Arizona Autism Charter Schools Launches Entrepreneurial Training Center to Prepare Students for Future Careers

The Arizona Autism Charter Schools (AZACS) is making waves in the education world once again with the opening of their new Entrepreneurial Training Center next week. This innovative center is designed to better prepare high school students and young adults on the autism spectrum for their future careers by providing them with hands-on job skills training in a supportive environment.

The Entrepreneurial Training Center will house four social enterprise businesses under the name Essential Piece Enterprises. These businesses include a coffee shop, a silk screening and retail shop, a shipping and receiving store, and a tech repair and coding design studio. Students will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and skills in these businesses, setting them up for success in the workforce.

Diana Diaz, the Founder and Executive Director of AZACS, was inspired to start the school in 2014 due to the lack of quality school options for her son Sammy. Now, with many students graduating from the K-12 school, Diaz is excited to expand the transition programming with the new Entrepreneurial Training Center.

“We’re excited to launch this program and watch it change the trajectory of young adults on the spectrum, and we invite you to be a part of this exciting journey,” Diaz said.

The project was made possible through a collaboration with the Charter Schools Development Corporation and funding from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. SD Crane Builders, a long-time partner of AZACS, oversaw the build to ensure that the facilities are state-of-the-art.

Laura Fiemann, chief development officer for the Charter Schools Development Corp, praised the creation of the Entrepreneurial Training Center, stating that it will provide AZACS students with a top-notch educational facility to ensure their success in the workforce.

AZACS has a history of innovation in education, with five campuses and national recognition, including winning the Yass Prize in 2022. The opening of the Entrepreneurial Training Center is yet another example of their commitment to providing quality education and opportunities for students on the autism spectrum.