Igniting Potential. Inspiring Futures.

A first-of-its-kind hospital-based rotational program designed to equip neurodiverse individuals with the skills and experience needed to thrive.

At Corewell Health, we believe that everyone—regardless of learning style or neurodiversity—deserves the opportunity to thrive and find their place in the world. That belief led to the creation of LAUNCH, a pioneering program designed to empower neurodiverse individuals with the training, experience, and support needed to create their own path after high school. Through personalized mentorship, development of both technical and interpersonal skills, and a dynamic rotational model, LAUNCH participants gain hands-on exposure to a wide range of hospital departments—from billing to culinary services. Our mission is to help every participant build confidence, discover their strengths, and launch a fulfilling professional journey.

Surgical Team in scrubs smiling with LAUNCH member

Where Neurodiverse Talent Meets Opportunity

Despite possessing valuable skills and qualifications, up to 85% of autistic individuals are unemployed or underemployed. Yet, neurodiverse professionals frequently excel in areas like attention to detail, pattern recognition, memory, and creative problem-solving—especially in structured environments like hospitals. At LAUNCH, we aim to bridge this gap by offering neurodiverse individuals the chance to build their résumés, expand their social skills and professional networks, and discover career paths that align with their strengths and passions.

LAUNCH member reading medication labels

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Spots in the LAUNCH program are extremely limited. Eligible participants for the LAUNCH program must be:

  • 18 years or older.

  • A high school graduate.

  • Capable of working independently without a coach.

  • Neurodivergent.

Previous work experience is helpful, but not required.

Parents/Guardians and their support are also critical to the program. If Corewell Health feels like the prospective LAUNCH member could be a good fit, they will invite the prospective member and their family to an interview, followed by an introductory period to explore the LAUNCH program, then a short orientation, and finally an application.

  • "Parents all want their children to launch successfully in the world. As a parent of a child with special needs, the worry factor for a child's future is exorbitantly stressful and scary. I can honestly say for the first time in 19 years that my  stress meter has lowered significantly because of Griffin's experience at Corewell. I feel like I can breathe deeper because he is accepted and valued at Corewell. Griffin has never been on a team, so this is a new experience for him."

    - Griffin’s mom

  • "Aidan has performed tasks we never thought he was capable of and he is always proud after a day of work. The entire Corewell staff has been so encouraging to the LAUNCH participants and it really feels like the perfect environment for learning and achievement. Aidan has become more independent than we could have imagined and he often talks about wanting to be a future Corewell employee."

    - Aidan’s mom

  • “I have seen some of the individuals grow tremendously while working alongside my team. They come out of their shell, they learn how to ask questions, make eye contact, communicate their needs (even if those communications are telling me they don’t like washing dishes!). In turn, my team learns how to work with people who are neurodivergent. We are working with an untapped workforce that have some very special and desirable job skills. Every single community has a need for a program like this.”

    - Gina Allender, Director of Nutrition Services at Corewell Health Grosse Pointe

  • "Nicholas absolutely loves his time in the program. He looks forward to each day, knowing that he is supported by a wonderful team of employees who help him navigate new tasks and challenges with confidence. The experience has not only helped him develop a greater sense of independence, but it has also given him the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a larger team."

    - Nicholas’ Family

  • “It has given Emmalee her confidence in so many areas including feeling safe being away from home and working with others. I also loved that the patient interaction seemed to cultivate empathy."

    - Emmalee’s mom

  • "My son Johnny loves going 'to work' 4 days a week. His day consists of  working in the different departments, eating lunch in the cafeteria with the fellow employees and being part of the bigger picture! He is valued for his unique abilities by those he works with and a very helpful part of the health care system."

    - Johnny’s mom

Interested in Participating in LAUNCH?

LAUNCH Spotlight

  • Grosse Pointe News: A Next-level LAUNCH: Corewell GP Celebrates Program Success as Volunteer Prepares for Higher Education

    LAUNCH’s first member is headed to college this fall after two years in the program that ignited a passion for radiology. The Corewell team sent him off to school with a celebration. Read his feature below.

    Read More

  • Clay Vandenbussche Wins Corewell Health's Helping Hands Award

    Each year, Corewell selects one outstanding employee to be the recipient of its Helping Hands Award. Our very own Clay Vandenbussche was selected as this year’s winner as a result of the immeasurable impact he’s had on the LAUNCH program and its members.

    Read More

  • CBS News: Corewell Health Program Launches Young Adults with Special Needs in New Direction

    LAUNCH is a fitting term for this program as it truly launches team members into a path of discovery and inspiration. Programs like LAUNCH give neurodiverse individuals opportunities to grow just like everyone else. Watch the full video below.

    Watch Video

  • Grosse Pointe News: Successful LAUNCH: Program Provides Training, Career Exploration for Young Adults with Special Needs

    As the first member of LAUNCH, Griffin Wright has grown to love the program. He is one of LAUNCH’s biggest ambassadors. Read Grosse Pointe News’ feature of him below.

    Read More