Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

---

Organization Name: Arts ‘n Autism
Legal Name (if Different): Arts ‘n Autism Inc.
Also Known As: A&A
Mailing Address: 2625 8th Street
City: Tuscaloosa
State: Alabama
Postal Code: 35401
Main Phone: (205) 247-4990
Main Fax: (205) 247-4990 (Call first only one line)
Organization Website: www.artsnautism.org
Employer ID Number: 26-2816759
Organization Tax Status: 501 (c) (3)

Proposal Information

---

Today’s Date: 03/01/26
Requested Amount: $7,040.00

Project Title: Implementing STEPS: Stepped Transition to Employment and Postsecondary Education
Project Description:

Since 2023, Arts ‘n Autism(A&A) participated in a research-based project through the University of Alabama (UA) Center for Youth Development and Intervention. The UA provided extensive staff training in STEPS (Stepped Transition to Employment and Postsecondary Education Success) Curriculum. A&A recruited 26 participants ages 15-35 for the study. Each student was randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. The research project was a success. Now A&A is excited to pilot a program using the STEPS curriculum for teens and young adults enrolled at A&A. The project will include after school high-school and college students diagnosed with autism. STEPS Sessions are 2.0 hours weekly and guided by trained counselors and coaches. Sessions will last 12-weeks with four authentic immersion experiences. Steps is highly individualized, to meet the unique needs of each student. It is based on cognitive-behavioral model that emphasizes self-awareness/acceptance of self, strength building, and goal-oriented behavior. SELF-KNOWLEDGE, SELF-DETERMINATION, and SELF-REGULATION are three critical elements which guide delivery of this program. Counselors consider how to address pivotal goals when selecting skills to focus on, problems to address, and practice to encourage. Students plan/implement inclusion activities every six sessions.

Currently resources are limited for young adults with autism. STEPS is shown to be a highly effective success ‘tool’ for these students. Arts ‘n Autism’s mission is to “Prepare Students for What Comes Next…” A&A is dedicated to preparing our students to meet success. We celebrate each student’s accomplishments. Many of these students have grown up from young children at A&A. We understand your foundations focus area does not include Alabama, but students with Autism need all the resources we can provide that will help enable them to engage, work, and give back to their communities. A&A humbly seeks your support to create lifelong success opportunities for students living with autism.

Total Project Budget: $24,040.00

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Stillman College Campus and Arts ‘n Autism Space Inkind ($1,200), Transportation for Immersion Activities provided ($800), Training through University of Alabama ($15,000)= $17,000 for STEPS committed

Project Duration: Independent Pilot Beginning in the 2026 School Year
Geographical Area Served: Tuscaloosa City and County and surrounding counties in West Alabama
Age Group To Be Served: Ages 15-30

Contact Information

---

Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Jan
Contact Last Name: Sikes
Contact Title: Program Founder and Current Development Director
Contact Phone: (205) 246-6192 (mobile) or (205) 247-4990 (office)
Contact Email: JanSikes@artsnautism.org