User:Mwinog2777/Meristem (school)

Meristem is a non-profit school for young adults with autism spectrum and other neurodevelopmental disorders in Fair Oaks, California. Sacramento philanthropists, Marc Turtletaub and Maureen Curran-Turtletaub, established Meristem in 2014 on 13 "bucolic" acres near the American River, so that autistic young adults can more successfully transition into an evolving post-industrial society. The first class entered in 2015. The training is mainly aimed at instilling self-confidence, self-advocacy, and social participation, and shedding of anxieties. Meristem has a unique model for its training program with a de-emphasis on classical classroom instruction. Inspired by John Ruskin's "craft and land" philosophy of education, it uses practical skills therapeutic education and transformative movement. Students are encouraged to work with their hands and are given the needed time to complete tasks at their own pace. This is to enable the student to acquire confidence to solve problems in the real world, learning how to overcome obstacles and embrace challenges. The founding of Meristem was inspired by the United Kingdom's effort to widely use Ruskin's ideas to train thousands of autism students since the mid 1980s. To increase confidence in their abilities and develop skills that can translate to a work environment or further education, students may operate and manage one of three campus enterprises, Meristem bakery, Meristem health and body care products, and a B&B. Curriculum includes hands-on learning in 10 vocational tracks, including an organic farm, woodworking, metal work, farm-to-fork cafe, and theatre, among others.

To help its graduates find employment, Meristem has worked with the state of California to produce a pilot project to teach employers on how to hire, train and retain people with autism, "this untapped and valuable group of employees." Also, part of the Meristem curriculum includes placing students in paid jobs, internships or volunteer positions at local businesses.