PATH Internship Pilot Program Paves Way for Neurodivergent Students

Written by RMS Communications
August 2020

Neurodiversity, or recognizing and respecting neurological differences within individuals, has garnered much attention in the past few years. These differences can include autism, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyspraxia, and others. In the workforce, employers are beginning to embrace the talents and skills these individuals can contribute. However, the neurodivergent population continues to face significant barriers when entering the workforce.

This summer, RMS Moorestown, New Jersey, engaged in a pilot initiative for neurodivergent students by partnering with Rowan University to welcome three interns through Rowan’s Preparation and Achievement in the Transition to Hire (PATH) program.

The neurodiversity movement emphasizes the natural neurological variance in the world. As a result, there is a need to consider the inclusive practices to meet the needs of neurological differences. This may include providing support for the transition into meaningful opportunities in life such as, pursuing a college degree and obtaining employment

Indeed, one of the significant challenges the neurodivergent population faces is entry to the workforce. With the resume and interview coaching offered by Rowan, as well as the invaluable experiential training received during their internship at Lockheed Martin, the PATH program has produced a win-win situation.

Two of the PATH interns work under Systems Engineering Managers John Demeter and Rob Logan, and one was hired to support the Supply Chain Analytics Department under Manager Garrett Kruser. Onsite and remote/telework schedules were implemented for the pilot program due to COVID-19 restrictions.

As part of the program, Garrett underwent neurodiversity training at Rowan and tags up with intern Tom* on a weekly basis to ensure all is going well. Tom has also been paired with mentor and Procurement Engineer Janet Snyder, who meets with him twice a week and has been instrumental with his transition to Lockheed Martin.

“I’m very happy that I have a great support system and I’m able to fit in with my department with their help,” said Tom, who expects to graduate from Rowan in spring 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in computing and informatics and a minor in business administration.

Tom is thriving in his internship and hopes to gain newfound knowledge and tackle complex projects. “I learn something new every day at my internship, and I always look forward to what project my team is going to give me.”

“The program has been both rewarding for our team and for Tom,” said Garrett. “It has been extremely fulfilling to provide him challenging assignments, mentor and coach him, and learn from him as well.  We have seen his work products continually improve, his scope and responsibilities increase, and the growth of his passion for Lockheed Martin and the work we do to support our customers’ mission. He has done an excellent job.”

“Anthony Marino and Bob Regensburger built a great relationship with Rowan University,” said Kyle Gager, human resources business partner manager. “They were able to identify mutually beneficial outcomes and we were thrilled that this partnership led to an expanded and more diverse talent pool for our site.”

Chiara Latimer (pictured left), Rowan’s Coordinator for PATH and Neurodiversity Initiatives, hopes to embark on future endeavors with Lockheed Martin. “It’s nice to take a relationship between Rowan and Lockheed Martin that was already strong in various areas across our campus and see it grow into a more in-depth collaboration,” said Chiara. “It’s wonderful to recognize that we’re collaborating to bring down barriers and recognize the advantages that neurodiversity has in the workplace.”

“Moorestown has enjoyed a successful collaborative partnership with Rowan University through multiple academic and experiential education initiatives, resulting in a robust talent pipeline,” said Lockheed Martin engineer and liaison Anthony Marino. “This partnership has been recognized by the state of New Jersey as a model for higher education and industry collaboration.”

*Not the student’s real name.