Autistic Adults are the Most Underrepresented Group in the Canadian Workforce. Sapphire is designed by students for students to ensure that all postsecondary graduates have the same opportunities to succeed.
15%
Employment rate for autistic graduates
>7,200
New autistic graduates unemployed every year
85%
Reliant on disability payments of <$16,000/yr
Sapphire's Vision
Sapphire envisions a future where autistic post-secondary students are fully included, empowered, and thriving in the workforce, supported by inclusive workplaces that recognize and value neurodiverse talent.
What We Do
Sapphire is a program developed at Wilfrid Laurier University within Laurier's Enactus chapter. It is designed by students for students to support youth in post-secondary to successfully transition to employment
Career Readiness
Training
The Sapphire Program provides access to career readiness training designed specifically for autistic postsecondary students, delivered on an inclusive, interactive platform. We also offer access to 20+ hours of 1:1 holistic job coaching to prepare students for success in the workplace.
Paid
Work Experience
Through the Sapphire Program, students are eligible for full semester paid internship/co-op opportunities to gain valuable work experience.
Employers are also eligible for up to $7,000 in wage subsidies through the Student Work Placement Program.
Community Networking Platform
The Sapphire Program offers access to a supportive network built by and for neurodivergent adults. The platform connects participants to a community of peers and mentors with lived experience, as well as allies from across the university to support their growth.
Sapphire is grateful for the supportive collaboration of a number of partners:
