Academy

About Our Academy Program Components Admissions Campus Life Success Stories Application FAQ

LAUNCH students posing for a photoAdmissions

Program Requirements

  • Completed high school and is between ages of 18-25.
  • A diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder.
  • Reliable transportation to and from the USF campus.
  • Use of a functional communication system.
  • Independent in personal self-care.
  • Demonstrates a clear desire to work or attend college and can commit to a 30-week program.
  • Demonstrates the ability to regulate his/her behavior with minimal directions within public settings.
  • Ability to type on a computer (physically or verbally) to complete tasks such as internet searches, use video conferencing programs, and work between multiple software programs including Microsoft Teams, WORD, PowerPoint, and Outlook.



Applications are due February 1st

    • February/March- Students are interviewed.
    • April/May- Students are notified of acceptance into the Academy.
    • Students must contact the coordinator to indicate commitment to attending the program within 15 days of receiving an acceptance letter. At that time, we will then review options for tuition payment.
    • May-July - Invoicing/ securing funding and finalizing enrollment. Students who will be living in off campus housing should work on arrangements.
    • August- The program begins at USF-Tampa.
    • April/May – Program concludes.

Accepted payment methods: Vocational Rehabilitation, Gardiner Scholarship, Florida Prepaid, 529 Plans, Able United, Jan La Belle Scholarship. Private pay is also accepted.

Tuition for the LAUNCH Academy school year is $9,900.00.

Students are entitled to a full refund if they withdraw from the program by the fifth day of the start of the program. Students are entitled to a 25% refund if they withdraw after the fifth day of the start of the program but prior to the first day of the fourth week of the program.