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LAUNCH Employment ServicesFrequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to LAUNCH?
Our program is designed for individuals between the ages of 18-25 with a diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. Individuals must be independent in personal self-care and have a functional communication system.

Is this program open to students with standard or special high school diplomas?
LAUNCH Academy students are required to have completed high school, and we accept both standard and special diplomas.

Do students have to attend class during the semester that they do their applied learning experience?
Yes, students still must attend class while they are involved in their applied learning experience.

Does LAUNCH class count towards USF college credits?
No, since our students do not go through the same application process as USF students or pay the university rate for tuition, LAUNCH class does not count toward college credit.

Can students be enrolled in college classes while attending LAUNCH?
Students can, and have, taken college classes while enrolled at LAUNCH. However, we require that all enrolled students make LAUNCH their first priority and complete all required components of the program. If a student wishes to audit a USF class, we recommend they wait until the second half of the program and may be able to count it towards part of their applied learning experience requirements.

Is there a residential component to LAUNCH?
At the present time, there is not a residential component to the program. Individuals can, however, reside in off-campus apartments which is arranged privately. LAUNCH does not provide any support or supervision to individuals residing in off-campus housing.

Is LAUNCH a vendor of Vocational Rehabilitation?
LAUNCH at USF is an approved Vocational Rehabilitation Vendor for the State of Florida. Individuals working with a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor can request LAUNCH program be included in their Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). Individuals must provide their Individualized Plan for Employment, authorizing payment from Vocational Rehabilitation or a signed commitment for private payment upon agreement to attend the program.



LAUNCH at USF is an approved vendor of the Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, and they may fund tuition for participation in the program. We offer the following suggestions to assist you in this process:

  1. The sooner you are involved with VR the better. If you are still in school and are considering LAUNCH as a post-school option, make sure a VR counselor is invited to your Transitional IEP (TIEP) meeting.
  2. Ask to include attending LAUNCH at USF as a goal in your TIEP.
  3. If you have already graduated from high school, apply for VR services immediately. The VR process takes time and has many steps. You do not want your opportunity to participate in LAUNCH to be held up because you began the VR process too late.
  4. When you meet with your VR counselor, be prepared to describe to him/her what LAUNCH is and why you believe it is needed for you to move forward with your employment goals.
  5. Provide your VR Counselor with information about LAUNCH if he or she is not familiar with the program. Ask your counselor if the two of you can visit the program together to observe and meet with staff and students.
  6. Make sure that LAUNCH is written into your Individual Plan for Employment.
  7. Ask about and discuss your possible financial participation in paying for a percentage of LAUNCH Academy’s tuition. VR determines the financial participation of a person based on their household income and the prior year’s tax return.
  8. Keep in mind, funding from VR is NOT guaranteed. You and your counselor must BOTH agree the program is a good fit and align with your career goals.