Launched in 2023, an innovative transition program at Eastern Florida State College aims to successfully prepare students with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for college life. The free Navigators to Success program is held each summer. It supports new, incoming, dual-enrolled and first-time college students on the Autism Spectrum.
Taking place over four weeks, the program gives students the opportunity to engage with guest speakers, workshops, weekly gaming tournaments, and college orientation materials while participating in social exercises and skills training. As students discover the campus, they build community and connections with staff and faculty. This prepares them for their college journey.
“The success of this initiative has been truly driven by the dedication and enthusiasm of faculty, staff, and administration,” said Dr. Kennedy, Dean of Student Affairs. “Their openness to come and speak, share experiences, and offer guidance reflects a deep commitment to student growth and success.”
An Empowering Start
Eighty percent of students with ASD have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (with 3.7 being the average). However, research suggests that only 39% of college students with ASD graduate.
“There are challenges that are not being met, barriers that are not being fixed,” said Dr. Kennedy, who in addition to teaching Psychology and Social and Human Services courses at EFSC, is also a licensed mental health counselor, and a certified autism spectrum disorder clinical specialist.
The Navigators program was partially inspired by Dr. Kennedy’s University of Florida doctoral dissertation. She interviewed students with ASD who had successfully completed their degrees at a community college before transferring to major universities. Then, she synthesized the qualitative data for commonalities and themes. This became the basis for the Navigators program’s unique hybrid of lectures, peer interaction, roleplaying, and professional networking.
“We revise the program every year based on student feedback,” said Dr. Kennedy. “For example, this year we gave students the opportunity to give a short presentation about themselves. The students really enjoyed sharing their interests with each other.”
Student enthusiasm is evident.
“I have never seen my son so excited about coming to a program,” commented one parent. “He’s even waking up early—at 5:30 a.m.—to get ready!”
“My daughter has been smiling ever since I dropped her off on Monday morning,” commented another parent. “EFSC is doing great work!”
“It just warms my heart,” said Dr. Kennedy. “Some of these students have spent a lifetime feeling like outsiders. I can visibly see the effects of genuine kindness and inclusive actions.”
International Program Recognition
The Navigators program received recognition at the International Conference on Education and Psychology (CEAP), held in held from March 26 – March 28 in Kyoto, Japan. Dr. Barabara Kennedy served as a keynote speaker in her presentation “Navigators to Success: A Strengths-Based Transition Program for Students on the Autism Spectrum.”
The program was well received by conference attendees and academic professionals alike.
“It is so inspiring to learn about a program that truly understands and supports the unique strengths and needs of autistic college students,” said Nico Lo of Yuan Ze University in Taoyuan, Tawain.
Tsuyako Nakamura of Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, agreed. “This program is making a real difference for college students on the autism spectrum. By offering this tailored support and resources, it helps students succeed both in and out of the classroom by opening doors to opportunity and independence.”
A History of Student Success
The Navigators program features workshops and presentations offered by EFSC faculty and staff. These help introduce students to familiar faces and important resources on campus.
Daniel Perkins, who completed his A.A. degree at EFSC in 2019 and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Arts at Boston University, was invited to speak at the 2025 Navigators program. As a student with ASD, Perkins hopes to help other students like him.
“I’ve always believed strongly that you should remember the people who have helped you and uplifted you,” said Perkins. “Everyone has helped me so much here at Eastern Florida State College.”
The Navigators program did not exist when Perkins completed his education. However, he believes it would have made his introduction to college much smoother.
“Every college or university has an abundance of resources available, which can be challenging to navigate,” said Perkins. “A program like this helps remove many of those barriers.”
Looking toward the Future
The 2025 Navigators event has run its course. Dr. Kennedy and staff are already preparing their vision for 2026—including an expansion to the Cocoa campus, and the continued use of Academic Success Coaches, who will help guide Navigator students through regular “check-in” appointments during degree completion.
By providing an empowering start, the Navigators program encourages college students with autism to confront academic challenges, imagine their futures as career professionals, and create a basis for future work ethics, communication skills, and personal success. EFSC envisions a future where programs like Navigators to Success are a staple of every community college, giving students with ASD more accessibility to lifechanging opportunities and experiences.
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