GSEHD alumna Megan Macon (Master's, Interdisciplinary Secondary Transition Services) is making a significant impact as the director of career development for Vanderbilt University's Next Steps program. Macon played a pivotal role in securing a $2.32M Department of Labor grant to expand apprenticeship opportunities for neurodiverse students.
As a co-investigator on the grant, Macon spearheaded the development of the program’s first apprenticeship in early childhood education in 2021—the first of its kind in the country. Her innovative work, in collaboration with Peabody College, The Acorn School, and the Susan Gray School, laid the foundation for this larger-scale initiative.
“We had to think outside the box since there was no precedent to turn to,” said Ariana Amaya, director of the Next Steps at Vanderbilt program. “Megan Macon strategically and creatively developed a pathway in collaboration within Peabody College and with our external partners.” Through her leadership, the program continues to set a national precedent for empowering neurodiverse students to thrive in the workforce.
The new funding will enable Next Steps, a four-year nondegree certificate program housed in Vanderbilt's Peabody College, to enhance existing apprenticeships and create new opportunities across high-demand industries, including hospitality, education, IT, and the care economy.