BroadFutures is a Washington, DC – based nonprofit that empowers neurodivergent young people to reach their full potential. Through comprehensive career preparation programs combining mentoring, immersive training, and paid internships, BroadFutures equips participants with the skills, confidence, and access they need to thrive — while helping employers build more inclusive, accessible workplaces.
Who They Serve
Neurodivergent individuals — including those with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, and other cognitive differences — represent nearly one in five people worldwide, yet fewer than half are employed. Meanwhile, 75% of employers report difficulty finding skilled talent. BroadFutures bridges that gap by preparing neurodivergent young adults for the workplace while supporting employers in building more inclusive and productive cultures.
What They Do
Each year, BroadFutures’ DC Internship Program matches cohorts of neurodivergent young adults with leading employers across industries for structured, multi-month paid internships. Participants begin with a signature five-day Training Week focused on communication, professionalism, self-advocacy, and executive functioning. During the internships, participants return weekly for professional development training and receive ongoing one-on-one mentoring. BroadFutures’ staff also provide weekly support to employers throughout the internships, guiding them on inclusive practices and strengthening their workplaces.
Impact
The program’s impact is reflected in its outcomes: more than 96% of interns successfully complete their internships, and 100% demonstrate measurable growth in the key competencies such as confidence, adaptability, independence, and workplace skills. Employers report stronger teams and increased capacity, with 100% expressing high satisfaction and 75% partnering with BroadFutures multiple times. As one Summer 2025 employer shared, “BroadFutures made the task of helping individuals grow seem easy and created a great opportunity for everyone involved. Not only are the interns gaining great experience for future growth, but departments are able to work on projects that often fall through the cracks”.
“What BroadFutures does is give people who are sometimes overlooked an opportunity to reach a potential they never even saw. By the time they leave, they are completely transformed.” — Jarrod Bennett, Executive Director, Atlas Performing Arts Center
Jarrod with a Summer 2025 BroadFutures Intern
Sophie Jarrett gained her first professional experience through her 2025 BroadFutures internship at DCTV, a local television station, where she had a meaningful impact. Sophie’s experience with DCTV — and with her cohort and mentors at BroadFutures — gave her the skills to take the next step in her journey with great confidence. She is now pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Maryland Institute College of Art.
Sofie speaking at the BroadFutures Gala
“BroadFutures was there every step of the way. Through this program, I was able to make my way in a professional setting with a mentor who was able to answer my many questions. This internship taught me discipline, how to organize myself, how to network, and how to be assertive in the workplace. I am confident that my experience through the program and my internship will help me kick-start my career after graduation as I navigate the community arts realm. I am forever grateful for the help I received and connections I made, and being able to leave this program feeling confident and ready for what’s next!” — Sofie Jarrett