MGM Resorts International has partnered with Grant a Gift Autism Foundation-Ackerman Center (GGAF) to create vocational job placement programs, and provide training and employment opportunities to individuals with autism.
Additionally, as part of this partnership, MGM Resorts has pledged $1m for the expansion of the program over the next five years.
National data has illustrated that autistic adults are disproportionately underemployed and experience serious problems in obtaining employment opportunities. The GGAF is seeking to remedy this with this program and to ensure that autistic teens and young adults can gain meaningful employment.
MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle commented: “As the largest private employer in Nevada, we have a responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of our community, including creating pathways to employment.
"Our vision for embracing humanity aligns with the incredible work of GGAF as they work to improve the lives of adults with autism in Southern Nevada."
As part of this partnership, GGAF will provide a 12-week vocational readiness training program to all of its clients. The program will be called ‘Working on Occupational Readiness, Knowledge and Skills.’ Attendants will learn crucial vocational skills and have access to parent empowerment training and other family services.
Once completed, GGAF clients will have the chance to apply for MGM Resorts positions that meet specific requirements for the program. They will also have the chance to seek on-site coaching through GGAF to understand their new roles in a comprehensive employee onboarding system.
This July, the MGM Resorts Talent Acquisition Team held its first hiring event for the program at the GGAF Ackerman Center, extending employment offers to an inaugural group of employees.
MGM Resorts has been a longstanding partner of GGAF, providing volunteers, cash contributions and job placement support, as well as a $140,000 corporate grant in June.
