Fedcap’s TACT Celebrates 10 Years of Connecting Individuals on the Autism Spectrum to Skilled Trades Careers

Denver, CO — Today, TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) marks ten years of providing high-quality trades education and workforce pathways for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Founded in response to the more than 90% unemployment rate among individuals with autism, the Colorado organization equips students with the training and certifications needed to pursue meaningful employment in the skilled trades.

Over the past decade, TACT has served 5,669 neurodivergent students and achieved an 83% placement rate for clients in its career track program, demonstrating the value of aligning training with individual strengths and workforce demand.

TACT offers hands-on vocational training across auto mechanics, carpentry, electrical, welding, and STEM-focused trades programs. As a fully accredited secondary and post-secondary institution, TACT provides industry-recognized certifications that prepare students for long-term success.

“When we started TACT, it came from something deeply personal,” said Danny Combs, Founder of TACT and Inaugural Director of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office. “I had seen firsthand what it looks like when someone is underestimated and never given a real chance to show what they can do. TACT was built to change that – to create a place where talent is recognized and futures can take shape.”

Through Fedcap’s broader nonprofit network, TACT has expanded its reach and impact. In 2025, TACT partnered with Greenleaf Neurodiversity Community School to launch a specialized cybersecurity training program in Austin, Texas. Designed by TACT, the program provides hands-on, industry-aligned instruction for neurodiverse students pursuing careers in one of the fastest-growing sectors. TACT has also expanded its footprint by co-locating at Ascendigo and becoming Colorado’s first specialized day school dedicated to students on the autism spectrum.

“TACT represents the best of what we mean when we say the Power of Possible,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of Fedcap.  “TACT meets individuals where they are, builds on their strengths, and connects that talent to real economic demand. That’s exactly why Fedcap partnered with TACT and is committed to supporting its continued expansion. The model is innovative, it works, and it demonstrates that barriers to economic mobility can be broken—even for populations too often overlooked or underestimated. TACT is proving that with the right approach, opportunity is not only possible, it’s replicable.”

Workforce integration remains central to TACT’s model. The organization works closely with employer partners to connect students to roles that align with both company needs and individual strengths, helping support sustainable placements.

“We’re incredibly proud of what’s been built here,” said Becky Mershon, President of TACT. “Every day, we see students gaining confidence and a clearer sense of what’s possible for their future. That’s what this work is about and what will continue to drive us forward.”

TACT remains focused on expanding access, deepening employer partnerships, and continuing to build pathways to long-term employment all-across the US and the globe.