A Message from Our CEO

At BroadFutures, this season is one of deep gratitude and bold ambition. Coming off our Gala, A Renewed Vision. A Bold New Future., we are energized by where we are and inspired by where we are going, together as a vibrant and determined community.

Guided by the strategic planning efforts of the past year, we are expanding programs to meet rising demand, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the fiscal health that will sustain our future. By 2028, we aim to reach more than 1,000 people annually through career accelerator programs launching in 2026, including new in-person and virtual offerings already underway. Our employer partners remain central to this renewed vision. They are not only offering internships—they are reshaping workplace cultures. Together, we are moving toward a future where inclusion, accessibility, and belonging are expected, celebrated, and deeply embedded. Financial strength makes this progress possible. We are building long-term relationships with supporters who ensure BroadFutures’ strong and healthy future.

We also recognize that this work unfolds during a time of heightened scrutiny and shifting attitudes toward inclusion. These are challenging moments for many. Yet at BroadFutures, our commitment is unwavering. We firmly believe that workplaces where everyone can belong, contribute, and thrive are essential to innovation and progress.

Thank you for believing in our mission and standing with us as we renew our vision, dream boldly, and build a future full of possibility, together.

Sincerely,

Carolyn Jeppsen

Co-Founder, CEO & President

BroadFutures

Gala Recap: Celebrating the Power of Potential

Our 2025 Fall Gala was an extraordinary celebration of possibility and community. Held on November 22 at the International Spy Museum, the event welcomed 175 attendees—alumni, families, employer partners, donors, and friends—who came together to celebrate our community and support our mission!

The evening featured moving alumni speeches, inspiring recognitions of our Champion Award recipients 7Magnolia and the Atlas Performing Arts Center, and the premiere of our new organizational video, which can be watched here. Guests passionately embraced our work and vision for a more neuroinclusive world, helping us reach 95% of our $300,000 fundraising goal through sponsorships and our scholarship raise.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported the event, or cheered us on from afar. Your generosity and belief in our mission made the evening truly unforgettable.

Keep an eye out for a recap video of the Gala coming soon!

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

With Giving Tuesday just ahead, we are carrying the Gala energy forward to ensure every motivated young person can participate in our 2026 DC Programs.

We are only $6,700 away from reaching our $30,000 matching goal. Our generous donor has agreed to extend our match until December 2, so we can meet our $30,000 goal and match your donations dollar for dollar up to the match.

All donations made between now and midnight on December 2 will be counted towards the match and will support scholarships, ensuring that our programs are accessible to all qualified applicants.

On Giving Tuesday, December 2, we encourage you to give during our Power Hour: gifts of any amount made between 9:00 and 10:00 AM can also help unlock an additional $1,000 through Spur Local’s power-hour prize.

Upcoming Virtual Workshop: Craft Your Pitch

Join us on December 3 at 6PM ET for Craft Your Pitch, a free, one-hour virtual workshop designed to help neurodivergent young people confidently talk about their strengths, experiences, and goals.

Open to youth nationwide, this session will guide participants in developing a clear and authentic personal pitch for interviews, networking, and professional introductions.

Join the BroadFutures Team!

Are you passionate about working with neurodivergent young people? Do you have experience as an educator, employment coach, career counselor, or transition specialist Join our inspired team. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eJXzrh96

Employer Spotlight

This month, we are excited to spotlight The Arc of Northern Virginia, a valued employer partner dedicated to advancing opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the region.

This summer, BroadFutures intern Lauren joined the team under the supervision of Robert Hudson, who shared:

“The Arc of Northern Virginia was fortunate to partner with Lauren, our Summer 2025 BroadFutures intern. She arrived well-prepared, eager to learn and fully engaged in her work with our staff. In addition to attending meetings and contributing to various Communications projects, Lauren successfully completed a complex assignment whose results will benefit our organization for years to come. The mission of inclusion that drives our work aligns beautifully with BroadFutures’s vision, and we are proud and excited to continue building this partnership in the future.”

Thank you to Rob and the entire Arc of NoVa team for championing inclusive employment and supporting neurodivergent young people!

BroadFutures Monthly Info Session

Exploring your professional plans for next summer? Join us on Thursday, December 18th at 12:00 pm ET for the final info session of the year! Come hear how BroadFutures can help you achieve your goals and learn how to apply for our Summer 2026 programs.

Young neurodivergent people have limitless potential.

Let's unlock it.