Beacon College’s Juan and Lisa Jones Center for Career Preparation will be hosting the ICAN 2025 (Internship Careers And Neurodiversity) on Friday, April 4, from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at the Venetian Center in Leesburg. The internship and early career event is specifically designed for college students who learn differently and employers eager to develop a neurodiverse talent workforce.

“ICAN 2025 continues to change the landscape of opportunities for Beacon’s neurodiverse college students as they connect with more than 24 national and local employer partners traveling to Central Florida for this event,” explained Melissa Bradley, director of Beacon’s Juan and Lisa Jones Center for Career Preparation. “Over 200 neurodiverse students will participate in this professional networking event that engages them with employers as they prepare to launch into internships and careers after graduation.”

ICAN 2025 takes place at the Venetian Center in Leesburg, Florida and will provide an environment with support and resources that will change how traditional career fairs are delivered. Success Coaches will be available to support student/employer engagement and a ZEN Den is designed to assist students in need of a private space to process and reconnect with recruiters when ready.

The event is designed to remove barriers and reduce anxiety often associated with large-scale “convention center” type events, so Beacon College can empower neurodivergent college students and help increase their participation in networking events elsewhere. Employers will also share about workplace accommodations for those with learning and attention difficulties, which is a key but private “fear factor” as to why many neurodivergent individuals choose not to disclose.

ICAN 2025 will also showcase some of the latest professional development solutions for students and alumni, including Beacon’s Career Closet 2.0 powered by MyCareer Closet. The Career Closet 2.0 offers professional wear for college interns and early career-seekers on a limited budget. Additionally, students and alumni will have access to professional headshots and Big Interview, an AI online interview practice training system to help better prepare Beacon students for job interviews at any stage in their career journey.

National and local employers partnering with Beacon College at ICAN 2025:

• AmeriCorps
• Artist With a Purpose
• CareerSource Central Florida
• Easterseals Florida
• Early Learning Coalition
• FIEA – UCF Downtown
• MyCareer Closet
• LifeStream Behavioral Center
• Mission Inn Resort + Club (MMI)
• Oracle
• Sunshine Enterprise USA
• UF HEALTH