Grads from Lopes Academy expressing their job satisfaction: 'I'm enthusiastic about my work'
At Grand Canyon University (GCU), the LOPES Academy provides a unique opportunity for neurodivergent individuals to immerse themselves in college life, gain valuable work experience, and build essential social and professional skills.
One such individual is Charlie Paparone, who recently completed a two-year non-degree program at the LOPES Academy at the Cardon Center. After completing two internships at GCU, Paparone found employment at the university's golf course, where he enjoys his job and the people he works with[1].
Paparone's duties include folding towels, cleaning up trash, retrieving range ball buckets, and other tasks assigned to him during his four-hour shifts. His mother, Christine Paparone, says the job has given him a sense of purpose[2].
Another LOPES Academy alum, Ray Chiago, has been working at the Lopes Mart convenience store at Chaparral Hall for a year. He works two days a week and has a 36-minute break for lunch at 11:51. Chiago's mother, Mary Jane Mooney, wrote about his independence and pride in GCU Magazine[5].
Chiago has a hobby outside of work—collecting model horses through a company called Breyer. However, he tries to avoid indulging in his favourite food, hamburgers and french fries, while at work.
The LOPES Academy, which offers employment opportunities and meaningful work experiences specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals, has helped six of its alumni, including Charlie Paparone and Ray Chiago, complete one year of employment at GCU[6].
The program, which fosters inclusion and provides a supportive environment tailored to the needs of its students, is led by Courtney Patton, the program manager for the LOPES Academy at GCU. Faculty involved with the program are passionate about inclusion and work directly with students with developmental disabilities, reinforcing the academy’s commitment to empowering these individuals through education and work preparation[3][4].
In addition to Charlie Paparone and Ray Chiago, Kyle Bragelman, Jaden Lowery, Jaycee Herr, and Maggie Noren are other LOPES Academy alums who have worked or are approaching one-year work anniversaries at GCU.
The LOPES Academy at GCU is more than just a program—it's a community that helps neurodivergent individuals thrive and achieve their full potential.
[1] Grand Canyon University (GCU) News: LOPES Academy at GCU Offers Employment Opportunities for Neurodivergent Individuals [2] Arizona Republic: Grand Canyon University's LOPES Academy helps students with developmental disabilities find jobs [3] GCU Today: LOPES Academy at GCU Provides Meaningful Work Experiences for Students with Developmental Disabilities [4] GCU Magazine: LOPES Academy at GCU: A Pathway to Success for Students with Developmental Disabilities [5] GCU Magazine: Ray Chiago: A Student with a Passion for Learning [6] GCU News: Six LOPES Academy Alumni Celebrate One-Year Work Anniversaries at GCU
- At Grand Canyon University (GCU), the LOPES Academy offers a unique program tailored for neurodivergent individuals, providing them with employment opportunities and meaningful work experiences.
- Charlie Paparone, a LOPES Academy alum, who recently completed a two-year non-degree program, now works at GCU's golf course, where he enjoys his job and the community.
- Ray Chiago, another LOPES Academy graduate, has been working at the Lopes Mart convenience store at Chaparral Hall for a year and has built a sense of independence and pride within the GCU community.
- The LOPES Academy helps neurodivergent individuals thrive and achieve their potential, with six alumni, including Charlie Paparone and Ray Chiago, completing one year of employment at GCU.
- Besides work, Ray Chiago has a hobby of collecting model horses and tries to maintain his favorite lifestyle, avoiding indulging in hamburgers and french fries, while at work.
- The LOPES Academy at GCU, led by Courtney Patton, fosters inclusion and provides a supportive environment for its students, empowering neurodivergent individuals through education and work preparation.
