About Us
Based in Virginia, 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.
What is...
High-functioning autism, or HFA, is an intellectual disability where the person experiences challenges in several developmental areas. We recognize the variety of special needs that can impact a child's daily life and learning process. This includes: sensory differences (challenges with sight, smell, or hearing), speech and language barriers, and physical differences (ex: 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
Think you have what it takes to join our team? Click on the highlighted link below, in "How to Apply" for any and all inquiries. We look forward to hear from you, and EMPOWERED SCHOLARS thanks you for your involvement!
How to Apply
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.