Support Programming That’s a Pathway to Success

By Ryan Palm 
Just 90 minutes from Buffalo, Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pa., provides a nationally recognized support program that helps neurodivergent students succeed in college and beyond.
 

Mercyhurst is home to 2,700 students on a beautiful 75-acre campus – a setting that many students say reminds them of Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series. In the University’s Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity, students find a structured path to independence, confidence, and career readiness. The program was originally created to support those on the autism spectrum, but we have expanded our support to include other forms of neurodivergence, such as ADHD, social anxiety, and more.
 

What sets Mercyhurst apart is the deliberate link between college and career. Through our Career Path program, students build resumes, complete internships, and gain real-world experience before graduation, ensuring they leave not just with a degree but with experience and direction. National data shows only about 40% of autistic college students graduate within six years – students in our support program graduate at nearly double that rate. 
 

Our pathway to college initiative helps students start developing college readiness skills as early as the summer after their freshman year. Students can build skills and confidence through summer programs and dual enrollment opportunities, making the transition from high school to college easier.
 

For families looking for a supportive, structured, and results-driven college experience, Mercyhurst provides a reliable path forward. We recognize that transitioning to college can be a significant step for a neurodivergent learner – and we’re here to support you. 
 

Ryan Palm is the executive director of the Brad McGarry Center for Neurodiversity at Mercyhurst University. Please visit www.Mercyhurst.edu/neurodiversity to learn more, or feel free to contact me directly at rpalm@mercyhurst.edu or 814-824-2630.