LAUNCH at USF

06/01/2026

Our DIVE-VRT application deadline has been extended to July 1st!

Apply today: https://dive-vrt.org/application.html

05/20/2026

Learn skills to prepare you for a career in building and facilities maintenance!

The DIVE-VRT program is designed to train and certify youth and adults with lifelong and acquired disabilities in skilled trades, providing them with the industry knowledge and employment readiness skills necessary for future success.

Our August 2026 - April 2027 cohort will focus on learning skills for the Building Maintenance field including construction, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical basics.

📅 Application Deadline: July 1st, 2026
✅ No cost to participate
✅ Learn using virtual reality and AI
✅ Workforce success training, job coaching, and placement supports available
✅ In-person classes in Tampa, Florida

🔗 Apply Now: https://dive-vrt.org/application.html
🌐 Learn more at dive-vrt.org

Questions?
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: (813) 974-2840

Funded by U.S. Department of Education, Grant Number H421F240044

05/14/2026

Upcoming opportunity to learn more about our LAUNCH and DIVE-VRT programs hosted by AchieveAbility Therapy!

Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PMfPhfJzncwI-f-vb9_nurQm5HCA6cGDyxRo3whjIoA/viewform?edit_requested=true

AchieveAbility Therapy is happy to invite you to our upcoming Coffee & Coaching session with LAUNCH & DIVE-VRT. This upcoming event will enhance your knowledge, allow you to connect with other families, and empower you regarding resources offered by LAUNCH & DIVE-VRT. Expect to connect with other families facing similar experiences and build a strong support network. You will leave this FREE workshop with informative resources from LAUNCH & DIVE-VRT. You must register below to receive the virtual link. We hope to see you there. Feel free to share with others.
WHEN: Thursday, June 25th
TIME: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
LOCATION: Virtual Meeting
Register at Event Registration - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PMfPhfJzncwI-f-vb9_nurQm5HCA6cGDyxRo3whjIoA/viewform?edit_requested=true

05/14/2026

Congratulations to our 2026 Tech2Work graduates!

Last week Tech2Work™ celebrated their current cohort of participants who successfully completed the program.

Tech2Work™ is a collaborative effort of LAUNCH at USF and MacDonald Training Center (MTC), eMerge Career Collaborative.

The program is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities by providing them with comprehensive training in a variety of technology skills.

Tech2Work™ participants have the opportunity to earn certifications in CompTIA, Robotic Process Automation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), paving the way for fulfilling and rewarding career opportunities.

Learn more about the program and what it has to offer by visiting their website: https://tech2work.cbcs.usf.edu/index.html

05/08/2026

📌 Join us for our 2026 Summer Career Camps!📌

Session 1: Work Readiness Training and Work-Based Learning Experience
USF-Tampa
20-hour in-person training
July 13th -16th
10AM-3:30PM
Participants will learn about interview skills, resume writing, searching for jobs, completing applications, professional communication, and more! Students will partake in an informational interview, hear from local employers, and experience job simulations using virtual reality technology.

Session 2: Self-Advocacy and Counseling on Enrollment Opportunities
USF-Tampa
20-hour in-person training
July 17th - 20th
10:00AM- 3:30PM
Participants will explore educational options in their career pathway, whether it be college, trade school, or going straight into the workforce. Self-advocacy training prepares participants to effectively communicate their strengths, abilities, interests, and needs when working with employers and/or applying to trade schools, colleges, or universities. A tour of USF campus included.

A questionnaire must be completed for each participant which can be found on our Youth Transition webpage: https://launch.cbcs.usf.edu/transition.html

Costs of the camp can be covered by Vocational Rehabilitation. Please contact your counselor to send a referral or visit your local office to sign up for VR. https://www.rehabworks.org/student-youth/student-youth.html

Get in touch with us at [email protected] or (813) 974-4720 for more information or questions.

05/07/2026

DIVE-VRT is hosting an in-person information session on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at 10:00am.

Join us to learn more about the program and participate in a virtual reality demonstration!

12985 North Telecom Parkway, Suite 104A, Temple Terrace, FL

Email to RSVP: [email protected]

Questions? Contact us at (813) 974-4720 or [email protected]

05/07/2026

Upcoming informational event regarding Sunshine Line transportation.

Coffee & Coaching session on May 13th at 9 a.m. This upcoming event will enhance your knowledge, allow you to connect with other families, and empower you regarding resources offered by Sunshine Line. Expect to connect with other families facing similar experiences and build a strong support network. You will leave this FREE workshop with informative resources from Sunshine Line. To receive the virtual link, you must register below. We hope to see you there. Feel free to share with others.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 13th
TIME: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
LOCATION: Virtual Meeting
Register at Registration for Coffee & Coaching with Sunshine Line: https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSddKTBhbBt6EmjE_geFH8NqR_NtDe9yk3NdWylv3n5uokVX8w%2Fviewform&data=05%7C02%7Cycastellano%40usf.edu%7C2ffe130eb9764e8d5e8708dea9e5689a%7C741bf7dee2e546df8d6782607df9deaa%7C0%7C0%7C639134999953429738%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Wd2SSP7gaGTrsnhIfBL2Q9CmHi4zT3GNWws03hKXeuw%3D&reserved=0

04/27/2026

We are one week away from our virtual DIVE-VRT session! Join us to learn more about the DIVE-VRT building maintenance program.

Monday, May 4th, 2026 at 6pm
Register here: https://bit.ly/4cApAHr
Can't attend this session? Join us for our in-person session happening on Saturday, May 16th, 2026 at 10:00am
12985 North Telecom Parkway, Suite 104A, Temple Terrace, FL
Virtual Reality demonstration available
Email to RSVP: [email protected]

Questions? Contact us at (813) 974-4720 or [email protected]

04/27/2026

So proud of our 2026 DIVE-VRT graduates!

The Delivering Innovative Vocational Education through Virtual Reality Technology (DIVE-VRT) program marked the end of its first year with a graduation ceremony for its inaugural cohort. Family, friends, staff and instructors joined 14 participants to celebrate completion of the pilot program and th...

04/22/2026

🤟 Go Bulls!! 🤟

Throughout April, we've been highlighting the impactful work happening across our department to support individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and the broader community

Next up: LAUNCH at USF

Since 2009, LAUNCH (formerly The Learning Academy) has been a leader in innovative transition programming—focused on improving employment and post-secondary outcomes of people on the autism spectrum.

With five core areas of focus:

▪️LAUNCH Academy, a 30-week transition program
▪️Employment service
▪️Innovative technology training
▪️Youth transition programs
▪️Business solutions for employers

LAUNCH is dedicated to empowering individuals for success in education, employment, and beyond. 🚀

Learn more at their website https://launch.cbcs.usf.edu/

Florida Center for Inclusive Communities - FCIC