly addresses this challenge by creating a bridge between high school and the independence of adulthood. Many students qualify to participate at no cost through funding available from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), making the program accessible to families across Kentucky.

“This program is about more than helping students get through college. It’s about equipping them with the skills, confidence, and independence to thrive in every area of their lives, ” said Hendrix Brakefield, Program Director of LifeWorks. “Through our partnership with KCTCS, we are able to extend these opportunities to campuses statewide and create a pathway for success that did not exist before for many autistic students. ” Furthermore, Dr. Ryan Quarles, KCTCS President, stated “We are excited to build upon a great partnership with LifeWorks to ensure everyone has the opportunity and support to earn a higher education credential. ”

LifeWorks for Autism is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering autistic young adults to achieve independence, self-direction, and meaningful employment. With a focus on person-centered support, LifeWorks ensures that each student’s journey is guided by their unique goals, strengths, and aspirations.

For more information about the LifeWorks Bridge Academy, visit www.lifeworksforautism.org or contact LifeWorks at info@lifeworksforautism.org by email and (270) 745-4380 by phone.