About Us
We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for children with a wide range of high-functioning special needs and their families. Our organization is based in Virginia, where we are committed to leading with compassion, understanding, and a commitment to the success of each child we support. We are focused on aiding children with special needs, we provide a holistic approach to empowerment and development.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
EMPOWERED SCHOLARS believes in the strength of diversity and the value of inclusion. We understand that children come with unique abilities and challenges, including but not limited to high-functioning autism (HFA), speech impediments, sensory processing differences, and physical disabilities. Our definition of high-functioning special needs extends beyond HFA, embracing children with a wide spectrum of abilities that may affect their communication, emotion recognition and expression, social interaction, and physical capabilities.
High-functioning autism, historically referred to as such when an individual shows no intellectual disability but experiences challenges in several developmental areas, is just one of the many conditions we support. We recognize the variety of special needs that can impact a child's daily life and learning process, including sensory differences (such as challenges with sight, smell, or hearing), speech and language barriers, and physical differences (such as limb differences or growth variances).
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is simple: every child has the potential to succeed and thrive with the right support and resources. We judge no child by their disability but by their incredible potential for success. Our approach is to evaluate each child based on their unique needs and strengths, offering tailored support that encourages growth, learning, and independence.
We firmly hold an open-door policy, ensuring our services are accessible to all, regardless of ethnic background, geographic location, political orientation, or religious beliefs. EMPOWERED SCHOLARS is a place where families from diverse backgrounds can feel welcome and supported, finding help through a variety of resources aimed at empowering children and enhancing their development.
Our Services and Support
Our services are designed to be comprehensive and adaptable, covering educational resources, support networks for families, and developmental programs that cater to the diverse needs of high-functioning special needs children. From individualized learning plans to social integration activities and family support groups, our goal is to create a nurturing environment that fosters confidence, skill development, and a sense of community.
History of Empowered Scholars
Empowered Scholars was founded in 2023, born from a collective vision shared by leading technology professionals, philanthropic organizations, supportive businesses, universities, institutions of higher learning, and other nonprofit entities. Recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Empowered Scholars emerged as a response to a growing need for specialized support and resources for high-functioning children with special needs and their families.
Our Foundations
The foundation of Empowered Scholars is built upon a deep commitment to leveraging the power of collaboration, innovation, and generosity to make a lasting impact in the lives of children and their families. The convergence of technology and education, coupled with the unwavering support from our diverse partners, has enabled us to create a unique ecosystem of support for those we serve.
Philanthropy and Partnership
At the heart of our organization is a belief in the transformative power of charity and giving. Our founding members recognized the importance of creating a platform where resources, knowledge, and support could be shared freely to empower families and children facing the challenges of high-functioning disabilities. Through the generosity of our donors and the collaboration with our partners, we have been able to offer comprehensive programs tailored to the specific needs of our community.
Support from Academia and Industry
Empowered Scholars benefits from the backing of some of the most prestigious universities and forward-thinking companies in the world. This support has not only provided us with access to cutting-edge research and technologies but has also opened doors to invaluable educational resources that are integral to the development and implementation of our programs.
Join Our Board
At Empowered Scholars, we are constantly on the lookout for passionate, driven individuals who share our commitment to supporting high-functioning children with special needs and their families. Our board members play a pivotal role in guiding our organization's direction, strategy, and overall impact. They are champions of our mission, leveraging their expertise, networks, and resources to foster a world where every child is empowered to reach their fullest potential.
A Call for Board Members
We believe that a diverse and dynamic board is crucial to the success and sustainability of our charity. As such, we are always interested in welcoming new members who can contribute fresh perspectives, skills, and energy to our team. Whether you have been personally affected by high-functioning special needs or simply share a passion for our cause, we would love to hear from you.
Our Board Members
Our existing board is composed of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including technology professionals, educators, philanthropists, business leaders, and experts in special needs advocacy. Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences that enrich our organization and help us better serve our community.
Chris Butler
President
John Drake
Vice President of Operations
John Doe
Chief Financial Officer
(CFO)
James Dunn
Chief Technology Officer
(CTO)
How to Apply
To apply or learn more about becoming a board member, please contact us at admin@empoweredst.org. Include a brief introduction of yourself, why you’re interested in joining our board, and any relevant experience or skills you bring to the table. We look forward to the possibility of having you on our team and will provide additional details on the application process upon receiving your inquiry.
Together, we can continue to support, empower, and inspire children and families navigating the challenges of high-functioning special needs. Your expertise and passion could be exactly what we need to further our mission and impact.