LifeWorks Bridge Academy
Gateway Community & Technical College is committed to both academic achievement and preparing students for independence after college. Gateway offers a welcoming, supportive campus environment where neurodivergent students with autism and other diagnoses can access resources for both personal and academic growth.
By partnering with LifeWorks, Gateway strengthens its mission of helping every student thrive—not just in the classroom, but in life beyond graduation.
The Bridge Academy combines KCTCS’s emphasis on education and career development with LifeWorks' essential personalized supports and daily living skills curriculum to better prepare neurodiverse students for the workforce and independent living.
LifeWorks is a not-for-profit organization that empowers autistic young adults to successfully transition to lives of independence, self-direction, and employment.
We believe in providing person-centered support that is guided by each individual’s unique desires, goals, and strengths.
- Person-Centered Success Plan
- Independence Curriculum
- LifeWorks Liaison Meetings
- Goal Setting and Monitoring
- Group Study Sessions
- Campus and Community Connection
- Resource Discovery and Connection
- Self-Assessments and Data Tracking
- Family Education and Training
- Social and Extracurricular Enrichment
- Must have a documented diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder or other neurodiversity
- Must be in good academic standing with your KCTCS college
- Must be motivated toward independence with a desire to learn the skills necessary to live independently and more fully within the community
- Must have the motivation and desire to learn the skills necessary to develop a career plan
LifeWorks Bridge Academy costs to students may be covered in full by OVR if approved.
- In-person and online curriculum sessions
- One-to-one meetings twice per week, if you choose
- Study hall hosted by your liaison, who can provide guidance in navigating coursework, time management, and connections to resources
- Monthly group enrichment activities with peers
Your liaison is available each week to assist you in navigating your academic and social success. This includes one-to-one sessions to review coursework, career readiness, community engagement, independent living skills, and much more.
The Bridge Program is personalized, and you choose what you would like to participate in.
