Aspire Works Internship Program
781-860-1900
About the program
The Aspire Works Internship Program provides adults (ages 18+) on the autism spectrum or with a related social-cognitive profile the opportunity to gain meaningful, supported work experience in professional environments. The program focuses on identifying and developing each participant’s unique strengths, skills, and career interests. Aspire staff thoughtfully match interns with employer partners who provide valuable professional learning opportunities in fields such as business, technology, healthcare, education, and the arts.
Internships run for 10–12 weeks, typically 10–40 hours per week, and may be offered in person, hybrid, or remote. Participants receive comprehensive support throughout the process, including:
- Weekly group seminars (75 minutes virtually) focused on workplace communication, self-management, and professional growth
- One-to-one career coaching to help set goals, process experiences, and build transferable job skills
- On-site support from Aspire staff to assist with onboarding, adjustment, and communication with supervisors.
For new applicants to the Aspire Works Internship Program, Aspire automatically enrolls you in an Employment Readiness program designed to help you prepare for your internship and future job opportunities. Through personalized coaching and hands-on guidance, participants will:
- Create a professional resume and cover letter
- Practice structured interview preparation and company research
- Strengthen professional communication and self-advocacy skills
- Receive up to three hours of one-to-one support.
Applicants submit the following:
- Online application form
- Current resume
- Optional documentation: Cover letter, 3 letters of recommendation, references.
- An Aspire Career Coach will schedule an intake interview to meet the applicant and better understand their skills, strengths, areas of need, and goals.
- New applicants are accepted into Employment Readiness Program and individualized coaching is provided to prepare candidates for internship placement and future employment.
- Aspire begins the matching process by communicating with our Employer Partners.
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Aspire will match each participant with a job site based on their availability, location and transportation options, interests, skills, goals, and needs.
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When matched, participants have the option to:
- Accept or decline position
- If declined, Aspire will seek a second appropriate match
- If there is no appropriate match, applicant has the option to defer participation to the next internship session.
Internship placement
- Aspire Career Coach provides interview and onboarding support.
- Once intern begins work placement, they will receive ongoing career coaching and attend weekly group seminars.
*Please note that acceptance into the Internship program is not guaranteed as internship placements are accepted based on fit with employer and intern. For more information on the Aspire Works Internship Program, read our Frequently Asked Questions, or reach out to us at 781-860-1900 or mghaspire@mgb.org.
- Aspire Career Coach provides interview and onboarding support.
- Once intern begins work placement, they will receive ongoing career coaching and attend weekly group seminars.
*Please note that acceptance into the Internship program is not guaranteed as internship placements are accepted based on fit with employer and intern. For more information on the Aspire Works Internship Program, read our Frequently Asked Questions, or reach out to us at 781-860-1900 or mghaspire@mgb.org.
Internship scholarship
Aspire is pleased to offer a full scholarship for eligible participants in the Aspire Works Internship Program. Each year, a limited number of full tuition scholarships will be awarded to internship candidates who meet the eligibility requirements below.
Eligibility requirements
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must demonstrate they have either attended or are a graduate of one of the following institutions:
- Bunker Hill Community College
- Framingham State University
- Massasoit Community College
- Middlesex Community College
- North Shore Community College
- Roxbury Community College
- Salem State University
- UMass Boston
- UMass Lowell
- Urban College of Boston
- Westfield State University
- Worcester State University
How to apply
To qualify for the scholarship, a participant will need to submit documentation of attendance at the school. Documentation should have the student’s name listed (e.g., class schedule, transcript, picture of student ID, tuition statement).
We are incredibly grateful to our anonymous donor for this impactful gift, which will help us continue to support the employment goals of our Aspire interns.
Employer partners
Download our brochure
Become an Employer Partner with Aspire
Download employer partner FAQs
Become an Employer Partner with Aspire
Testimonials
“Working with Aspire has helped us expand our institutional culture and challenge ourselves to grow along with our amazing interns. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience and helped us build an environment where people of varied working styles can thrive. We’re excited to continue our partnership!"
WGBH
Manager, MLA Digital Assets and Operations
“Working with Aspire and their interns is a truly remarkable experience! Being able to provide on the job training for interns and seeing them grow is extremely valuable to the interns as well as our staff. We enjoy the opportunity to be a part of this program and encourage other to do the same.”
Copart
General Manager, Copart, Billerica
"The MGH Aspire team has been instrumental in helping me achieve my organizational goals. Their expertise with neurodivergent students has empowered my hires to thrive, and their thoughtful presentations have helped reduce stigma year after year. With their support, I believe we can build a more inclusive workforce. Jack and the team are outstanding."
Biogen
University Programs Experience Lead