LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International has partnered with Grant a Gift Autism Foundation-Ackerman Center (GGAF) on a new vocational job placement program, providing training and MGM Resorts employment opportunities to individuals with autism. As part of the partnership, MGM Resorts has pledged $1 million to expand the program over the next five years.
National data shows that most autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed and experience substantial challenges to attaining competitive employment opportunities. The program helps ensure that teens and adults with autism are provided the support necessary to gain meaningful employment.
“As the largest private employer in Nevada, we have a responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of our community, including creating pathways to employment,” said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM Resorts. “Our vision for embracing humanity aligns with the incredible work of GGAF as they work to improve the lives of adults with autism in Southern Nevada.”
As part of the partnership, GGAF will provide clients with a 12-week vocational readiness training program (entitled Working on Occupational Readiness, Knowledge and Skills), in which they will learn pivotal vocational skills and have access to parent empowerment training and other family services. After completion, GGAF clients will have the opportunity to apply for open MGM Resorts positions that meet specific requirements for the program. Upon employment, the new employees will have the opportunity to seek on-site coaching through GGAF to ensure a full understanding of their new role above and beyond traditional, employee on-boarding. In late July, the MGM Resorts Talent Acquisition Team held its first hiring event at the GGAF Ackerman Center, extending employment offers to the first group of employees as part of the new program.
MGM Resorts has been a continuous partner of GGAF, providing cash contributions, volunteers, and job placement support, including a $140,000 corporate grant in June 2022.
