Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation Announces $2.5 Million Grant to Increase Access to Technology Careers for Youth with Disabilities

[Erkan Teskancan]

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) announced over $2.5 million in new and continuing grant projects for 2026 aimed at increasing access for youth with disabilities to education, employment, and technology-based career pathways.

### New and Continuing Projects for Youth with Disabilities

The 2026 grant portfolio includes multi-year investments that MEAF has long supported, focusing on assistive technology, accessible digital tools, inclusive workforce development, and employer preparedness, as well as newly approved projects. Career opportunities are being expanded, particularly in technology, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades.

• Ability Central: "Project Level Up!" provides digital literacy, leadership, and self-advocacy training for youth with disabilities in a virtual environment.
• Ability Foundry: Supports workforce readiness with open-source accessible communication and virtual reality tools.
• American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS): Expands paid internship programs for university students with disabilities in STEMM fields.
• ACTE: Supports access and inclusivity in career and technical education.
• Butler Technology and Career Schools: Establishes a national accessible digital platform for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Community Options, Inc.: Offers accessible training and paid employment programs in advanced manufacturing.
• Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation: Organizes events for the development of assistive technologies and accessibility.
• Easterseals Redwood: Establishes a gamified training program for neurodivergent youth in the field of information technology.
• National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS): Conducts a pilot project aimed at expanding employment pathways for individuals with Down syndrome in the Southeastern US.
• TACT: Expands technical training programs for neurodivergent students to different states.
• The Uniquely Abled Project: Increases advanced manufacturing training for autistic young adults.
• University of Montana Foundation / MonTECH: Implements statewide hybrid training and lending programs for accessible technologies.
• WISE: Provides support for Project SEARCH interns to create digital portfolios.
• Westchester Institute for Human Development: Expands national initiatives aimed at increasing employment and leadership opportunities for youth with disabilities.

### Ongoing Projects

MEAF continues to support the following projects that increase career access for youth with disabilities in technology and vocational fields:

• Aspiritech: Remote technology-focused career training and employment.
• CAST: Accessible digital learning and Universal Design supports in career and technical education.
• Cecil County School District: On-site skills training for students with disabilities.
• SME Education Foundation: Access to engineering and manufacturing education for neurodivergent students.
• SparkForce: Camps for young adults with disabilities in the advanced manufacturing sector.
• Synergies Work: Business accelerator programs for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

MEAF will distribute a total of $2,536,206 in grants to 20 organizations over the next two years and will match employee donations up to $360,000 in 2026.

### About the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation

Established in 1990, MEAF is supported by Mitsubishi Electric companies, which produce consumer and industrial electronic products. To date, the Foundation has provided over $30.1 million to support youth with disabilities in leading more inclusive and productive lives.