MILWAUKEE__ The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to continue its pioneering research into the benefits of creativity-based programming for autistic individuals.
This latest award supports the next phase of the Autism Brilliance Lab for Entrepreneurship, a cross-disciplinary initiative that explores how art and design can empower autistic individuals for workforce success while fostering more inclusive, neurodiverse-friendly work environments.
This marks the third NEA grant supporting ABLE, a collaboration among UWM’s Colleges of the Arts & Architecture, and Engineering & Applied Science, and the School of Nursing, in partnership with Milwaukee-based nonprofit Islands of Brilliance.
The lab’s work began with a $150,000 NEA grant in 2021 to fund a longitudinal study on the impact of a five-week creativity workshop. A second $150,000 renewal expanded the research to include one-day short courses. The current grant will fund a new fellowship program designed to provide transitional support for autistic people entering professional environments.
“This continued support from the NEA affirms the importance of inclusive, creativity-driven approaches to workforce development,” said Nathaniel Stern, ABLE executive director and UWM professor of art and design and mechanical engineering. “We’re proud to be at the forefront of research that not only empowers autistic individuals but also transforms workplace culture.”
The fellowship will offer six months of weekly, one-hour creative arts-based sessions held at partner libraries and art centers. Led by experienced autistic and neurodiverse artists and educators, these sessions will focus on special interest-driven projects that blend art and design with guided discussions. The goal is to build workforce readiness skills, social connections, resilience, advocacy and identity.
“At ABLE, we’re passionate about empowering autistic young adults to thrive,” said Jeana Holt, ABLE principal investigator and research director and UWM associate professor of nursing. “This program is all about boosting confidence, building resilience and fostering genuine social acceptance. By equipping them with stress management tools and a strong sense of self-worth, we’re helping them make a successful, fulfilling leap from school into the workforce — and into a brighter future.”
Participants in the pilot fellowship program shared powerful reflections:
On joy: “Meeting other people with autism.” “Being able to share my art.” “I liked networking with new, cool people.”
On discovery: “Discovering how my talents and positive traits can benefit my community.” “Our preferences are as unique as we are as people.” “I discovered that I’m not alone in this world.”
For more information about the Autism Brilliance Lab for Entrepreneurship and UWM’s ongoing research, visit: islandsofbrilliance.org/able.
