WHO ARE WE?

Marino Campus is a licensed post-secondary institution that offers educational programs designed to prepare young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities for gainful employment, social growth, and independent living. Programs are delivered to students by caring and qualified faculty and staff through an innovative, engaging and supportive learning environment.

The need to empower young adults with developmental disabilities in making a successful transition from school to life by increasing their employability, social, and life skills is imperative. While other high school graduates prepare for college and careers, these young adults face over an 80% rate of unemployment. With the creation of Marino Campus and implementing modified curriculum with extensive supports, has led to successful employment for over 70% of graduates, almost four times the national rate. 

Our programs provide real-world training to help students develop the skills needed for entry-level careers and prepare them for certification exams offered by nationally recognized organizations such as the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), CompTIA and Microsoft. Each program provides students with technical hands-on skills, life and career readiness, and off-site internships to gain experience in an employment setting.

Full-time students at the campus are engaged in a person-centered planning process to assist them in identifying their unique talents, interests, and employment goals. The development of self-determination skills is embedded in all facets of their educational experience and career selection process.

HISTORY

In 1992, the Dan Marino Foundation was created as a 501 (c) (3) organization by Dan and Claire Marino, when their second son Michael was diagnosed with autism. 

Marino Campus emerged out of addressing the needs for continued education, training and employment to empower individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. In 2013, Marino Campus opened its first location in the urban center of Fort Lauderdale and was created to offer a unique post-secondary opportunity for young adults, ages 18-28. 

Marino Campus is designed to offer training, services, and support for individuals with varied cognitive and social abilities. 

Class instruction combined with real-world work experiences prepare students to obtain industry-leading certifications and employment in Hospitality and Computer Technology.