New York, NY [March 19, 2024] – The Fedcap Group proudly announces its acquisition of TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades), a Denver, Colorado-based school dedicated to empowering individuals with autism through skilled trades education and employment.
Founded with a mission to tackle the high unemployment rates of more than 90% among individuals with autism, TACT offers specialized programs tailored to harness the unique strengths of its participants. By providing comprehensive training and creating meaningful employment opportunities, TACT aims to foster independence, empowerment, and a sense of belonging within the autism community. The TACT school is a fully accredited secondary and post-secondary through Cognia offering industry recognized certifications. TACT offers programs in auto mechanics, carpentry, electrical, welding, STEM for trades, among others.
The collaboration between The Fedcap Group and TACT signifies a significant step forward in expanding support for neurodiverse individuals. With The Fedcap Group’s extensive experience and network of high-quality nonprofits, TACT will be able to enhance its reach and impact, providing even more opportunities for individuals with autism to thrive in the workforce.
“The Fedcap Group, with its longstanding commitment to promoting economic well-being and serving diverse populations, is poised to amplify TACT’s model across the nation,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “By integrating TACT’s innovative approach with The Fedcap Group’s comprehensive programs and services, such as Apex Technical School, Easterseals, and Civic Hall, we will address the unique needs and challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals as we put them on a path employment.”
The TACT school offers high quality programs that lead to sustainable employment. TACT has an 83% job placement rate for the autism community, compared to the Colorado state average of 12%. Their graduates’ average starting wage is $19.86 per hour, which is over 8% higher than the regional minimum wage.
“The collaboration with The Fedcap Group represents pivotal moment for positive change and growth for TACT and the autism community at large,” said Danny Combs, Founder and CEO of TACT. “We’re excited about the limitless possibilities to expand our model to bring our programming to scale. Together with The Fedcap Group, we’ll break down barriers and create pathways to success for individuals with autism.”
TACT has won an international Classy Social Innovation Award, the Denver Business Journal DEI Award, and Favorite Trade School, Community Outreach Organization, and Special Needs Organization by Colorado Parent Magazine last year.
About The Fedcap Group
For nearly ninety years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training, and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term economic well-being. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system change—working in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered.
About TACT
TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) is a Denver-based nonprofit organization founded to encourage and empower the full spectrum of individuals with autism through skilled trades education and employment. Addressing the needs of the ASD community which experiences a 90% unemployment rate, TACT offers a strengths-based program developed specifically to provide training and create meaningful employment opportunities that are personally fulfilling to each individual student. For the autism community, TACT creates a future full of purpose and promise. For more information about TACT and its programs, please visit https://www.buildwithtact.org/.
Contact:
Jim Malatras, 212-727-4200, JMalatras@fedcap.org